Tuesday, May 1. 2007

BE Conference Tidbits

Lots of AVIs
From the main stage to the industry sessions, I saw lots of non-live demos. Instead, I saw recorded demos. Some were so well rehearsed by the speaker, that he didn't even have to look at the movie while it was playing! While live demos are scary (and fail!) I find they more engaging. Moreover, those watching can interrupt and ask a question during the demo.

Not So Many Women
I didn't see that many sessions and all the ones I did attend (save the opening plenary) were geospatial specific. I counted just two women "on stage." One gave the electric demo and a second was a co-recipient (in Civil) of a BE Award.

Three Years of BE Awards
This was my first time attending the BE Awards Gala – a fancy and slick party (think Academy Awards) honoring some 30 winners in different categories. I support the idea of awards since they benefit both the company presenting them and the recipients. The sponsors get automatic case studies and public relations opportunities. Recipients get recognition which may translate to better salaries, promotions or just awareness back home. And, of course, we in the press are presented with instant celebrities. I can see how Bentley has the same challenge as the Academy Awards: how to keep the awards event fun, interesting and not-to-long, year after year. I understand Peter Sagal from Wait Wait Don't Tell Me was in his second year as MC. (He was terrific.)

Required: Noting How Much Time is Wasted Looking for Data/Files
I think nearly every session I attended included surveyed or anecdotal information on how much time a company lost looking for data. This is perhaps a subtle reminder that users should consider implementing ProjectWise.

Keith Sighting
I didn't see him there, but apparently Keith Bentley was sitting in the back of the Geospatial keynote.

[Disclosure: Bentley covered travel, hotel and meals.]

Comments

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Last year's AU was the first time I've been to a conference where there were lineups for mens washrooms and not womens.

Not to minimalize the disparity, but there are at least some benefits to working in a male-heavy industry.

Jason

#1 Jason Birch (Link) on 2007-05-07 13:51 (Reply)

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