I should probably be packing for EDUCAUSE 2017 at this point, but I’m going to blog instead.
Again, go back through the blog for my evergreen observations about the conference. I’m really looking forward to this year though. Philadelphia’s a great city for a conference, the conference center is great (although I hope they’ve improved the wayfinding signs since 2011, because they were very confusing back then). I love taking the train to a conference instead of flying (going to NERCOMP in Providence on the train was a treat as well.) My standard trick of “find people you like to hear, and go to their presentations” worked so well I actually had to cull a few presentations because I had too many choices that way. I have also found myself making actual appointments with friends and colleagues to make sure I see them (although I almost always find everyone I want to check in with at least once.) I think I will have to eat dinner 6 times a day though to get to everyone I want to dine with.
If you’re somehow a fan of this blog or my Twitter or whatever, and we’ve never been formally introduced, please take the time to seek me out and say hi. Certainly saying “I’m a big fan of your blog!” is a great way to break the ice and start a conversation! I may drag you out to dinner or drinks with whomever I’m with, though, so be warned. Also, keep in mind the big round lunch tables are a great way to meet people–follow up with someone from a presentation, someone you met briefly in the hallway, etc. I also usually end up in the CIO lounge a bit, if only because of the high concentration of people I like to talk to, and I suggest you do the same. I’ll be frequently Tweeting during the conference, and probably sharing my location when I’m somewhere I want company. And if you’re trying to exercise and want to come out, please join us in the fun run Thursday morning (I’ll be in the slow group).
See many of you tomorrow!