#think2019

It's a busy time for myself and my fellow IBMers.  Not only are we preparing for our Sales Kickoff (this week for the US/LATAM) but we're making sure our customers have all the information they need when they attend IBM's premier conference:  THINK.  This year, for the first time, we're holding it in San Francisco at the Moscone Center.  We'll have over a thousand sessions, numerous customer and expert panels as well as hands-on labs and design thinking workshops.  Attendees can take a free (!) certification exam and visit the Expo Hall to explore the exciting ways IBM and our partners are expanding capabilities every day (1 or 2 people might have free stuff to hand out, too).

Think starts off on Monday, the 11th, with a series of events for our business partners and Inner Circle clients.  There will also be the exciting "Community Day" where you and leading Coud, Data, and Security experts will discuss the best practices of today and the outstanding ideas of tomorrow in those key areas.  If you're flying in on Monday (like me), you can use the afternoon to plan your trek to the Moscone Center and do a little pre-conference sightseeing.  I think I'll bring my hiking boots and do some prep walking for my summer trip to Philmont, but I'm sure to get lots of exercise walking the Think campus this week.

Tuesday begins with more exclusive pre-conference events including discussions on HR, Marketing and Supply Chain.  I'm planning on attending sessions on our latest advances on Quantum Computing as well as hear from people at the forefront of the efforts to reach Mars and beyond.  The conference will officially begin in the afternoon with a Keynote address from our CEO and Chairperson, Ginni Rometty.  Having been to many IBM conferences, I can say that Ginni's talks are always chock-full of thought-provoking ideas and exciting plans for technology's future. She often features thought-leaders from some of IBM's most influential customers.  The Expo opens after her speech to let you explore and get your hands on the conference swag.

On Wednesday the focus on the future continues as the researchers from IBM Research host a keynote session on 5 technologies that will shape the business world in the near future.  There are many hundreds of sessions today all around the Think campus to allow you to grow your knowledge on AI, Cloud, Analytics, Data Governance or any of the myriad other items IBM is a leader in.  I'll be showing my customers the latest advances in Content Analytics and taking some time for myself to learn more about AI and Hybrid cloud.  I'll also check out the roadmap for Cognos Analytics and learn how Decision Optimization is enhanced with Machine Learning.  Wednesday evening was left open to allow atendees to explore San Francisco on their own.  Ride a cable car, visit the coast, or have dinner with your IBM team.  Whatever you want, just don't get locked in on Alcatraz.

Thursday continues the session extravagana with even more information on IBM's work and how our clients are succeeding with it.  In addition some exciting events include a discussion with Joe Montana and a talk on space exploration with curent and former astronauts.  Tony Hawk will also make an appearance today to discuss freestyling and the Cloud.  The day will end with a visit to Pier 39 which will be open exclusively to Think attendees to explore and enjoy.  

Things wrap up early on Friday to let people fly home or explore the city more.  But you can still see exciting sessions and learn new things.  

If Think sounds like something you'd be interested in, reach out to your IBM rep or visit the Think site.  If you are going to Think, feel free to reach out and let's meet up.  I'd love to hear your thoughts on the show, IBM, or my new blog.