June, it’s been amazing or How we hopped around the world
Part I – WWDC in San Francisco
Probably every blog post about WWDC is the same every year, saying that it was the best WWDC ever and I absolutely agree with every single of you. Even though I didn’t get a ticket to the conference, I was lucky enough to be in San Francisco with Star Walk team and even won a guest pass to Keynote (the only one open-to-press part of WWDC).
We all know about that crazy line near Moscone center that starts around 4 in the morning, but I luckily missed that part and arrived right in time when they let us inside. The night before at the MacIndie WWDC pre-party I met few friendly educators who saved a spot for me, so when I entered the main room I got to sit almost in front of scene. (Not that close as our CEO did though. No, not VIP zone).
What can I say about Keynote? It was simply awesome. Everyone already watched it, so I am not going to retell all those hilarious jokes Siri made in the beginning. I just want to say that I never felt this uniting feeling with 5,000 strangers in the room before.
The rest of the week was absolutely crazy, I don’t remember sleeping at all, but no complaints. The weather was surprisingly nice and sunny, also there were two alternative WWDC, so I had great opportunity to attend lectures and geeky-nerdy-tech-lunches, and even meet my Internet legends in person. Victor Agreda, Lex Friedman, Mike Shramm, Mike Lee, and so many more!
So I can say my first time to San Francisco has been absolutely amazing! I will definitely try to be there next year! Or maybe earlier?.. :)
p.s. – oh wait! Is it us standing in front of Star Walk icon in Moscone Center? Yep. Matching shirts.
New York was not very kind to us. Firstly my flight was 12 hours delayed and when I was finally in the hotel it turned out that my reservation had been cancelled by that time. Thanks to a very kind receptionist I was not left on the street and he found the room in another hotel nearby. When my colleague came it turned out that her luggage had been stolen. Fortunately it was returned later though some of the precious stuff was missing.
Firstly we were invited to the gdgt party that was a real fun as many of the people were open to innovations and they were really curious about our apps.
Next few days we were taking part in the CEA Lines show event that was a part of the CEweek conference. As a part of our booth we had a 3D TV that demonstrated Solar Walk app on a bigger screen with 3D effect.
We had a great time communicating with press and people who are interested in the new technology and the way it is used in our lives.
Part III – ISTE in San Diego
My first time attending ISTE was also my first time in San Diego and altogether my first time at a teachers conference! While I can hardly find any words to describe the multitude and variety of my impressions, I believe that most people I have talked to felt the same way: by the end of the first day you feel that your head is about to explode from all the new information and ideas, and you have a tone of parties to go to and so many interesting people around, it’s hard to catch a breath.
Amazing lectures and innovative ideas aside, one of the highlights of my days were get-together-and-share-favorite-tools kind of sessions. To my greatest pleasure and surprise, renowned educators took time to recommend Solar Walk and Geo Walk to their peers for classroom use! If that’s not a sign that we are on the right track I don’t know what is!
All in all I find that educators are my favorite crowd, and I will definitely be joining them again on ISTE 2013! And hopefully dragging a few of my colleagues with me.
