TAMPA, FL-Pilgrim Software Inc.’s seventh annual user conference featured record-breaking attendance of Pilgrim customers from across the life sciences and manufacturing industries.

Fusion VII, held at the Marriott Suites on Sand Key, in Clearwater Beach, FL, November 9 to 12, featured a keynote presentation from 1976 Olympic gold medalist Bruce Jenner. In his remarks, Jenner encouraged the audience to continue reaching for the next level of success by making a commitment to excellence.

Under the conference theme, “In Pursuit of Excellence,” Fusion VII featured presentations on topics such as lean manufacturing, going green, risk management and proven best practices presented by Pilgrim’s customers. In addition, Quality Magazine presented the results of the 9th Annual Spending Survey, which highlighted predicted spending for 2009.

The Fusion VII Technology Lab provided hands-on training and mini-workshops conducted by Pilgrim’s implementation and technical support experts. Special interest group sessions provided an opportunity for attendees to meet with other customers in small, interactive groups to discuss their processes, share their best practices and provide input into future product direction.

The conference concluded with an “Ask the Executives” live panel session during which conference attendees asked Pilgrim’s senior management candid questions about Pilgrim’s current status and its outlook for 2009 and beyond.

In addition,QualityMagazine had a chance to meet with Pilgrim staff, including Nikki Willett, vice president of marketing and regulatory affairs, to discuss the state of industry today. The meeting, “Software Today,” is available at www.qualitymag.com.

For information on the next conference, visit www.pilgrimsoftware.com.