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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260928
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SUMMARY:Chicago Business Forecasting Workshop: Techniques\, Best Practices & Application Using Forecast Pro
DESCRIPTION:Chicago September 28-30 Workshop RegistrationContents \n\nWorkshop Overview & Highlights\nOne-on-One Post Workshop Consulting Session\nWho should attend?\nAgenda-at-a-glance\nVenue & Accommodations\nWorkshop Hours\nRegistration\nInstructors\n\n\n \nWorkshop Overview\nThis 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. \n\n\nDuring 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. \n\n \n\nThe workshop will have various sessions on important forecasting topics: \n\nIntroduction to Forecasting\nComponents of Data\nTime series methods including Exponential Smoothing\, Box-Jenkins and the Croston’s intermittent demand model\nAdvanced techniques including event modeling\, top-down reconciliation\, dynamic regression\, and machine learning\nNew Product Forecasting methods\nForecast Accuracy and Evaluation\nLarge scale & multiple-level forecasting\nIdentifying Problems in Your Forecasting Process\n\n\n \nOne-on-One Post Workshop Consulting Session\nHave you ever run into a forecasting challenge and wish you had an expert you could turn to for help? Now you can! \nWorkshop attendees have the exclusive opportunity to add a personalized one-hour consulting session with one of the instructors for just $100. \nUse this session to apply what you learned in the workshop with expert guidance. You can discuss specific forecasting challenges\, review your own data\, or get one-on-one advice from a forecasting expert. \nTo take advantage of this offer\, simply add the 1-hour consulting session when registering for the workshop. \nThis session can be scheduled at your convenience\, but must be completed within 30 days after the conclusion of the workshop. You’re also welcome to include other members of your team.\n \n\nWho should attend?\nThis 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. \nThe 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. \nChicago September 28-30 Workshop Registration\nAgenda At-a-GlanceDetailed AgendaAgenda At-a-Glance\nMonday\, September 28: 9 am – 5 pm\n\n\n\n\nIntroduction to Forecasting\n\n\nExponential Smoothing\n\n\nEvent-Index Models\n\n\nEvening Cocktail Reception\n\n\n\n\n\nTuesday\, September 29: 9 am – 5 pm\n\n\n\n\nMachine Learning\n\n\nBox Jenkins (ARIMA) Models\n\n\nDynamic Regression\n\n\nMultiple-Level Forecasting\n\n\nWorkshop 1\n\n\n\n\n\nWednesday\, September 30: 9 am – 3:30 pm\n\n\n\n\nForecast Accuracy & Evaluation\n\n\nIdentifying Problems in Your Forecasting Process\n\n\nNew Product Forecasting\n\n\nWorkshop 2\n\n\n\n\nDetailed Agenda\nMonday\, September 28\nIntroduction to Forecasting\nA broad overview of business forecasting and its various uses within the organization. Topics include approaches to forecasting\, features of data\, the role of judgment\, selection of appropriate forecasting methods for varied data sets and resources for forecasters. \nExponential Smoothing\nA survey of exponential smoothing techniques with particular emphasis on the Holt-Winters family of models and Croston’s intermittent demand model. Topics include the pros and cons of using these models\, when they are best used\, how they work\, identifying model components\, parameter optimization and model diagnosis. \nEvent-Index Models\nEvent-index models extend the functionality of exponential smoothing models by providing adjustments for promotions\, strikes and other non-calendar based events. This session addresses how these models work\, how and when they should be used\, and how to customize their design to best suit your needs. \nEvening Cocktail Reception\nA cocktail reception will be held on Monday evening\, providing the opportunity to socialize and connect with other attendees after the first day of the workshop. \nTuesday\, September 29\nForecasting With Machine Learning\nThis session overviews the basics and benefits of forecasting with machine learning (ML). Topics include the basics of machine learning powered forecasting\, when ML is likely to improve your forecasts\, how to use the completely automatic ML option in Forecast Pro and how to build custom ML models in Forecast Pro. \nBox Jenkins (ARIMA) Models\nAn exploration into the use of ARIMA models for business forecasting. Topics include the