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I was up early again on Friday morning to have breakfast with Patrick Leblanc (SQLLunch man), and then off to a four hour Board meeting, then a few more shorter meetings, finally finishing up the day at 4 pm with a trip to the bookstore and the mall for a few gifts to bring back. Back to World Grill about 5:00 pm for dinner with Wayne, Rafael, Kendal, Mike Wells, Rick Heiges, John Welch, and a few more that came and went, then back to Sheraton to pick up our bags for the ride to the airport. Rick and I were flying together, him up front in the nice seats, me way in the back, but he did treat me to joining him in the Delta club pre-flight and if I traveled more I’d have to get a membership, nicer chairs and real desks to work at. Arrived home at 9 am on Sat, and now still trying to get back on normal schedule. Good to have weather in the 80’s again!
Hard to recap the week in a few sentences, but I’ll try!
- Really glad I flew in Sunday, that extra half day was great networking time and time to just let go of work for a while
- Terrific week for me. No problems, lots of people, felt like an incredibly good use of my time
- I almost wish for a closing session on Thursday, almost a shame to have it quietly fade to an end!
It’s hard to describe how immersive an experience it can be. I took my wife to dinner Sunday night and walking through the restaurant I was mildly startled to realize I was looking around for people I knew, and expecting to see some. For 6 days I was hard pressed to go 5 minutes without seeing someone I knew, now back to the lonelier life of the DBA!
Now the question for me is; how many other attendees had that same great experience, and what can do to try to make sure they get it next year?
Posted by Jack Corbett on 10 November 2009
I think some kind of closing session on Thursday would be a great idea. Maybe do something like the SQLBingo and provide the award then. You could also do something like an on-going survey for top session or presenter and award it then as well. Sure there are some logistics and money involved, but I think it would add to the Summit.
I definitely had a great time at my first Summit and, to be honest, I'm having a hard time getting back to real work.
Posted by Steve Jones on 10 November 2009
I'd have voted against a closing session in years past, but I was surprised how many people were hanging out on thur afternoon on our couches. I think some closing might be good if we end on Thur.
I agree with yo on the downtime. I took the elevator a few times, just to get 3 minutes of quiet time.
Posted by Patrick LeBlanc on 10 November 2009
How do you end such a great event? Maybe a closing talk from a few of the board members. Maybe a talk from someone at PASS HQ. No matter the fashion something must be done to finalize an event that has such a lasting effect. Is it time for my next session :O. Oh yeah, the PASS conference is over :(. See you all next year a PASS.
Posted by Rafael on 10 November 2009
I absolutely agree: It was a great event! I did better than previous years on networking, but still have a long way to go. My goal for next Summit: 25 additions to my network.
My vote for a closing session. I Think that would be well received considering the number of people that stays for the post conference and have late flights.