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FAQ Frequently Asked
Questions
Common Seminar Questions and Answers
What are
regional seminars?
What do
previous attendees think about regional seminars?
Why are the
seminar manuals so popular?
Who should
attend regional seminars?
For which
AGTEK products are regional seminars available?
Are regional seminars
available for the Highway 3D product?
What courses
are offered as regional seminars?
Have there
been any changes in the courses from last season?
How can I determine
which AGTEK product I am using?
Are there any
prerequisites for attending regional seminars?
What do I need
to bring to a regional seminar?
Can I receive continuing
education credit for attending a regional seminar?
When and where
are regional seminars held?
Why are some
previously offered city locations missing from the current seminar schedule?
What is the cost of
tuition?
To whom do I make
my tuition payment?
When is my tuition
payment due?
Can I check my registration
and payment status online?
Why can't I view my
online Confirmation/Invoice?
Are meals and lodging
included in the tuition?
Can
I pay my tuition by credit card?
Can I pay my
tuition by Electronic Funds Transfer?
What
is the policy on cancellations, refunds and transfers of registration?
How can I
register for a regional seminar?
How do I get conference
facility and hotel information for a specific seminar?
How
can I receive future announcements about regional seminars?
Where can I purchase
AGTEK software?
How do I get technical
support for AGTEK software?
Do any consultants
provide AGTEK quantity takeoff and/or grade control modeling services?
What are regional seminars?
Our regional seminars are regularly scheduled training classes held
at hotel conference centers in various cities throughout North America.
They provide students with comprehensive, fast-paced AGTEK software training
in a structured, lecture/demonstration format. The instructor uses
live AGTEK software to walk students through a series of progressive exercises
which have been carefully designed to teach and reinforce both basic and
advanced AGTEK skills. Although individual seminar students do not
work "hands-on" with live AGTEK software, each student receives a very detailed
and generously illustrated seminar technical handbook which clearly documents
the step-by-step procedures covered in class. For hands-on reinforcement
of the seminar applications, students can
download training
files that correspond to the step-by-step handbook exercises and reproduce
the seminar exercises at their own pace on their own AGTEK systems after
attending the seminar. Our
Day 1 and
Day 2 seminars
run from 8:30 am until 4:00~5:00 pm, with a one-hour break for lunch at
noon (lunch is provided by Earthwork Software Services), plus short breaks
at mid-morning and at mid-afternoon. Because our
Day 3 seminar
covers a lot of dense (advanced) topics, it is shorter and runs from 8:30
am until 3:30~4:00 pm (but lunch and breaks are still included).
What do previous attendees think
about regional seminars?
Our regional seminars set the standard for AGTEK software training in
content, convenience, technical documentation and value. To read comments
from previous seminar attendees,
click here.
Why are the seminar manuals so
popular?
Our seminar technical manuals are popular with attendees because the
manuals provide detailed documentation of the various applications covered
in each seminar. The manuals mirror the seminar presentation with
illustrated, step-by-step instructions on how to perform each application
as it is performed. By doing so, the manuals minimize note taking
and allow the attendee to focus on the topics being demonstrated and discussed.
After the seminar, when the attendee has returned to work, the manuals serve
as a highly-valued reference. Seminar students can also practice the
techniques they have learned by
downloading
and using a number of data files which correspond to the exercises in the
seminar manuals. To view the table of contents for our seminar manuals,
click on the following links:
Fundamentals
of Takeoff & Modeling,
Working With
CAD & Survey Data or
Strata, Haul
Analysis, Over-Ex & Related Functions.
Who should attend regional seminars?
Anyone needing a better understanding of AGTEK software functions and
capabilities will benefit from attending our regional seminars, but our
seminar attendees typically include:
-
Hands-On AGTEK Users These are the estimators, project
engineers, project managers, and surveyors that routinely use AGTEK
software to do earthwork calculations and build 3D grading models.
