“For a first-time conference, Extreme Connect 2018 was tremendous! I was very impressed with the professionalism, big stage, visuals, and presentations; they were all great.” – Extreme Connect 2018 Attendee
Last year’s attendees could not believe Extreme Connect 2018 was our first-ever user conference because it was amazing! If you thought last year’s was the best networking conference you’ve ever attended or thought it was just ok or maybe you didn’t attend, get ready to be blown away! We’re pulling out all the stops for Extreme Connect 2019.
This year we’ll be connecting with our customers and partners in the “Live County Music Capital of the World,” renowned for its music and honky-tonks. Extreme’s second annual Extreme Connect global user conference takes place in Nashville, TN, Monday, May 13th – Thursday, May 16th at the brand new JW Marriott Nashville.
With a focus on customer-driven networking, this event is truly for anyone looking for an action-packed week of learning, networking, and fun, with a vendor who listens and does what the customers want! I could give you a thousand reasons why you should attend Extreme Connect, but to save time I narrowed it down to the top eight:
1. You’ll Hear About the Future of Networking
If your organization wants to stay on the cutting edge of networking technology, Extreme Connect is not to be missed! Staying ahead of the technology curve is key to remaining competitive in this ever-changing industry. Each day will offer numerous breakout sessions, from the future of networking to technology deep dives; there are endless opportunities to learn. Additionally, meet with industry analysts, including Zeus Kerravala of ZK Research, Bob Laliberte of ESG, and Tim Zimmerman of Gartner, along with Extreme experts driving thought leadership sessions you won’t want to miss.
2. Experts, eSports, and Eats!
What more could you want? Not only does our Welcome to Nashville opening reception give you the perfect opportunity to visit our numerous interactive demo stations, but it’s also an excuse to party in Extreme style. Enjoy dinner with peers before attempting to hack Extreme Fabric Connect at our Hack-A-Thon or take on a championship collegiate eSports team in our eSports competition. Night one will also give you the opportunity to connect with experts on industry trends and technology. These experts have intimate knowledge of all of Extreme’s solutions – after all, they helped build them!
3. Get Inspired: Keynote by Wayne Gretzky
That’s right, the NHL’s all-time point leader, 4x Stanley Cup Champion, and 9x league MVP, Wayne Gretzky will hold a fireside chat with attendees! Breaking virtually every offensive record in the NHL, Gretzky is no stranger to greatness. Since his retirement in 1999, Gretzky has stayed close to the game he loves, serving as Vice Chairman of the Edmonton Oilers and establishing the Wayne Gretzky Foundation. Extreme Connect attendees will have the opportunities to hear from The Great One himself at this year’s global user conference.
4. Learn from Fellow Industry Leaders: Birds of a Feather Sessions Featuring the CIOs of Kroger, Green Bay Packers, Baylor, and Many More
At Extreme Connect, there will be plenty of time for peer-to-peer networking, including our Birds of a Feather sessions. During these vertically focused sessions, you will have the opportunity to meet with IT experts from your industry to discuss common issues and compare notes on solutions. BoF sessions include Education, Healthcare, Retail, Transportation & Logistics, Hospitality, Manufacturing, Service Provider, and State and Local Government. Bring your own topics to discuss, or submit them in advance!
5. Interactive and Immersive Solutions Demo Hall
There is a place for everyone at Extreme Connect 2019! Between sessions and during our welcome reception on the first night, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with industry experts at our interactive demo stations. From our Extreme Slots to our Intelligent Hospital Room, you’ll get an intimate look at how Extreme’s solutions are enabling innovation across all industries. Demonstrations are drawn from these industries: Education, Retail, Public Venues, Healthcare, and Service Providers.
6. Ready to be Promoted? Get Extreme Certified!
The early bird catches the worm! Take advantage of our Two-Day Pre-Conference Training to gain technical training onsite, sharpen your skills, and work on earning your certification on many of our platforms, such as our Extreme Management Center, ExtremeWireless, Campus Fabric Switching and Routing, and more!
7. Attempt to Win $10,000 at Our Hack-A-Thon Event
Are you a problem solver, creative thinker, and a technologist? If so, try your hand at Extreme Connect’s Hack-A-Thon! I warn you, Extreme Fabric Connect has never been hacked, but if your IT wizardry is powerful enough, you’ll take home $10,000 and all the glory of being the one and only person to have ever hacked Fabric Connect!
8. End of Connect Celebration in Downtown Nashville!
On Wednesday evening, Extreme is hosting a block party on Broadway Street in Music City. Continue making connections with your peers at some of Nashville’s hottest spots, Whiskey Bent and Crazytown. Wind down from your action-packed week of learning and networking by relaxing with new friends with some of Nashville’s rising local musicians.
I just gave you eight reasons why you should attend Extreme Connect, but possibly the greatest reason is that there’s something there for every IT professional to experience! This event is the ideal space for network professionals to learn more and develop their skills in Extreme Networks technology and industry trends. Register now for Extreme Connect 2019, and prepare yourself for a jam-packed week of knowledge, fun, and networking!
This blog was originally authored by VP of Marketing, Steve Harrington.
