My summary for #ILUG10 and photos
Tags :ILUG ILUG10 ILUG2010 Belfast
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I wanted to log my own thoughts if not for myself, but everyone to read about ILUG 2010. This not being my first time at ILUG, I have pre conceived notions of what to expect and I am never disappointed by the program that Paul, Eileen, Warren, Kitty, Matt, Coatise, Kerr, Julian, Mike, Steve (and more names I know I am missing), put on each time.
The organization of the event rivals none (ok maybe IamLUG but I am very partial to that one for my own selfish reasons,LOL. That is a joke people). The session layout, sponsor room and layout and wide array of content is incredible. The relaxed atmosphere makes everyone want to connect. This is not a suit and tie function. it is the ability to be comfortable and get deeply technical or have fun while learning.
I sat through sessions on User Experience design and tools (listen to me interview Mary Beth Raven on IdoNotes Episode 85) and then went to an amazing session on LEGO from Warren. It gave technical insight as well as showed a personal touch. Not like we didn't know Warren loved LEGO.
Then you get to the social aspect. Yes there is long night of dinners and then at the hotel bar. But, that is where the social communication takes place. I made more business connectivity in those scenarios than sitting in a session. I presented my topic on DDM and DCT and welcomed anyone that came up to ask questions or just say hi. Every speaker, sponsor and attendee made themselves available and hopefully appeared open to any conversation. There is always the bubble effect where many of us crowd together that only get to see each other in person a few times a year.
I did notice something new. People tended to walk off and just join into other groups or individual conversations on a constant basis. There was no giant magnet or static place someone stayed. Sit here, eat, move to table. Sit here, drink, move to other person/group. It was a social moving circle and meeting new faces at the same time. I had a few attendees come over together in sets of two or three to make the approach easier and have an anchor of familiarity when they wanted to talk. This works very well and is something that should be noted and taken forward for other events.
I could go on about each session I attended, but many are showing online from the speakers. You can scroll through and judge for yourself how much hard work and effort goes into an event where speakers do this for the community. Sure you can gain a few Twitter followers, or Facebook network connections, news sharing from RSS, or location friends. But that is the goal. Share, connect. Wait, that was my speedgeeking session too. Filter, Share, Connect.
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On Monday, November 15th, 2010 by Chris Miller