In terms of increased knowledge, confidence and productivity, hands-on
users have the most to gain from attending the seminars and it is no
surprise that hands-on users are the most common seminar attendees.
(Prerequisites apply for hands-on users.)
-
Hands-Off AGTEK Users These are the owners, managers,
and pricing estimators that rely on the results of AGTEK software (quantity
reports and supporting documentation) but may never actually use AGTEK
software themselves. Because hands-off users often underestimate
or misunderstand what can be accomplished with AGTEK software, hands-off
users attend the seminars to learn what they can reasonably expect their
hands-on AGTEK users to do for them.
-
Potential AGTEK Users These are individuals considering
a purchase of AGTEK software and who want a better technical understanding
of the product before making their final purchase decision. What
better way is there to make an informed purchase decision than to participate
in an unbiased training session with users that have already purchased
AGTEK software?
For which AGTEK products are regional
seminars available?
Seminar courses are available for the following Windows-based AGTEK
earthwork modeling programs:
To view the current seminar schedule,
click here.
Note: Due to insufficient demand, we no longer offer regularly-scheduled
public seminars for AGTEK's legacy DOS-based Sitework Engineering, SitePlan
98 or Sitework 98 programs. For the same reason, we have discontinued
our seminar for the Graphic Grade 3D product.
Are regional seminars available for the
Highway 3D product?
At this time, we do not offer regional seminars for the Highway 3D program.
However, we have purchased the Highway 3D software from AGTEK and we do
intend to offer regional seminars for it when demand reaches a sufficient
geographic density. Availability of any new courses will be posted
on this web site and notifications will be provided through our normal fax
and email announcements (if you do not already receive our fax and email
seminar announcements,
Join Our Mail List).
In the meantime, AGTEK (the software's manufacturer) provides both
live internet training and
classroom seminar training for the Highway 3D product.
What courses are offered as regional
seminars?
Have there been any changes in the
courses from last season?
Our courses are updated every season to reflect modifications and improvements
in the latest release versions of the corresponding AGTEK software (currently
Ver. 1.50). Changes for the current 2008-2009 seminar season are outlined
below (as always, these changes are based on direct comments and suggestions
from our previous attendees, as well as on our own observations in conducting
the seminars):
-
Day 1 (Fundamentals of Takeoff & Modeling)
In addition to some minor editing and revisions, a new exercise has
been added to the
Day 1 seminar
(*Heads-Up Digitizing From PDF Files). To make time for
the new exercise, last season's Correcting Files Digitized at Wrong
Scales, Digitizing Multiple-Sheet Projects and Merging
AGTEK Data Files exercises will not be covered in this season's
Day 1 seminar class (however, these eliminated in-class topics do remain
documented in several new Appendices to the
Day 1 Seminar
Handbook).
*Inclusion of the Heads-Up Digitizing From PDF Files exercise
documents new input functions that are currently available in "beta"
version (1.52f) of Earthwork 3D and SiteModel 3D; AGTEK's official posted
release date for this new functionality is expected sometime in the
fourth quarter of 2008.
-
Day 2 (Working With CAD & Survey Data) Aside from some
minor editing and content updates, the
Day 2 seminar
remains unchanged from last season. Click to view the
Day 2 Seminar
Handbook table of contents.
-
Day 3 (Strata, Haul Analysis, Over-Ex & Related Functions)
Aside from some minor editing and content updates, the
Day 3 seminar
is little changed from last season. Click to view the
Day 3 Seminar
Handbook table of contents. Because this class covers some
pretty dense (advanced) topics, it is a little shorter than the other
days, running from 8:30 am until about 3:30 or 4:00 pm.
How can I determine
which AGTEK product I am using?
To select the seminar(s) appropriate to your needs, it is imperative
that you identify which
AGTEK product
you are using. The surest way to identify your AGTEK product is to
start the AGTEK program on your computer and select Help > About...
from the pull-down menu, which will produce a window identifying the name,
version number and release date of the product.
