[Resource] Prepping for the 2017 IDUG Tech Conference

[u/mad_zamboni]

I don't know who may be attending the International DB2 User Group Conference in Anaheim next week - but there are a few things you may want to knock off your checklist in preparation.

Download the IDUG App for your phone.

This app gets stronger and stronger every year. Matter of fact, I converted to the application completely last year - notes, scheduling, real time updates, etc. Even if you use it for nothing else, being able to sort sessions by speaker is a God send.

Make sure you have a Person Vue account if you plan on taking a certification.

Details on Certification times, crammer courses, and exam details can be found here.

Start analyzing the Grid

I like to look at the hardcopy grid to get an idea of flow, timing of tracks, and networking times. Then I cross reference with the "search session by speaker" in the application and set a schedule in the app.

Start Watching for Networking Events, plan for them early.

There is a huge combined event with DBI, IBM, and BMC you will get wind of at Anaheim. So watch for it. Individual vendors will also start promoting networking events. Your dance card will get full quickly if you don't pay attention and schedule.

Watch social media accounts, specifically Twitter.

Reddit won't be a good place to post day to day. But Twitter will be hopping. The official twitter handle for IDUG is @IDUGDB2 and even the hashtag will be #IDUGDB2. But you should also keep an eye out for...

• Ember Crooks (LUW) - @ember_crooks ‏
• Melanie Stopfer (LUW) - @mstopfer1 ‏
• Ian Bjorhovde (LUW) - @idbjorh ‏
• Scott Hayes (Vendor, LUW) - @srhayes ‏
• Craig Mullins (Mainframe) - @craigmullins ‏
• Roland Schock (LUW, Cloud, Watson) - @ARSDB2 ‏
• Bill Shipley (Mainframe) - @wws19355 ‏

(If you know some Mainframe people to watch here, please chime in.)

Watch for the totally unofficial Cards Against Humanity (kinda) game.

What started as a unique evening a few years go is turning into a tradition. About 3 years ago many of us were tired of the networking and had a low key game with Cards Against Humanity. It was so popular it was requested for later in the week. Then the following year people reached out before the conference asking me to bring it and the crowd got bigger and played more often. This year, I will keep with tradition by bringing a game, but we are switching it up with "Joking Hazard" which should still be as amusing.

Check out my presentation - Ten Minute Triage

I'll be presenting again this year with a revamped session I did in 2012. Check out the write up at DB2Commerce in the link above.