We pronounce it like Visa or Lisa, but with an R. Though it's just an acronym (for Rapid Interactive Structural Analysis). Therefore, I'm not sure any pronunciation can be considered wrong.

I'll ask about Canadian training. I don't recall the last time we did one. Based on the current calendar, we don't have any scheduled for 2015.

One of the things we try to do with the "regional training" is focus on many of the major travel hubs. Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, et cetera. That way it is easy (and cheap) for folks relatively nearby to travel there. What are the major travel hubs for Canada?

Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver probably. I'm located in the middle of the prairies but it is relatively easy to get to Calgary or Edmonton. Minneapolis is not a terrible commute either and I saw there is one there in a year. But if it were somewhere in Canada we could probably piggy back the training with some site visits or project meetings to soften the travel costs.

For 2015, Minnesota is your best bet. But, I'm guessing that we'll have something near Seattle or Toronto in 2016.

To answer the 2nd part of your question about whether there was anything in the training that you couldn't learn from practice or webinars. There probably are other resources out there that will teach you just about everything in the training classes.

However, I'm not sure that's the best question. The best question is really, "Are the training classes are worth the time and cost?" And, I really think they are. If you're relatively new with the program, it will jump start your learning curve in a big way. If you are a long time and frequent user, then the benefits are less dramatic. But, there are still a number of tricks and tips that you will learn to increase your productivity.

I use my experience as an example. I had been using RISA for 6 years and had become the RISA expert at my old company. So, I was extremely well versed in the program. Then, when I came to RISA and sat through that first training class, I learned a number of important time saving tips.

I think you are probably correct and your question is much better.

Thanks for the insight