2023 MUG Conference at Sheraton Sand Key One for the Ages!

Forty-three years after first MUG Conference took place in 1981, and we held our final independent conference on October 1-4, 2023. Everyone who attended made it a special event, as MISER users, FIS product managers and leadership, and vendors who have long supported MUG and a couple of newbies cam to share in this unique group's last hurrah as an independent organization. We first met at the Sheraotn sand Key in 1995, as Sue Schmidt recalled, and we were pleased to meet at the newly renovated destination for the meeting. From the poolside Ask the Experts panel, Steve Koss's usual brilliance in his Unisys sessions (aided by Ryan Alexander), technical sessions by Donna Baril and Gary Henriques (remotely, as he developed a case of COVID right before the meeting), a problem solving open forum, a vendor spotlight session in which Chairman Jon Dipboye of Barksdale asked questions in an interview format (which the vendors loved), to a closing session where the gathered members shared their poignant and hilarious memories of past MUG Meetings, current users were able to learn about the system in depth and share their issues and knowledge. As Dan Riley of Wings said, "You come here to build relationships and friendships, and I can call anyone with FIS or the user base when I need to know something." Late nights around the firepit near the pool brought many attendees together in good fellowship, lubricated liberally by Jim Hicks, Tom Siegmann, and Greg Komiskey. 

Several former MISER users and FIS friends returned to share in the fun and nostalgia: George King, Jane Archibald, Betty Therrien, Earl Higginbotham, Mike and Paula Dembowski (yes, they finally tied the knot this year), Maureen Kelly, Jackie Roberts, Sue Schmidt, and a surprise appearance by Jack Kimball, who invented MISER. Jack didn't bring his jet pack this year but seemed to revel in joining the people who have gotten so much from his creation. Everyone joined in a final celebration under a tent on the beach as Majesty of Rock blew the house down with superb renditions of Journey and Styx songs, plus a different bands in the encore. Everyone got up to dance to "Don't Stop Believin'." 

 

 

MUG  Conference Information

Welcome to the MISER Users Group

Since 1981 the MISER Users Group (MUG) has served to facilitate the exchange of information and experiences among member institutions; advance utilization of financial software; and improve services delivered to the public. MUG also facilitates and stimulates communication between MISER software users and FIS to ensure that the software remains in the forefront of the financial industry.

If you are currently using the MISER System, we encourage you to join the MISER Users Group! MUG gives you direct access and feedback from FIS Leadership about the internal workings of MISER. In addition to the MUG Annual Conference, MUG also provides an online community environment for MISER users to network, collaborate, and gain education about the MISER System.

Contact the MUG Offices for more information

Message from the Chairman


 I am honored to serve as your Chairman of the MISER User Group. I have almost 30 years of experience working in the financial sector. I have served as a teller, collector, loan officer, and in various IT roles. I am currently the Vice President of IT at Barksdale Federal Credit Union.

The MISER User Group is unique. We are a close-knit group sharing information on not only the MISER Core but other topics such as institution organizational charts or job descriptions. The group has changed quite a bit in the past few years. MUG is evolving, and the conference has become a more intimate meeting where old friends and new users come together and help find the best ways to leverage our systems or offer better products and services. We have lively discussions on yourmug.org about the intricacies of the system, and members are willing to share their expertise nad experiences. However, one thing is still constant: we are still putting our members/customers first. 

Please find a way to participate that works for you. It could be serving on the Executive Committee (you will enjoy it!)  You can also serve as a speaker/panelist at the conference or be a plant in the audience. If you need help finding the best way to participate, don't hesitate to contact me or anyone on the Executive Committee. We will find the right fit for you.

Speaking of the Executive Committee, I welcome our newest team member. Joe McManus joins us from Pathfinder Bank.

Conference planning has already begun as well. We will finalize the agenda and fine-tune the conference details in the next few months. Please let me know if you have any ideas or suggestions for a session you want to see or something that will improve our conference. This is a user-driven conference and we want to discuss topics and issues that are most important to you, so we need your suggestions and participation.

I am excited about this New Year and see the new ways in which MUG will evolve. I am thankful you have chosen me to serve as your Chairman.

Jon Dipboye, MUG Chairman

 

Learn More

 


Empowering the Financial World

MUG 2023
Conference Sponsors

PLATINUM

      Burroughs, Inc.     

FIS

Unisys


BRONZE

Business Data, Inc.

SQN Banking Systems 


GENERAL
Printmail Solutions 
 
       
 
View Complete List of Affiliate Members