Business Forecasting Workshop: Techniques, Best Practices & Application Using Forecast Pro

Boston, MA • October 14 - 16, 2024

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Workshop Overview

This workshop surveys the most commonly used business forecasting methods, explains how they work conceptually, discusses their pros and cons, and demonstrates best practices for implementing them in a real-world environment using Forecast Pro. You will leave with insight into all aspects of business forecasting and a working knowledge of proven forecasting methods.

During the hands-on workshop sessions, you will have the opportunity to solve your forecasting challenges by applying what you have learned using state-of-the-art software under the guidance of expert instructors.

The workshop will have various sessions on important forecasting topics:

  • Introduction to Forecasting
  • Components of Data
  • Time series methods including Exponential Smoothing, Box-Jenkins and the Croston’s intermittent demand model
  • Advanced techniques including event modeling, top-down reconciliation, dynamic regression, and machine learning
  • New Product Forecasting methods
  • Forecast Accuracy and Evaluation
  • Large scale & multiple-level forecasting
  • Identifying Problems in Your Forecasting Process

Who should attend?

This workshop is valuable for anyone whose job responsibilities include preparing or analyzing forecasts—some prior knowledge of statistics is helpful but not essential. The tutorials use Forecast Pro and real-world data to provide a deeper understanding of the forecasting methods and to show best practices; these lessons are applicable regardless of which forecasting software your organization uses.

The workshop also provides a great opportunity to network with your peers to discover how they’ve solved problems similar to your own and to compare notes on forecasting practices. You will be able to make valuable connections with other forecasters during breaks, lunches and at Monday evening’s cocktail reception.

Venue & Accommodations

The workshop will be held at the beautiful historic Courtyard Boston Downtown, located in the heart of downtown just minutes from Boston Common. Attendees can reserve rooms at the hotel at the discounted rate of $299 per night until September 23, 2024. Reservations can be made online by clicking here or via phone by calling (617) 426-1400.

Courtyard Boston Downtown
275 Tremont Street
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 426-1400

Workshop Hours 

Monday, October 14: 9 am – 5 pm
Tuesday, October 15: 9 am – 5 pm
Wednesday, October 16: 9 am – 3:30 pm

Lunch (including a vegetarian option) will be provided daily for attendees.

A cocktail reception will be held on Monday evening, providing a relaxing environment for socializing and networking after the first day of the workshop.

Registration

Registration Fee: The registration fee is $1,950 USD per attendee. A Team Discount price of $1,550 per attendee is available to organizations registering 3 or more attendees.

Class Size: Due to the interactive nature of the live presentations, attendance is limited and attendees will be registered on a first-come-first-served basis. These workshops typically sell out, so register now to secure your spot!

Cancellation Policy: The workshop is limited in size and we ask that if you must cancel to please inform us as soon as possible. Attendees may receive a full refund if cancellation is made 14 days or more prior to the start of the workshop. Registrants who fail to attend or cancel less than 14 days before the start date are not entitled to receive a refund. Personnel substitutions may be made at any time.

Workshop Attendees are eligible to receive a discount of up to $750 USD when licensing Forecast Pro Software.

Instructors

Eric Stellwagen

Eric Stellwagen is the co-founder of Business Forecast Systems, Inc. (BFS) and the co-author of the Forecast Pro software product line. With more than 30 years of expertise in the field, he regularly presents workshops and publishes on the topic of business forecasting, and is widely recognized as a leading educator on the subject. Drawing upon his extensive consulting experience helping organizations to address their forecasting challenges, Eric infuses his classes with practical approaches and uses real-world data to illustrate concepts. He has worked with many leading firms including Coca-Cola, Kraft, Merck, Nabisco, Owens-Corning and Verizon and has presented workshops for a variety of organizations including APICS, the International Institute of Forecasters (IIF), the Institute of Business Forecasting (IBF), the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS), and the University of Tennessee. Eric served on the board of directors of the IIF for 12 years and is currently serving on the practitioner advisory board of Foresight: The International Journal of Applied Forecasting.

Franklin Rea 

Franklin Rea bringsFranklin Rea over 15 years of expertise in data analysis, technology, marketing operations, and mathematics to his role at BFS. With a background in the enterprise software sector, Franklin has navigated varied industries such as cyber-security, campaign management, and sales training and enablement. In addition, he has worked as a college-level mathematics instructor. At BFS, Franklin serves as a trainer and solutions consultant, assisting clients in maximizing their utilization of the Forecast Pro software, and providing a problem-solving approach and valuable insights to everyday forecasting questions. Franklin holds an M.S. in Mathematics from Northeastern University and received his undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College.

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