Last week, Monday 24 – Wednesday 26 February, was a truly historic event. The first COMMON event in India. I was lucky to be invited to make some presentations at the event.
I was most impressed by the attendees' thirst for knowledge for the latest about the IBM Power server and the IBM i operating system. While helping at the registration desk I was surprised how many people recognized me and the other USA based IBM Champions who were attending the conference. I soon lost count of the number of times I was asked to appear in someone's selfie. There was a range of experience there, from people who has been working with IBM i for decades, to students who want to learn about whether this was an environment they could have a career in.
IBM Champions: Gajendar Tyagi, Simon Hutchinson, Ranga Deshpande,
Marina Schwenk, Nirmal Kumar Khatri, Charlie Guarino
All of my sessions were packed with barely an empty seat, and the audience was not shy to ask questions during and after.
During breaks and meal times I enjoyed myself "hanging out" with as many people as possible. Quizzing them on what they were getting out of the conference, and how they were going to uses it when they returned home.
I want to thank everyone who attended, whether as a presenter or as an attendee for making this an excellent conference. And I look forward to learning that there will be more conferences like this in the future, regardless of where I am involved or not.
On a lighter note: Marina Schwenk has the honor for the most unusual attendee for one of her presentations. A cat became trapped in the conference room, running back and forth until it found its way out. Alas, no-one took a photograph of the cat.
If you have a selfie that is of you and I that is not shown above please send it to me.
Thanks Simon for sharing the photos, and the conference highlights. It's great to hear and see everyone engaged. Appreciate you taking the time to keep us informed. Do you know, we can access these presentations somewhere?
ReplyDeleteIf you were at the event you should have a signon to Sched.
DeleteThen you can access the presentations via the Sched site =>
https://commonindia2025.sched.com/list/simple
Thank you Simon ! It was really great meeting you in person. Unfortunately, I could only attend the 1st day. I missed your imp sessions of the 2nd day..
ReplyDeleteIt was wonderful to meet you too. Let's hope I am invited back next year and we can renew our acquaintance.
DeleteIt was wonderful and insightful event. It was great to interact with you.
ReplyDeleteIt was wonderful to meet you too.
DeleteSimon, we were truly privileged to host you in India! Many IBM i users across the country regrettably missed this exceptional event and are now looking forward to the next COMMON conference in India with great anticipation. We are all deeply appreciative and grateful for the invaluable technical insights you share on your website.
ReplyDeleteI sincerely hope that there will be many COMMON conferences in India in the future. I had so much fun at the conference if I am invited again I will be there.
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