Would you benefit from a Matlab/Simulink user group?

I don't believe that Mathworks actively encourages in-person user groups where local Matlab/Simulink users get together to informally discuss Matlab problems and maybe listen to a speaker cover a Matlab/Simulink topic. But its Simulink rival Labview does. Just curious: if there was such a group in your area, would you take advantage of it? Or is Mathworks Answers and other online resources sufficient?

Answer 1

[Walter Roberson]

Considering that I might now be the only active MATLAB user within 200 miles (500 miles if I stick to Canada)...

Oh wait, I just found one other person (I think)!

[K E]

No doubt this would only make sense in cities with several universities, or near some big employer that might have lots of users. Boston, San Francisco, Detroit?

[Walter Roberson]

There are four universities where I am. One of them appears to use MATLAB in at least one course, but it is not clear that anyone other than the students use it.

[K E]

Hmmm, I am realizing I have an inflated view of how many people use it. Maybe there just isn't the density of users. I am very glad Answers is available.

[Walter Roberson]

Note that my location is not exactly typical. There is an old joke that "You might be from Canada if you measure driving distances in hours"; in this part of Canada, the next big city in Canada is 14 hours away.