System i Connection 2008 Conference

ED & FUN...all in one!

2008-07-01T10:35:00.011-04:00

The buzz in the place is just amazing! The majority of the attendees are up early, eating breakfast, and anticipating great education each day. The networking and business discussions that I have witnessed and 'over-heard' :-) I'd imagine have been worth the attendees' time spent here thus far. As I continued to hear the conversations, I have come to this conclusion...."With more and more people deciding to spend more time with their family, and companies deciding to do more work with less staff, this conference/location creates the perfect scenario. You bring your family with you to the conference and you get the opportunity to receive awesome education and spend time with your family! It is a win-win for all...the boss is happy, the family is happy....and so is the attendee! WOW...just one week out of the office and you get great education AND some quality time with the family - in wonderful Florida!" Now that is definitely ED-ucation & FUN....all in one!

Sunset Reception

2008-07-01T09:54:00.002-04:00

Last night there was a reception sponsored by the Hotel on the sun deck. The sun deck is situated between the hotel and the beach, if you step off of the deck you're toe deep in sand. The one hour pre-dinner event was an open bar and appetizers with a beautiful beach and ocean view.

As I was watching the ocean birds, I notice a squadron of 3 pelicans flying in formation. Then, without warning they tucked their wings back and began a vertical dive toward the ocean, one be one they disappeared into the ocean. Moments later one, two, then three pelican heads popped up out of the water, each with a fish in their mouths. I watched this spectacle over and over again, each time with amazement.

Tuesday

2008-07-01T09:14:00.001-04:00

The dinner and entertainment was a blast last night! Check out the new pictures on the slide show.

We started on the Sunset Deck for cocktails and hors doeuvres, then moved into the ballroom for dinner and live music. The food here at the hotel has been very good, complete with a variety of tempting desserts.

Finally, a few of us enjoyed the evening air by walking down to the end of the pier and then heading back by way of the beach. So now I can say I've been in the water, too bad it was after dark.

As for today, it's a bit quiet with Expo torn down, but most everyone got up and made it to one of the sessions.

Great food at Great Prices!!!

2008-06-30T15:19:00.003-04:00

A small group of us have had meals both at the hotel and at the local restaurants, which are within a block of the hotel, and the food has been outstanding. Since I am in Florida, fish, especially Grouper, has been my main diet. The hotel food is affordable, and even more affordable within a short walk of the hotel. Even a local favorite chain, Frenchy's a small uninspiring food shack, had a very delicious "Super Grouper" sandwich at a reasonable price.

Monday and still having fun

2008-06-30T11:12:00.003-04:00

Apparently the weather is perfect every day in Florida, because it has been that way ever since we got here. Last night there was a reception for the speakers at the conference, and the evening was so nice we ended up sitting outside on the deck until midnight. The hotel and location have a great balance of good conference facilities, and opportunities to relax at the pool, beach, restaurant, or bar.

The conference is in full swing this morning. An excellent breakfast and a nice tribute to Al Barsa by Charles Kaplan. All the speakers seem full of energy, despite the extended "relaxation" last night.

Florida - Monday

2008-06-30T11:10:00.002-04:00

It was a little hard to get up this morning. Several of the speakers and their spouses/guests hung out on the deck last night, enjoying the warm night air, drinks of choice and stories galore. Good times, but I still haven't spent any quality time on the beach. I need to work on that but this conference stuff keeps getting in the way. And I've about given up entirely on doing homework.

Be sure to watch the slide show (lower left frame) for new pictures each day, and if you have pictures you'd like to add, come find me at the registration desk.

Florida - Sunday

2008-06-29T11:53:00.006-04:00

It's obvious by the span of open beach this morning, that folks were out enjoying their Saturday night in Clearwater Beach, with the exception of the families with children. I wasn't able to get out on the town myself last night, but I did notice quite a spirited crowd bursting the seams of the Mandalay Grill, which is just across the street from here. Husband and I chose a quieter setting, our feet dangling in the hotel pool with cool refreshing gin and tonic. But only until they kicked us out to close up the pool for the night.

The Expo is open now and it appears that most people are still out enjoying the sunny skies and warm breezes. Maybe if they knew we have free snacks in here, they'd come on in!

Clearwater Beach, Florida - Saturday

2008-06-28T12:45:00.001-04:00

I am Nancy Boutcher, roving reporter and conference support staff this year. I usually attend this event as a guest, but this year COMMON is providing admin support to Barsa Consulting, so I'm here to work. My coworkers Cherese Morgan and Fred Pritchard are here as well, as you can see in the photo.

The Saturday Seminars have begun with all registrants in attendance. So far, so good. It's looking like I will have some time to get outdoors, see the area and report back on cool stuff I find. From my sleeping room balcony, I can see that the beach is a short stroll out the hotel to the west, and last night I enjoyed a wonderful dinner with our group just across the street on the east side of the hotel. Literally a two minute walk!

Check back often for updates and to add your own comments!