advantages/disadvantages of using these models\, how and when they should be applied\, automatic identification procedures and model diagnostics. \nDynamic Regression\nA detailed look into the ins and outs of regression forecasting. Topics include when regression models are best applied\, how to build the models\, ordinary least squares\, leading indicators\, lagged variables\, Cochrane-Orcutt models\, hypothesis testing and the use of “dummy” variables \nMultiple-Level Forecasting\nThis session explores hierarchical forecasting techniques. Topics include the need for forecasting at various levels\, product vs. geographical hierarchies\, reconciliation strategies\, top-down vs. bottom-up approaches\, the use of proportional allocation and adjustment for seasonality. \nWorkshop 1\nIn this first hands-on session attendees are guided through forecasting exercises\, applying ideas discussed during the lectures. Attendees will also have time to work with their own data with the help of the instructors. \nWednesday\, September 30\nForecast Accuracy and Evaluation\nA detailed look at evaluating the accuracy of forecasting methods. Topics include the distinction between within sample and out-of-sample errors\, a survey of error measurement statistics\, a summary of findings from forecasting competitions\, and an explanation of how to use both real-time tracking reports and simulations as predictors of model performance. \nIdentifying Problems in Your Forecasting Process\nApproaches for focusing on critical items when forecasting large volumes of data. Topics include evaluating and forecasting SKU data\, filtering and ABC (Pareto) classification\, outlier detection and correction\, exception reporting and measuring accuracy across multiple time series. \nNew Product Forecasting\nThis session explores various approaches for forecasting new products. Topics include the pros and cons of different methods based on a product’s classification and a review of popular methods including item supersession\, forecast by analogy and the Bass diffusion model. \nWorkshop 2\nIn this second hands-on session attendees will be guided through forecasting exercises\, applying ideas discussed during the lectures. Attendees will also have time to work with their own data with the help of the instructors. \n \nVenue & Accommodations\n image="http://img%20class="img-responsive aligncenter" src="https://dev.forecastpro.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/acool-rocket-6zciovKug3Q-unsplash-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="2560" height="1311" />"We’ve secured discounted room rates available 3 days before and 3 days after the workshop. \nThe workshop will be held at the beautiful Hilton Chicago\, in the heart of downtown. \nAttendees can reserve rooms at the special rate of $259 per night until August 28\, 2026. Reservations can be made here or by calling (877) 865-5320 and giving the call-in code BFS. \nHilton Chicago\n720S. Michigan\nChicago\, IL\, 60605\n(312) 922-4400 \n \nWorkshop Hours \nMonday\, September 28: 9 am – 5 pm\nTuesday\, September 29: 9 am – 5 pm\nWednesday\, September 30: 9 am – 3:30 pm \nContinental breakfast and lunch (including a vegetarian option) will be provided daily for attendees. \nA cocktail reception will be held on Monday evening\, providing a relaxing environment for socializing and networking after the first day of the workshop. \n \nRegistration\nEarly Bird Registration (May 15 Deadline): $1\,550 USD per attendee —save $400 when you sign up before May 15\, 2026. \nRegular Price (After May 15): $1\,950 USD per attendee. \nClass 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! \nCancellation 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 more than 30 days before the start of the workshop\, and 50% refund if cancelled 30-14 days 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. \nChicago September 28-30 Workshop RegistrationWorkshop Attendees are eligible to receive a 10% discount (up to a maximum of $750 USD) on the purchase of new Forecast Pro licenses. \n  \nInstructors\n\nEric Stellwagen\nEric 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. \nFranklin Rea \nFranklin Rea brings 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.
URL:https://dev.forecastpro.com/event/chicago-business-forecasting-workshop-techniques-best-practices-application-using-forecast-pro/
LOCATION:Chicago\, IL
CATEGORIES:Forecast Pro Event
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