Here at SolarWinds, convention season is just beginning to heat up. Whether you’re lucky enough to travel to these shows or are just following our exploits online, you’ll see us across the globe—from London (Info Security Europe) to New York (SWUG™), Vegas (Black Hat) San Diego (Cisco Live!), San Francisco (VMworld, Oracle World), and Singapore (RSA)—demoing and discussing the best monitoring features, whether they’re brand-new or just new-to-you.
But there’s one conference that, for us, is circled in red marker on our calendar: THWACKcamp™ 2019, which is so very happening October 16 – 17, 2019.
Running the Numbers
Now in its 8th year, THWACKcamp has grown in both quality and quantity each year. Last year, we saw more than 2,300 people attend, consuming 22 hours of content accompanied by real-time discussions in live chat. On top of that, people kept coming back for more, and viewed the recordings of those same sessions over 16,000 more times after THWACKcamp 2018 ended.
This coming year promises to be our most ambitious one yet—and not just because we expect more attendees, more content, or more amazing giveaway prizes.
Brand New Formula, Same Great Taste!
First, I want to talk about the things that AREN’T changing.
THWACKcamp 2019 is still 100% free and 100% online. That means you don’t have to beg your boss for budget, risk one of TSA’s “very personal” pat-down procedures, fight flocks of other IT pros thronging to the next session, or deal with less-than-optimal hotel options.
The event is still going to be two full days packed with content and live segments. A legion of SolarWinds folks ranging from Head Geeks™ to engineers to product managers will be on chat to field questions, offer insights, and take conversations offline if needed.
And of course, we’re still going to have some awesome prizes to give away throughout the event. (Look, we know you come for the information, but we also know the prizes add a whole ‘nother level of fun to it and we’re not about to give that up either. We have as much fun brainstorming what cool swag to give away as you do winning it. That said, this thread on THWACK.com will let you offer your ideas on what you’d like to see us give away.)
SO... what about the “new and improved” part of THWACKcamp?
The thing you’ll notice most is every session is going to take the time it needs, rather than conforming to a standard 30- to 40-minute window. This allows us to intersperse deep-dive topics with quick 10-minute how-tos, and even a few funny “commercials” to make sure you’re paying attention.
The second thing you’ll notice is that we’ve broken out of the studio. We love our set and still have a bunch of the sessions there, but you’ll also see us in discussions in lounge areas, outside, and maybe even on-location at events. IT professionals are rarely “at rest” and THWACKcamp reflects that this year too.
Both of those elements allowed us to make one other big improvement: a single track of sessions each day. We’ll be able to cover more topics and ensure that everyone is in the right “room” at the right time to hear all the THWACKcamp-y goodness.
And the last thing you’ll notice is how THWACKcamp will be even more interactive than ever. During the sessions, we’re adding an interactive question-and-answer system called Sli.do. If you’ve attended a SWUG (and if you haven’t, you really should! http://THWACK.com/swug), you know exactly how this works. We’ll use it to get your feedback in real-time, find out how many people prefer one feature over another, and you’ll be able to post your own questions for our staff to answer, where it won’t get lost in the mad banter of the live chat window. Speaking of chat, it’ll still be there, in a THWACKcamp “watercooler” section, where you can talk about your experiences with SolarWinds modules, ask for tips on configuring ACLs, or debate the supremacy of the MCU vs. DCU.
Take My Money!
By this point, I hope you’re shouting at your screen “BUT LEON, HOW DO I SIGN UP???” If this is you, maybe have the barista bring you a decaf on the next round. And while you’re waiting, head over to the THWACKcamp Registration page: THWACKcamp 2019. You’ll be able to sign yourself up for the event and see the full schedule of sessions.
But you’ll also gain valuable insight and information between now and October 16. We’ll be sharing exclusive blog posts, videos, and even behind-the-scenes images to give you insight into how an event of this magnitude goes together, and prepare you to get the most out of the THWACKcamp experience.
Also exclusive to folks who register will be “Ask Me (Almost) Anything” sessions. After you complete your registration, you’ll get access to that same Sli.do system I mentioned earlier. Once again, using Sli.do, you will have an opportunity to submit questions or upvote questions from other folks. We’ll host five live on-camera sessions between now and October 16 to answer those questions for you. But remember, you only get access to that after you register.
So, what are you waiting for? Go register now: THWACKcamp 2019! And don’t be selfish, either. Share that link with coworkers, colleagues, and friends in IT who may be thinking “No way am I going to make it to a conference this year.” Sure you are. Here at SolarWinds we’ve got a solution for you, just like we do for so many of your IT challenges.
