Didn't Make It To SharePoint Fest 2019?

Why you should consider it for next year and how to prepare.

WHY:

If you've never attended SharePoint Fest or it's been a long time, don't be fooled by the name – this smaller, local conference covers not only SharePoint, but also PowerApps, Flow, PowerBI, Azure and more. In addition to developer and admin tracks, it also offers a ton of functional sessions on end user adoption, collaboration, project management and governance.

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Having attended both Inspire (formerly known as WPC) and Ignite (formerly known as TechEd) conferences, SharePoint Fest has a much more diverse attendee roster, catering to all parts of the business, not just IT or the C-Suite. Its smaller sessions make for great Q & A sessions and lower odds of being stuck in the middle of a row of 50 seats when you realize you want/need to leave early.

Additionally, unlike the larger conferences, SharePoint Fest caters less to major announcements of upcoming features and more on features that are already deployed – and then shares use cases, best practices and instruction.

The speakers are seasoned consultants, MVPs, MCTs and Microsoft Product owners who make themselves available via Ask an Expert and Ask Microsoft Anything sessions on the expo hall floor. The sessions by sponsors are few and clearly called out – no surprise sales pitches or learning at the end of the session that the only way the functionality works is with an additional investment.

HOW:
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If you're considering any conference for the first time, keep reading. If you’re considering Seattle’s SharePoint Fest, I have some insider tips on the city for you as well.

OVERALL

1. Be yourself. You learn better when you're in comfortable clothing, you connect with others when you're comfortable in your own skin. If your work wardrobe doesn't reflect your true personality (who really wants to spend a fortune on 'business casual'), wear what you love. And it’s a fact that silly or unique wardrobe items make you more memorable. So bust out your favorite Hawaiian shirt and get ready to learn and mingle.
2. Bring a reusable cup. I made it through the whole conference rinsing and refilling my ShareGate tempered glass cup for water, tea and coffee – not a single disposable cup used.

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SESSIONS

1. Be mindful of the track you select; you can typically choose between developer, power user, business intelligence, content management, business value and more. Selecting developer sessions as an analyst can be overwhelming and could make you assume that custom development is required for a successful Office 365 rollout. Be curious but try to stay true to your role.
2. Download session slides ahead of time (session slides aren’t available during the day), take notes, and ask questions. 

EXPO HALL

1. The expo hall is also where you’ll find the Ask an Expert, Ask Microsoft Anything and podcasts being recorded. If you have an open spot on your agenda, you’re likely to find something interesting going on in the hall.
2. There are some fantastic prizes for getting your passport signed by every sponsor. I’m talking TVs, 3D printers, Surfaces, and free passes for next year’s conference. Do this before Friday (some sponsors left Thursday night).

NETWORKING

1. Especially if you're attending alone, go to lunch 15 minutes late and ask to join another table. Not only could you end up with someone to eat with every day for the rest of the conference, you may walk away with a friend, partner or customer.
2. Even if you're not a natural networker, force yourself to go to at least one networking event. It’s full of free food, adult beverages and always has too few tables. Perfect opportunity again to ask to join someone else’s table.

MAKING THE MOST OF IT

1. At least once, get out of the Convention Center and your hotel. Walk the 15 minutes down Pike Street to Seattle’s famous Public Market, newly extended with extra vendors, breweries and cafes. Or walk 15 minutes up Pike Street to the great restaurants on Capitol Hill.
2. Seattle also has some pretty darn good public transportation. The Link Light Rail runs about every 5 minutes between the airport, up to Capitol Hill and out to the University of Washington. Or catch the water taxi from the Seattle waterfront to Alki Beach. You can also check out the Monorail to go from Westlake Center to the Seattle Center.
3. If you get to arrive a day or two early or stay late, jump on one of our State Ferries over to Vashon Island or Bremerton; it’s always a beautiful ride.

Learn more about the conference at the SharePoint Fest web site and we hope to see you in Seattle next year!

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