If you can't do that, then examine the AGTEK product manuals that came
with your AGTEK system or call AGTEK at (925) 606-8197 and ask them to check
their database to identify the products you own.
Are there any prerequisites
for attending regional seminars?
It is assumed that all seminar attendees have a basic understanding
of earthwork concepts and that they know how to read grading plans.
For those attending the seminars only to make a product purchase evaluation,
or only to understand what the products are capable of doing, no other prerequisites
apply. However, these fast-paced, lecture/demonstration style seminars
are designed to take other attendees (those who are "hands-on" users of
the products) well beyond the basic training provided to them by AGTEK at
the time of purchase. For hands-on users, the following prerequisites
also apply:
Day 1: Some hands-on experience with Earthwork 3D, SitePlan
3D, or SiteModel 3D is strongly recommended. Students with no prior
experience on these products may be overwhelmed by the volume and detail
of information presented, especially if they will also be registering for
the Day 2 and/or
Day 3 seminars
(for new users with no prior experience, AGTEK's
hands-on training options may be a more appropriate introduction to
the products).
What do I need to
bring to a regional seminar?
Nothing other than a good night's sleep, a desire to learn, a notepad
and a pencil. The seminars are presented in a structured, fast-paced,
lecture/demonstration format, so please DO NOT bring your AGTEK computers
and roll-up digitizers to the seminar meeting room.
Can I receive continuing
education credit for attending a regional seminar?
That depends on the policies and requirements of the organization granting
the continuing education credits. Upon request, we will be happy to
provide the seminar attendee with a letter documenting his/her attendance,
seminar course content, and hours of instruction (each seminar day includes
7.0 hours of instruction).
When and where are
regional seminars held?
Regional seminars are offered in numerous cities across North America
from fall through spring every year. In addition to our normal fall-spring
seminars, we sometimes offer a summer session in July or August. Click
to view the
current seminar schedule. If you would like to receive our fax
and email seminar schedule announcements,
Join Our Mail List.
Why are some previously
offered city locations missing from the current seminar schedule?
The cities in which we offer our seminars can vary from one seminar
season to the next and such variations are inevitably based on regional
demand for our services. Because our time, resources, and energy are
limited, cities with insufficient demand are dropped in favor of other cities
and regions where demand is stronger. We sometimes also rotate our
seminars between different cities in a region (Raleigh, Charlotte and Richmond,
for example) or offer multiple cities in a single region (Orlando and Tampa,
for example) based, again, on strong demand in a particular region.
With all that said, our
seminar schedule is designed to offer enough geographic choice so that
a seminar city is no more than a short drive (or flight) away for most AGTEK
users. If our current schedule does not meet your needs and you would
like to receive future fax and/or email seminar schedule announcements,
Join Our Mail List.
What is the cost of tuition?
The cost of tuition ranges from $560 to $750 per person, per day, depending
on the availability of any applicable
Early Pay
Discounts.
To whom do I make my tuition
payment?
Tuition payment may be made by check or money order, payable to Earthwork
Software Services, LLC and sent to 112 Wisteria Way, Stockbridge,
GA 30281 USA.
[Note: Earthwork Software Services is not affiliated with the software
manufacturer (AGTEK) and we cannot accept checks payable to "AGTEK".]
When is my tuition payment due?
Your specific tuition Payment Due Date is stated on your registration
confirmation and invoice. In general, the tuition Payment Due Date
is the earlier of any applicable
Cut-Off Date or 30 days from
the date of registration. Please understand that any students who
have not paid their tuition in full will not be admitted to the corresponding
seminar.
Can I check my registration and payment
status online?
Yes, and you can also reprint an updated invoice. Once you have
registered, simply click any
Customer Support link or "Customer Support" button on this website and
enter the Email Address and WEB Invoice Number corresponding to your registration
(both can be found on your WEB Invoice).
[Note: If the information shown on your copy of our registration
confirmation and invoice are correct (and we have not contacted you about
any late payment), your registration status is in good standing.]
