It has been a long time since Cisco Live has been Cisco “In-Person” Live. The last Cisco “In-Person” Live was Barcelona in January 2020. The timing to online only was a little disappointing personally because in the previous two years I had solved the true meaning of unlocking the full potential of Cisco Live.
I have been going to trade shows for years dating back to the original Comdex in Las Vegas in the early 80s. When I started going to Cisco Live twelve years ago, I went to the vendor booths, went to the sessions, politely smiled and then left the room continuing my show experience. I was unknowingly completely neglecting the true spirit of the show – interaction with the Cisco Live presenters.
I go to Cisco Live because our company caters their boxes to the networking crowd, but I am a code engineer, networking is not my main skill so I felt a little out of place asking questions and interacting, I was assuming I was wasting the presenter’s time.
It took Cisco DevNet at Cisco Live Orlando in 2018 to make me realize the full potential of being at the show. After someone gave their presentation, they would also hang around the show floor and you could walk up to them anytime during the day and interact. You know what, its ok if you ask a question that may seem out of place or may require some time to fully answer your question. The presenters enjoy interacting and answering your questions, it gives them valuable feedback so they can modify their presentation for the future based on the questions.
Along with everyone else I have had a crazy couple of years, I have crisscrossed the United States six times (my son goes to Penn State), my wife and I have moved from Southern California to Cape Cod on the Eastern coast. Looking at the Cisco presenters for Cisco Live 2022 Las Vegas, a lot of them have changed, but there are just as many that are familiar names. I am looking especially forward to this particular show because it feels like coming home to a warm, familiar setting where you can rekindle old friendships and start some new ones.
Do yourself a favor, after a presenter has giving their presentation, make it a point to discuss any questions or comments you may have. If after the presentation you don’t want to wait in line to ask questions, look for them in the Cisco or DevNet area. Take that deep breath; gather your thoughts and talk to them, your show experience at Cisco Live will change forever.
It did for me.