Drupal Sugar Rush: 3 Tips for Digesting DrupalCon
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DrupalCon is a big shot of Drupal Kool-aid to digest. Here are a couple tips from our past experiences to help you make sure all the sugar doesn't go to your head.
Tip 1: It's About The People
The opportunity to meet fellow Drupalists face-to-face can't be understated. The people around you are the folks who can excite you about new technologies, give you help on IRC, or maybe even become partners in your next business venture. I speak from experience; my relationships with fellow Kalamuna co-founders Mike and Andrew were cemented at a DrupalCon.
Tip 2: Sessions Are Too Short
A good session should excite you to learn more about the subject matter, not try to teach you everything about a topic. If you're looking for a beginner's guide to X subject, take a training session or (better yet) pump up your reading schedule and tackle a project that requires you to apply the new technology. Sessions should leave you knowing the terrain for the subject, but beyond buzzwords and recommendations, don't expect to get too many concrete details.
Tip 3: Plan Your Next DrupalCon Presentation
The Drupal space has matured dramatically, but there are still gaping holes in the community's expertise and areas that could use illumination by new bright minds. DrupalCon is a great place to get the lay of the land and discover what you could be talking about at next year's gathering. Think about modern tech trends, the things your clients are talking about. If you don't see a session this year that addresses those needs (or see sessions that seem inadequate), start working towards a kick-ass presentation for next year.
Now, as long as you keep your laptop charged and brace yourself for the inevitable Wi-Fi outage, you should be ready to tackle the conference!
Alec Reynolds
When his long-standing interest in programming and this "internet thing" became relevant to his entrepreneurial inclinations, Alec found himself helping launch a series of startups. This experience has provided Alec with a deep understanding of young businesses and the product development process, where he participates from the code to the customer.
