IBM IOD 2013

[bdbits]

This could be fun. I will try to show up, unless I post something truly embarrassing between now and then.  :-[

I'll make sure to make what little hair I have presentable, so as not to be confused with Paul. Or Lynn. Or judging from his avatar, even MFGF, but then the white coat will give him away.

Update: ok, it's not white, but still he is very distinctive looking. :-)

[Lynn]

This could be fun. I will try to show up, unless I post something truly embarrassing between now and then.  :-[

I'll make sure to make what little hair I have presentable, so as not to be confused with Paul. Or Lynn. Or judging from his avatar, even MFGF, but then the white coat will give him away.

I've posted embarrassing things on more than one occasion but I'm showing up anyway!

[charon]

Interesting...so a Muppet, a guy with weird hair and a nervous presenting lady are going to attent and enjoy the infinity joy of ibm at the same time?!
Man, im hoping they get some pictues shot this year  :P

[Grim]

:'(
Another year, another IOD I don't get to attend. Have a pint for me!

[charon]

I feel with you Grim..same story for the poor charon  :'( :'( :'(
But i have a feeling Lyn, Paul, blom and mr. muppet are stil going to enjoy this event  8)

[bdbits]

You know a thought just occurred to me. It might be fun sometime to try a Google Hangout or similar conferencing service for cognoise fans. Then people can join in from anywhere. I suppose time-of-day to hold it could be an issue, since people here could be from anywhere on the globe. Well, it's a thought.

[MFGF]

I feel with you Grim..same story for the poor charon  :'( :'( :'(
But i have a feeling Lyn, Paul, blom and mr. muppet are stil going to enjoy this event  8)

I don't think Blom is going, sadly. Bdbits is, though. It would be really good if we all got to go and organised a big Cognoise knees-up :)

I'm quite determined to enjoy the event - even with my red hair and white coat! It's an eye-opening experience going around the Expo with Paul, witnessing how many freebies he can persuade the exhibitors to hand over. A truly astounding experience, in fact! I can't wait to see it again this year!! :)

I think we should try to get a photo of all the Cognoise gang who manage to get there - so you can see who to throw tomatoes at if ever you meet them again :)

[charon]

I love the Idea with the photos and tomatoes, even though im throwing tomatoes at every- and anybody that crosses my way anyway  ;D

Have a nice IOD guys!

[CognosPaul]

I'm quite determined to enjoy the event - even with my red hair and white coat! It's an eye-opening experience going around the Expo with Paul, witnessing how many freebies he can persuade the exhibitors to hand over. A truly astounding experience, in fact! I can't wait to see it again this year!!

Remember, the success of any conference can be gauged by the number of pens, toys, shirts, gadgets, and extra kilos you return with. Double score if you need to pay for a second suitcase on the flight back.

[bdbits]

It's funny, I've been full-time IT since about 1990 and have received vendor goodies from conferences, classes, sales dudes, etc. I have recently been trimming my wardrobe and trying to de-clutter, and have been amazed at the amount of swag I've accumulated. If a well-dressed IT nerd can be defined by the amount of vendor clothing he can wear over the course of a week, I might win a prize.  :o

The real success of a conference is winning a "grand prize". I seem to recall when I went to IOD two years ago, someone gave away a brand new Harley motorcycle. Kind of makes toys, gadgets, and clothing pale in comparison, and still I collect them and never win the big one. Ah well, all good fun.

[MFGF]

Ok. I have set up a Cognoise meeting and invited everyone I know from Cognoise who is attending IOD. If you haven't got an invitation message on the IOD Agenda Builder site, let me know and I will add you :)

MF.

[CognosPaul]

That was fun! Lots of sessions, good food, good people. By the end of the conference my feet were a jagged mess of blisters and calluses. Some of the stuff IBM is coming out with is astounding.

MFGF, Lynn, and I all had a toast (who can resist delicious dark chocolate liquor?). Next year more people from Cognoise should join in!

[charon]

 :P i agree with each point

[MFGF]

It was HUGE fun! It was great to meet up with Lynn and Paul again and to make some new acquaintances too. Lynn's presentation was outstanding - the highlight of the conference for me. Paul brought along some chocolate liqueur which was excellent, and we had great fun in the Expo blagging freebies from the exhibitors. We never got to meet BDBits, sadly, but it was fun to meet fellow Cognoisers face to face. I hope more of us can make it there next year for the rebranded IBM Insights conference!

Cheers!

MF.

[Lynn]

It was a great event! The chocolate liqueur from Paul and the chocolate candies from the muppet were wonderful unexpected bonuses! (Note to self: get to the gym ASAP!). I felt remiss for not bringing a delicacy from where I live in New Jersey, but pizza doesn't travel well over long distances I'm sad to say.

Apart from all the fun stuff, it is a worthwhile event and I always learn so much!

[bdbits]

Unfortunately I had a bit of a travel snafu on Sunday and that is why I did not make it to the meetup. The biggest disappointment by far of my IOD 2013 experience as I really wanted to meet you all irl.  Even worse, they only allow one of our BI tech team to go per year, so another person and I alternate. All to say, it will be two years at least before I have another chance.  :'(

But the conference was good, as always. Highly recommended if you've never been. Where else can you get to talk to a product manager, his technical architect, and four of the developers in two different sessions?

Way too much food, I gained a few pounds again, and I think after all that walking I need a new pair of shoes.