Apple recognizes the value of user group members and leaders who are passionate about using the best technology in the world and showing others what this technology could mean to them. Apple makes many attempts to support user groups in their mission.

What does Apple do to support user groups?

	We list your group on the Apple User Group Locator so potential members can easily find and contact you.
	We mail out promotional materials such as posters and t-shirts for local user group events. Request materials when you have upcoming events.
	We provide training materials.
	We host user group events at Macworld.
	We work with a Macintosh User Group Store to offer special deals to user group members.
	We also point customers to Apple user groups through product registration and support emails, through feature stories on the web, and with website links throughout www.apple.com.

To keep up with what Apple is doing with user groups, subscribe to the Apple User Group Bulletins, a monthly email publication.

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What is the Apple User Group Advisory Board?
The Apple User Group Advisory Board is a small, diverse group of leaders chosen by Apple to provide ongoing feedback and advice on its user group program.

Who is on the current board?
Please see our advisory board profiles for information about these leaders.

What’s the purpose of the board?
The advisory board represents the needs of the community. They are there to take suggestions and feedback from the user group community and to work with Apple on addressing community concerns. They also contribute time and talent on key initiatives that benefit user groups everywhere. These leaders volunteer for the responsibilities and do not receive monetary compensation.

What does the board do for user groups?
The advisory board collects feedback from the user group community and meets with Apple every month on a conference call, twice a year at Macworld and constantly via email. Apple listens to this feedback and considers the ongoing advice it receives from board members on issues related to the user group program. In partnership with Apple, IDG and other computer industry vendors, the advisory board also plans and executes several important user group events at Macworld, including User Group University, the User Group Lounge, and Macworld Guides.

How are board members chosen?
The User Group Advisory Board members are chosen by Apple. We look for a diverse group of strong leaders with positive attitudes, high energy, and a passion for the user group community.

How long do board members serve?
There are no term limits for UGAB members. They will continue to serve as long as it is beneficial for them, Apple, and the user group community.

When does the board meet?
The Apple User Group Advisory Board meets in person at various major trade shows, online, and via monthly conference calls.

What kind of time commitment is required?
Lots. Advisory board members spend a great deal of passion, effort, and time on behalf of the user group community. It is a big investment, yet an enriching experience at the same time.

What perks do board members get?
Not many. A nice dinner out, an occasional thank-you gift, a little recognition — that’s about it. Board members pay their own way to tradeshows and the many other events to which they travel. This is a volunteer position.

So, why would anyone want to be on the board?
Because they care and because they are committed to creating win-win relationships among user groups, Apple, and its customers.

How do I contact the advisory board?
Send your thoughts, comments, and concerns to the advisory board at ugab@mac.com.

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Who are the current regional liaisons?
Please see our regional liaison profiles for information about these leaders.

What’s the point of having regional liaisons?
Regional liaisons are there to establish and maintain relationships with the groups in their areas. They are specifically looking for success stories to share with the rest of the user group community and for concerns to take back to Apple. Regional liaisons also contribute time and talent on key initiatives that benefit user groups everywhere.

What do liaisons do for user groups?
Liaisons collect feedback from the user group community and share best practices among leaders. Collected feedback goes to the User Group Advisory Board and to Apple. Apple listens to this feedback and considers the ongoing advice it receives from board members and regional liaisons on issues related to the user group program.

How are regional liaisons chosen?
The User Group Advisory Board members are chosen by Apple. We look for a diverse group of strong leaders with positive attitudes, high energy, and a passion for the user group community.

How long do they serve?
There are no term limits for regional liaisons. They will continue to serve as long as it is beneficial for them, Apple, and the user group community.

What kind of time commitment is required?
Lots. Advisory board members spend a great deal of passion, effort, and time on behalf of the user group community. It is a big investment, yet an enriching experience at the same time.

What perks do liaisons get?
Not many. A nice dinner out, an occasional thank-you gift, a little recognition — that’s about it. Regional liaisons pay their own way to tradeshows and the many other events to which they travel. This is a volunteer position.

So, why would anyone want to be a regional liaison?
Because they care and because they are committed to creating win-win relationships among user groups, Apple, and its customers.

Any other questions?
Check out the other questions and answers or contact information.

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