Saturday, June 20, 2015

Let KScope15 Begin!!

This post will not focus on solving a technical problem directly, though many who attend the Oracle Developer Tools User Group, ODTUG, annual conference KScope often leave with many ideas for solving technical problems.
 
I have been attending KScope since 2010.  I was looking for a conference to replace what I got from the Hyperion Conferences which ended when Oracle acquired Hyperion.  Back in 2009 I started searching for where all the people I knew from my days attending the Hyperion Conference were going.  At that time it seemed many where like me looking for a new "conference home".  I heard about Collaborate and Kaleidoscope and quite frankly in 2010 the Kaleidoscope was a better fit in my calendar.   
 
That conference in 2010 was held in Washington DC and what an experience it was.  I met so many great people learned a lot and wanted more.  So much that when at the closing ceremony when it was announced that if anyone registered for the next year by the end of the month they would be guaranteed the lowest possible rate I went back to my room and locked in for 2011 in Long Beach.  I have continued to lock in the next year's conference being the first to register before the end of the current conference. 
 
Over the past years I have become more and more involved in the conference and ODTUG.  This will be my 3rd year as a presenter.  Additionally I have served on the Business Intelligence (BI) Track Content selection committee for 3 years and this past year was the BI Track Content Lead working with a great team of volunteers to pour over 160 submissions to pick 28 for the KScope 2015 Conference.  I don't make these statements to brag but rather illustrate how much value I put into what ODTUG and KScope represent.

So, as I write this post on KScope Eve after having participated in my 6th KScope Community Service Day I am excited for what the next 5 days will hold.

Sunday, June 21, we have the Oracle Symposiums and this past year I have been working with folks within the BI Space at Oracle and they have really put together some great presentations.

Monday through Wednesday will be packed with great content not only on the BI Track but also on the Database, EPM, APEX and ADF tracks.

Finally Thursday we wrap with the continuation of something started last year...the Deep Dives.  On the BI side a great group of guys from 3 different companies have put together a great session on Big Data.

Aside from all the educational sessions there is also some room for fun.  The various vendor breaks in the exhibit hall, evening receptions, Monday Night events, Werewolf and finally the Closing Party on Wednesday night which each year attempts to out do the prior.

So if you are attending this year's KScope conference please look for me and introduce yourself.  If you are thinking about attending next year keep an ear out because they announce the location Monday at the General Session.  Then start checking all the blogs and posts about what people are hearing and seeing this year.

I truly think it is the best conference and investment in one's professional development.