First time to SAPPHIRE NOW – What to consider and plan?
How to get the most out of your SAPPHIRE NOW and ASUG conference.
If you are used to SAP Teched, it is not the same. The focus is much higher, and business side and you do not get to do hands-on anywhere except on some drinks.
The first thing you will notice when going into the conference is the big show floor. Since the carpet is brand new, it will smell like fresh carpet. Don’t worry you will get used to it over the next few days, or it stops smelling as bad.
Sessions:
The session that I have found most valuable have been the ASUG session where some user was sharing what they were doing for a project. Here you get some backward focus on what someone else has implemented and can get some feedback on how your project when. It is also an excellent opportunity to meet others who work in the same field.
Then you should attend the Roadmap sessions from the products relating to what you are doing. You can find most roadmap online, but it may be interesting to ask questions about what is coming of new functions.
Show floor:
There is a ton off different SAP partners showing of their products. It may be a good time to see what they are offering, to see if there is something that will help you achieve your goals.
There is also a lot of presentation you can view and win some toy. Don’t waste your time on something that is not relevant for you to win a Amazon Echo or some other gadget.
Also, go by the different SAP boots to hear about your favorite technology or what the impact of it is. You may bet the best indication of what the new solutions mean for you and some one on one conversations with the people behind the products.
Keynotes:
They keynotes can be overwhelming to attend in the big theater. You may find a better seat in one of the theaters on the show floor. If you don’t like the content, you can work or catch up with colleagues in the event. It also gives better access to wifi, snacks, and drinks.
Networking:
The most significant value you get from the event is to network with other people working in the same area. That is why the specific topis is useful to attend.
You may also be able to get into conversations with most attendees pretty easy, so it is just to take the 5 seconds of embarrassment. If they don’t want to talk it will anyway be forgotten in 5 minutes. So there is not much you can lose in a strike a conversation with someone.
Evenings:
A lot of the different companies host evening events, they are usually entertaining to attend and get a little less formal. Some of them may require an invitation others you may be able to participate in by visiting their booth on the show floor.
Packing:
There is a lot of temperatures differences at the event. The conference show floor is pretty cold, designed for wearing a suit. Some of the breakout room can be a little warmer. But the big difference is that you have to go to the event, which can be warm.
Most will be using a suit, which adjusts well to the cold inside and can be adjusted outside. I’m mostly just waring my SAP Mentors Polo, with a long-sleeved shirt underneath.
Also, remember you will be standing or walking for many hours a day. So get the comfortable shoes. And you may start training for
Traffic:
The traffic along the international Drive can be slow in rush hours sometimes it is faster to walk than take a taxi or bus. So it is advisable to get a hotel within walking distance. Otherwise, there are the buses to the conference hotels.
Freetime:
You cannot be productive for a full day of the conference for a few days. Take a break from time to time to evaluate what is going on. Sit outside and grab your lunch or go for a walk along the I-Drive.