Epic's decision to conduct its huge client training program at the Verona campus - in its $100 million learning center, which includes a 5,500-seat auditorium - has proved a gold mine for the local visitors' economy.
Epic executive Stephen Dickmann estimates that clients being trained on Epic software occupy from 200 to 300 motel rooms a night, five nights a week, 50 weeks a year. Add in 50 rooms a night for the steady stream of job applicants and the yearly users conference that pulls in 3,500 or so - well, there's no question that Epic is the best friend that local hoteliers have.
Epic also generates about 30,000 departures a year from the Dane County Regional Airport, says Dickmann: "I think we're by far the single biggest user."