Why can't I view my online Confirmation/Invoice?
Our online Confirmation/Invoice page uses a pop-up window to display
its information and you will not be able to take advantage of this feature
if your web browser, browser add-ons, or internet security software are
set to block pop-ups.
Click
here for technical tips on how to get full functional value from our
website.
[Tip: The Ctrl key can be used to temporarily override many
pop-up blockers--try holding the Ctrl key down when clicking the link to
the blocked window. If you are still unable to view the pop-up window,
you will need to change your web browser and internet security software
settings to allow pop-up windows.]
Are meals and lodging included in the
tuition?
Seminar tuition covers only admission to the seminar and a catered lunch.
All other meals, lodging, transportation, and other personal needs are the
responsibility of the attendee.
Can I pay my tuition by credit
card?
Due to an increased number of transaction problems, we no longer accept
tuition payments via credit card; however, we do offer a "weekend grace
period" if you are registering on a Friday Early Pay Discount Cut-Off date
(as long as we receive your tuition payment check no later than the Monday
immediately following that seminar's
Early Pay Discount Cut-Off Date,
we will honor the discounted tuition shown on the corresponding invoice,
and the "grace period" will be noted on your invoice). Another option
is to pay your tuition by Electronic Funds Transfer (see next FAQ).
Can I pay my tuition by Electronic
Funds Transfer?
Yes, if you select the "eCheck Secure Online ACH Funds Transfer" payment
method when you register. This option allows you to pay your tuition
by direct debit from your business (or personal) checking or savings account
held at a U.S. financial institution. The process works like this:
(1) you enter your check and ID information on a secure online form, (2)
your data is encrypted and submitted to
Electronic Clearing House, Inc. (our ACH payments processor) for validation
and processing, and (3) you print the resulting confirmation message (a
confirmation will also be emailed to you). The tuition payment funds
will typically clear your account in one to three business days. Electronic
check payments are an increasingly common payment method and additional
information about them is available at
www.electronicpayments.org.
What is the policy on cancellations,
refunds and transfers of registration?
Click here to review our policies on seminar cancellations, transfers
and refunds.
How can I register for a regional
seminar?
The easiest way to register is by using our
online registration
system which provides the advantages of (1) an immediate confirmation of
your registration, (2) an instant online invoice, (3) a choice of paper
check and instant online payment options, and (4) the ability to
check your registration and payment status online at any time.
If you prefer not to register online, please call or email us for manual
registration alternatives (be advised that manual registration may delay
the processing of your registration by up to 2 business days and a $50 processing
fee will be added to our quoted tuition rates). Class size is limited
and seminar registrations are processed on a "first-come, first-served"
basis, so please don't delay in submitting your registration!
How do I get conference facility and
hotel information for a specific seminar?
Venue and lodging information is typically available
at least three to four weeks in advance of a specific seminar location's
event date. If your company is already registered for a seminar location,
this information will be emailed or faxed to you as soon as it is available.
Access to venue information is also available from the
Seminar Locations and Schedule Page of this website (click on a seminar
city location for venue and lodging information).
How can I receive future announcements
about regional seminars?
If you do not wish to
register for a
seminar at this time, but you would like to automatically receive Seminar
Schedule Announcements and City Location Reminders, you can
Join Our Mail List.
Where can I purchase AGTEK software?
Earthwork Software Services does not sell AGTEK software; for AGTEK
sales, please call AGTEK at (925) 606-8197.
How do I get technical support for AGTEK
software?
Earthwork Software Services does not provide on-call AGTEK technical
support services; for AGTEK technical support, please contact AGTEK by phone
at (800) 248-3527 or by e-mail at
support@agtek.com
Do any consultants provide AGTEK quantity
takeoff and/or grade control modeling services?
Earthwork Software Services does not provide quantity takeoff or grade
control modeling services but, as a convenience to our clients, we have
compiled a list of
third-party AGTEK consultants that do provide such services.
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