SAP TechEd in a Single Conversation
I was at SAP TechEd Las Vegas a few weeks ago, and I had a great time (just ask the mechanical bull) (yes, I said mechanical bull). Some highlights?
- Deep conversations with Thorsten Franz regarding the entrepreneurial spirit.
- Catching up with my ASUG Volunteer and staff buddies (looking at you, Karin Tillotson, Gretchen Lindquist, and Susan Keohan).
- Rubbing elbows with SAP Mentors like Martin Gillet and Chris Solomon and SAP employees like Jayne Landry and Laure Cetin.
And I’ve only mentioned approximately 1% of the people I actually interacted with – it was a pretty breakneck pace most of the week.
But I think one conversation I had really encapsulated the event for me, and the reason why I never tie of going to shows like SAP TechEd or the ASUG SAP BusinessObjects User Conference. Basically, I ran into someone who I hadn’t seen in years, Sharone Slakman. Why did this conversation in front of the burger place stand out?
- This was completely random. Ran into him in the Palazzo shops as he was headed to the show and I was headed to my room. One in a very large number chance that this never could have happened.
- This was a serious reconnection. I hadn’t seen or talked to Sharone in years. Literally. We got to catch up on loads of personal stuff – he’s moved and we’ve both changed jobs since the last time we saw each other.
- Got some work done, too. I had a very specific software question which he was able to answer.
- Sharone and I still look exactly like we did in 1978.
- This was a bonus conversation – Sharone isn’t Canadian, but I won #CanuckHunt anyway.
In short, this was the sort of personally and professionally rewarding 5 minute conversation that can only happen at these sorts of events, which is exactly what keeps us all coming back.
Hope to catch up with you all next year…
For one part of '2 Wild and Crazy Guys' you sure have summed up TechEd well. It doesn't always have to be that one conversation, but when it happens, it's pure gold.
Besides you have mad skillz with photoshop apparently.
I am the Microsoft Paint Master, Susan Keohan . See?
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3811/10282139145_ebe71c730d.jpg
Courtesy Craig Powers.
Jamie -
Congratulations on the #CanuckHunt win..!
Glad you got your Prize-Pack delivery OK.
See you in 2014.
Mark J Richardson
Communication Chair - @ASUG_Ontario
Mark Richardson, I'm not gonna lie - I was very relieved that your mayor didn't help you pack it. Then again, maybe I'd better go recheck the "smoked salmon."
Jamie,
Thanks - I feel like we hardly said hello. Definitely need to find more opportunities to catch up and enjoy a spirited (whiskey-fueled) debate, especially now that I've learned that you are on a constant chase for free parenting advice. 😀
Best,
Thorsten
Looking forward to it Thorsten Franz - I especially appreciate any advice you could provide for situations which you've never personally had to deal with. I find that unbiased view, unencumbered with the weight of experience, to be the most valuable.
Jamie , I wouldn't even think of delivering less than the whole package, including of course value judgements about the way you raise your children and about everyone in your family. You know you can always come to me for that!
It was great catching up with you too "James" 🙂 ! It wouldn't be a conference without #thejamieoswaldexperience .
Best Regards,
Karin Tillotson
Always a pleasure Karin Tillotson. It just wouldn't be an event without the constant looming threat of having to buy you a drink out there.