My (Virtual) Summit Experience

[#1]

It has been a couple of weeks since Summit, and as disappointed as I was to not be there in-person I was beyond grateful for the virtual experience, as it (almost) felt like I was there!

Props to the fabulous Atlassian team for the incredible Virtual Summit experience. The online platform felt a bit like virtual reality. When you first logged in you entered the huge conference lobby. Next you had the choice to watch keynote presentations, break out sessions and News Desk sessions. These sessions could be watched live or on-demand so that time zone wasn't a factor. The webcast software was crisp, clear and seamless, and you could interact with other participants throughout. The speakers were engaging, and shared excellent stories and content. As an example, I enjoyed Shawn Achor's keynote presentation so much that I went out to the library the day after and borrowed his three books. 

I love gamification so I was so excited to see that there were 19 badges that you could earn throughout the week by watching sessions, interacting, and doing various challenges that made the learning experience that much more fun. As you can tell by the leader board many of us were quite competitive, do you agree Andy?! ;) 

Hard to believe, but there was even a virtual trade show where you could interact with sponsors and learn about their products and services.

As well there were Atlassian Product stations where you could interact, learn, and download product information. I learned so much!

To top it all off, Monique's amazing Scavenger Hunt Challenge made it so much fun to interact with those that were at Summit and those that were also in the same boat as me attending virtually. 

Andy even created the Ultimate FOMO Usie for those that were missing all the fun not being at summit! Who knew attending virtually would be the next best thing :)

 

As much as the virtual participation was phenomenal, I really want to be there in-person next year to get the full experience. I have the dates and location carved in my Trello board. We all know how time flies, we will snap our fingers and it will be time for Summit 2020. Can't wait and hope to see all there! :)

[Kat Warner]

Wow - it looks like you were able to experience a whole other side of Summit that I did not get to participate in. Summit is an amazingly busy event especially for those who want to see everything but are really there to stand at a booth and talk about apps and other Atlassian Solution Partner things.

[Warren Haines]

Nice Article - Thanks for the post 

[Fabian A. Lopez (Community Leader - Argentina, Florida, California)]

@Jodi LeBlanc  You were there with us all the time! The same for each one of those that were remote. I am glad you share this experience so Atlassian see the value of broadcasting and repeat the experience next year! Thanks!

[Jodi LeBlanc]

Thanks @Kat Warner I have participated in conferences and events over the years, but none were as well done as this one. The user experience was off the charts, I was very impressed. I do hope to be there in-person next year, to meet all of you (nothing beats face-to-face) and I can only imagine the in-person is on a whole other level!

[Jodi LeBlanc]

Aww thanks @Fabian A. Lopez (Community Leader - Argentina, Florida, California) - so kind of you! I really hope they do repeat it again for next year, I know it isn't the same as being there in-person but I am truly grateful for the online experience as I (almost) felt like I was there :)

[Jodi LeBlanc]

Thanks so much @Warren Haines - greatly appreciated! :)

[Andy - PTC Redundant]

@Jodi LeBlanc  a brilliant article! You summed up the virtual experience perfectly and it should definitely inspire non-attendees to make the most of it next year!! 🤩👍

I was positively shocked as to how much online content was available within the Online Experience. They went above and beyond!

Despite not being at summit I still had a GREAT time from the comfort of both my office desk and the sofa at home. I really hope to be there in person next year, but no matter what, I know the Community will still be a great place to experience it! 🥇🤘

And I LOVED making the FOMO USIE. So much fun putting together all the virtual buddies I was interacting with and getting that Scavenger Hunt task ticked off "in front" of the Badge Bar.

[Cassie Mayes]

Thanks for sharing your perspective @Jodi LeBlanc ! I'm glad you enjoyed Summit virtually. Hopefully, we'll be able to see you there next year. :) 

[Erica Moss]

@Jodi LeBlanc It's so great to hear the perspective of someone who joined remotely — thank you for sharing! 💖

[Jodi LeBlanc]

@Andy - PTC Redundant thanks so much, since it was such an incredible virtual summit, I had to document it to thank the team that created that incredible experience for us! :)

[Jodi LeBlanc]

Thanks so much @Cassie Mayes as much as I loved the virtual experience, I definitely plan to be there in-person next year :) 

[Jodi LeBlanc]

Thanks @Erica Moss I have used online apps/webcasts for conferences in this past, but there was no comparison to this one - loved it! :)

[Andy - PTC Redundant]

It really was an incredible virtual summit and you've done it justice :oD