(This went out a little earlier than I wanted, but since its already in my RSS, gonna go ahead and release it.)
I was fortunate to have been invited to HP Discover 2011 by Ivy Worldwide along with a group of other independent bloggers. I am gracious for the opportunity to attend and blog about the event. The HP and Ivy team was fantastic as arranging my travel and hotel, setting up an amazing blogger’s lounge to use while we were all on site at the event, and setting up a special bloggers area with tables, power and internet for us during the keynote sessions.
I have to try and describe the blogger’s studio to you. For the more advanced (moreso that I), there were two video areas to meet with and shoot video with technologists throughout the week. A lot of video was also shot out on the Discover Zone floor at booths and with representatives. Refreshments and snacks were never far away. Lots of counters, tables and plent of hard wired Internet and power were available to us in the secured area. It was a staging area where we were able to work. A picture is worth more than words, so see below.
Throughout the week, we were presented with opportunities for Coffee Talks in the blogger’s lounge to speak with HP staff and management, and few other special guests. This offered us time to pick the brains of these decision makers and influencers within HP and get some details directly from the department heads and directors.
But, what an amazing week. As we are heading towards the closing section this evening and tonight’s concert with Paul Mcartney, I cannot express how successful of a week this has been on so many levels. I have been able to network and make contacts within the HP organization, which is invaluable to an HP IT shop like my employer. I have been exposed to so much new in the HP technology portfolio that I will now bring back to my employer and readers alike. I have been able to ask more questions and get more technical response about solutions that may be of interest in my company in the future. I have made some great connections with other bloggers who will continue to contribute to my learning and hopefully the same for me to the community.
In the interest of full disclosure, HP and Ivy Worldwide invited me and paid for my trip to HP Discover. Even though, I am trying to relay the information as impartially as possible.
