Get the Most Out of COLLABORATE 13!
Having attended this event since it earliest days as IOUW and as a Partner, here are some of my tips for Oracle Partners planning to exhibit or attend this year.
1.Take Advantage of the OPN TestFest - Its Free and Onsite
Just for Partners on Monday and Tuesday, and at times the exhibit hall is closed, at the Hyatt Regency adjacent to Colorado convention center. www.oracle.com/partners/goto/OPNTestFest It’s a rare opportunity to get staff that’s normally on the road certified which aids you on your Oracle Partner Network (OPN) Specialization achievements.
2.Hear a Great Keynote
Oracle President Mark Hurd will be onstage discussing Oracle's strategy, innovation and the company’s relationship with its customers
3.Meet Oracle Partner Network Team (OPN) Members Onsite
We understand that meeting with customers is a top priority. So whether onsite on the exhibition floor at Booth #880, in the morning, lunch or in the evening, OPN team members welcome meeting with you while your onsite. The information desk at the Oracle campground can also help direct you.
4.Prep for Oracle OpenWorld
But don't wait till the fall, use this event as a half-way point to Oracle OpenWorld and engage OPN team members onsite to get the latest news about the OPN Program, ask questions and provide feedback on specific OPN Specializations, share your ideas and get feedback on sessions you are considering to submit for Oracle OpenWorld.
5.OPN Specializations on Display! We Hope So - Get Recognized!
If you are displaying your OPN Specializations in a creative fashion in your booth or elsewhere at the event, let OPN team members’ onsite know or over Social Media. OPN Team members will be seeking out the best and most unique examples while at the event and capturing them on film.
6.Engage, Join the Conversation, Be Active in the Social Media
While there may be many attendees physically onsite, don’t forget that there will be many including your co-workers following the event virtually. In addition to the COLLABORATE 13 twitter hastag #C13DEN , be sure to monitor, direct or copy the Oracle Partner Network team #oraclepartners #OPN during the event.
7.Visit the Oracle Campground
Its onsite in the exposition hall and provides you an opportunity to learn more about some of the latest Oracle product technology and releases and engage Oracle product experts.
8.Attend and Get Involved in Special Interest Groups (SIGS)
Within the user community you will be finding customers flocking together with interest in specific topic areas such as Cloud, Oracle Manageability, and many others. Don't miss the opportunity to attend a SIG meeting, get further involved, and share your knowledge and OPN expertise.
9.Network
Sure, it may seem like another trade show where you have been asked to staff a booth and collect leads, but don't miss the opportunity to further network. Instead of catching up on emails, be sure to engage attendees at each opportunity; meal time especially. You may learn more about a customer and they may learn more about you.
10.Enjoy
And while you’re in town, you can find some great restaurants. So resist that temptation to go back to your room to do email and room service; instead enjoy a wonderful meal and invite some folk to join you.
Look forward to meeting you in Denver next week
Steve
Follow me on Twitter:@lemmes