Okay, so let me tell you about my experience with pmwc 2024 this year. It popped up on my radar, seemed like something different, so I figured, why not give it a shot?
Getting Started
First off, I had to actually sign up. Found the registration page, filled out the usual stuff. Nothing too complicated, just needed to get my details in there. Paid the fee, which always stings a little, but hey, you gotta invest sometimes, right? Booked my travel and a place to stay nearby. Didn’t want anything fancy, just a bed and a shower, basically. Close enough to walk was the main thing.
Before heading out, I took a quick look at the schedule they sent over. Lots of different sessions and talks listed. Honestly, a bit overwhelming. I marked a few that looked interesting, mostly the practical, hands-on stuff. Not really into the super theoretical talks, prefer seeing how things actually get done.
During the Event
Showed up on the first day, got my badge, grabbed a coffee. The usual start to these things. The main hall was buzzing, lots of people milling around. I wandered through the exhibition area first, just to see what companies were there, what they were pushing. Picked up a few free pens, you know how it is.
Then I started hitting some of the sessions I’d marked.
- First talk: It was okay. Speaker knew their stuff, but it was a bit dry. Took a few notes.
- Second workshop: This was better. More interactive. We actually worked through a problem as a group. Found that more useful, seeing different approaches.
- Networking break: Bumped into a few folks, chatted a bit. Mostly just exchanged pleasantries, talked about what sessions we liked or didn’t like. It’s always interesting to hear different perspectives.
The next day was pretty similar. Attended a couple more talks. One was surprisingly good, actually gave me a couple of ideas I might try out back at work. Another one was a total dud, almost walked out. Spent some more time just walking around, observing. You pick up a lot just by watching how things are organized, how people interact.
One thing I noticed was the organization. Seemed pretty smooth for the most part. Sessions started mostly on time, directions were clear. Little things like that make a difference.
Wrapping Up
By the end of the final day, I was pretty beat. Packed up my stuff, headed home. Overall? Yeah, it was an experience. Not earth-shattering, but I got out of the office, learned a couple of things, talked to some new people. Was it worth the time and money? Probably. You don’t always get huge breakthroughs at these things, sometimes it’s just about getting a small nugget, a different way of looking at something, or just confirming you’re generally on the right track. And I guess pmwc 2024 did that for me this year.
