Surfing around the internet, Paul Robichaux gives a quick difference between Microsoft TechEd and Lotusphere. What is it? The Opening Session Speakers. He is very impressed with the Lotusphere speakers and disappointed with the ones at TechEd. I am sure that there are other differences as well, but since I have never been to TechEd, I can't provide any.
One thing I do wonder about is the community. I know that a lot of people put a lot of work into the Lotusphere tracks, but the one thing that I really appreciate is the feeling that we get when we come together. Is this feeling the same? Or are there too many separate houses (Exchange, SQL Server, Office, etc.) for this to occur?
Link: Paul Robichaux: An embarrassing contrast: Lotusphere versus TechEd
Link: Lotusphere themes and speakers
Technorati tag: Microsoft TechEd Lotusphere
Comment posted by Christopher Byrne02/01/2007 09:40:21 AM
Homepage: http://www.controlscaddy.com/
I have always sensed a stronger sense of community and energy in the the lotus community. I liken it to Mac users: there is a lot of passion about the product (both ways), and people have to band together more to stand up for it. I think it is also a legacy from the days when Iris was Iris and Lotus was Lotus.
Would the atmosphere be different if it had always been an IBM product? The conference surely would be. Lotusphere is the only IBM conference where speakers do not have to pay a conference fee. All the other conferences IBM has (and this is not unique to IBM by any means), the feeling that speakers should view the fee as a marketing cost, since they are getting exposure. The Websphere Technical Exchange I attended in October was so incredibly unlike Lotusphere (including the quality of the printed materials), it was downright depressing (though the content was excellent). There was no opening reception and there were NO speakers from the community, as far as I could tell. They did have a Wednesday night event at the science museum that was fun.
So yes, Lotusphere stands head and shoulders above many other conferences.
Comment posted by Gregg Eldred02/01/2007 04:57:32 PM
Homepage: http://www.ns-tech.com/blog/geldred.nsf
@Christopher - I also sense the same energy and community when I attend the COMMON Conferences. And then you throw a few Domino people in there, watch out!
I like this discussion on the contrasts between 'Sphere and other conferences. Based on your experiences, and others, I am sure, you truly get a feeling that we are a part of something special.
Thanks!
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