Welcome to the latest edition of Your SAP Investment Unleashed, a column from Kristen Scheffler, Vice President of Customer Evolution for North America, SAP. As part of SAP Customer Evolution, Kristen is focused on supporting, guiding, educating, listening to, and enabling customers to get the most out of their existing SAP investments.
In today’s digital age, virtual meetings and webinars have made it easier than ever to connect. However, nothing quite replaces the value of attending in-person events—especially when it comes to ASUG Chapter meetings. These gatherings are more than just networking opportunities; they provide SAP professionals with hands-on learning, real-world problem-solving, and the chance to build lasting relationships within the SAP community. And the best part is: it's included within your ASUG membership!
Here are a few of the many elements of ASUG Chapter meetings that I have found to be invaluable in my own journey as an SAP professional:
1. Exclusive Learning and Insights
ASUG Chapter meetings feature presentations from SAP experts, industry leaders, and fellow users who share best practices and emerging trends. These face-to-face sessions allow attendees to engage in deeper discussions, ask real-time questions, and gain insights that might not be as relevant or impactful in a virtual setting.
This past March, at the ASUG Florida Chapter meeting, I had the opportunity to showcase our "Mission: Cloud Command" escape room-themed board game to participants. It was an engaging and interactive session through which attendees experienced firsthand how the game challenges players to solve puzzles and scenarios related to organizational change management, operations, and continuous optimization.
The hands-on approach that this meeting allowed sparked meaningful discussions—and also demonstrated the power of gamification in learning, which means you’ll likely have an opportunity to enjoy “Mission: Cloud Command” at a Chapter meeting near you very soon. It was exciting to see everyone collaborate, strategize, and immerse themselves in the experience!
2. Real-World Problem Solving
One of the biggest advantages of attending ASUG Chapter meetings in person is the ability to troubleshoot challenges with peers and SAP experts. Whether you’re undergoing a migration to S/4HANA, gaining a firmer grasp of how AI will be incorporated into your daily tasks, or seeking to understand how others in your SAP-user community are utilizing BTP, ASUG events provide a forum where members can tackle shared problems together and come away with practical solutions.
I have witnessed many times firsthand at these Chapter meetings the value of a “bring it" concept: throughout the day, attendees are asked to jot down burning questions; then, toward the end of the meeting, these questions are discussed amongst attendees. More often than not, that attendee gets their question answered and makes new industry connections along the way.
3. High-Value Networking
While digital networking has its place in our constantly connected world, in-person connections are often more meaningful in both the short and long term. ASUG Chapter events bring together professionals from various industries, creating space for attendees to meet potential partners, mentors, and collaborators. These relationships lead to career growth, new business opportunities, and a stronger professional support system.
I have made wonderful connections with ASUG members at these events. Many of them have even turned into lifelong friendships, pointing to the importance of in-person networking on both a personal and professional level.
4. Staying Ahead of Industry Changes
SAP is constantly evolving. ASUG Chapter events help attendees stay ahead of change, whether relevant to new product updates, best practices, or insights into the latest SAP roadmaps. Being present at these events ensures you’ll be among the first SAP users in the ecosystem to receive critical updates and learn how they will impact your organization.
In addition, the SAP partner ecosystem has a strong presence at local ASUG Chapter meetings. You will hear from various partners about the solutions or services they can provide to help your business thrive. The Chapter meeting is a great opportunity to spend 1:1 time with partners to understand how their offerings could help you make significant progress toward solving a current business challenge or preventing one that would otherwise emerge down the line.
5. Building Community and Engagement
ASUG Chapters exist to harness the power of the SAP community. Attending meetings in person helps you to establish yourself as an active participant in the SAP ecosystem. Engaging with peers in a shared space additionally fosters a sense of belonging and strengthens valuable professional relationships that will extend beyond the event itself.
Over the past couple of years, ASUG has particularly succeeded in cultivating its Women Connect Community. Many ASUG Chapters across North America include dedicated sessions focused on fostering diversity and inclusivity, professional growth, and meaningful connections. At the ASUG New England Chapter in February, for example, long-time ASUG volunteer Kimberly Sharp joined Carolyn Szczurek, ASUG Communications Lead, to engage in a participants in a creative exercise called “Beyond the Business Card,” which you can read more about here.
This exercise allowed for full participation from all in attendance. Beyond that, it engaged SAP users as a community of hard-working people, outside of their status as business professionals.
While virtual resources remain extremely valuable, like the ASUG Content Collections, virtual Community Conversations, and weekly newsletters like ASUG First Five, the benefits of attending in-person ASUG chapter events cannot be overstated. From gaining exclusive industry insights to networking with like-minded professionals, these gatherings provide enriching experiences that enhance both your knowledge and career.
If you’re serious about maximizing your SAP investment, honing your expertise, and making deep industry connections, attending your local ASUG Chapter event should be a top priority.
On a personal note, I hope to see you at an ASUG Chapter meeting in the very near future. Let's connect!
Kristen Scheffler is Vice President of Customer Evolution for SAP North America.