Wow.
If I had to pick one word to describe TC18, it would be “Wow”… This being my third conference my expectations are always high in regards to learning, inspiration, amazement and excitement… but, wow.
Arriving on Sunday I immediately met up with Kevin Flerlage in the airport and it was “on like Donkey Kong”. We met up with a few others for lunch and a walking tour of the French Quarter. I can’t think of a better way to start conference; gathering old friends and new for an afternoon of food and fun. After a quick registration for conference and a look around the conference center I headed for the Data + Women pre-game; which has become the official start of conference for me.
Monday was the official kick-off of course with the Welcome Reception. This year has been amazing and one of those amazing moments was having been honored with the title of Tableau Social Ambassador in July. I got to participate in the parade that weaved it’s way through the conference center as part of the Ambassadors. What a cool experience! The crowd was so in to the parade and I was honored to be a part of the “krewe” that added such a fun element to the reception!
On Tuesday I achieved a goal I have set 3 months ago and ran with #RunTC18 and completed a 5k.
Tuesday’s session highlight was by far Mike Cisneros and Alicia Bembenek’s talk on The Benefit of Finding (and Being) a Mentor. I highly value the concept of mentoring, and have been toying with the idea of trying to encourage others to establish a mentor/mentee relationship but I’ve been struggling with the execution. Mike and Alicia completely changed my thoughts and approach and I can’t thank them enough for sharing that powerful tale.
Wednesday I found myself again with Mike Cisneros and again found myself being inspired by his message; You are an Artist. When I grow up, I want to be Mike… both as a visualization artist and a speaker.
Wednesday also found me taking the stage as part of the Tableau User Group Tip Battle. This was a complete blast and I wouldn’t hesitate to participate again. Congrats to Luke for his victory! Thank to Anya and Jeff got hosting and to Patrick, Sarah and Sarah for judging! Also, to my fellow competitors; Kevin, Ann, Bo, Chantilly, and Rodrigo – awesome job!
Data Night Out…. it was epic. Absolutely a once in a life time experience. Nuff Said.
Thursday’s highlights included Adam Grant’s keynote… completely blown away by his message and I became a huge fan of his work. Also, it goes without saying that Fanalytics has become one of the unsung highlights of every conference. Heartfelt stories from Vince, Lindsey, Andy, Chantilly and Amar followed by amazing conversation on how we can make an amazing community even better. One day I hope to share my story at Fanalytics, but until then I will thoroughly enjoy watching in amazement.
After Fanalytics, the conference ended much like is started… a fabulous meal with old friends and new, visit to Cafe du Monde, and then a huge gathering a World of Beer.
For #Data19, and the year between now and then I have some goals.
- Continue to participate in Makeover Monday and evangelize it as the phenomenal learning opportunity it is for me and can be for anyone.
- Continue speaking every change I get…
- Speak at more TUG meetings
- Speak at the Tableau Fringe Festival
- Speak at #data19
- Resume participation in Viz for Social Good; it’s important
- Be open to new opportunities and challenges and meet them head on.
I need to take a moment and thank my #DataFam, which continues to expand with each conference, each tweet and each day. It amazes me how much I’ve come to treasure each and every one of you. Each of you is responsible in some way for where I am today, both professionally and personally and I can’t thank you enough.
Until we meet again…. Much Love.