It’s been a long day here at MAX. This is the first chance I have gotten to get to my computer, and it looks like all of the bloggers here have beaten me to the punch. But, here are some thoughts on MAX thus far:
The opening keynote was superb, definitely one of our more exciting keynotes, and without a doubt the loudest. After several “let’s tease Ben” segments courtesy of Kevin and Shantanu, I got to present two segments. The first concentrated on ColdFusion. I talked about the CF/Flex integration in CFMX 7.0.2, showed the ColdFusion Flex Application Wizard, and then discussed “Scorpio”. I did not have time to cover Scorpio in detail, but mentioned the sessions on server monitoring and .NET integration, and then showed a little of the imaging capabilities, a subset of what is covered in the image session. The second (which, apparently, surprised many) was on PDF/SWF integration. I first showed some current PDF functionality, concentrating on PDF form field recognition and turning forms into live intelligent forms. I then showed a sneak at the ability to auto-generate a SWF version of a PDF form by running wizard in LiveCycle Designer. I also pointed out that Scorpio, when it ships, will also integrate with PDF forms and allow PDF file manipulation.
This afternoon I presented a 90 minutes session on getting started with CF powered Flex. Despite some initial logistical and technical hurdles, the session went really well. I present that session three more times over the next two days.
We also hosted two ColdFusion BOFs this evening. The first was an open discussion on ColdFusion IDEs, the interaction was far less contentious than I had expected, and we received lots of great feedback. The second was our annual “Meet The Team” session, this time featuring several former members.
Overall, Day 1 has been a phenomenal success. The buzz is good, the crowd excited, the noise level high, the sessions well received … today felt like MAX is supposed to feel.
The only bummer is the venue. Don’t get me wrong, The Venetian is an amazing hotel, and Vegas is, well, Vegas. But I am reminded of why I am not a big fan of these type taking place here in Vegas. There are too many distractions, too many other events going on, too much distance between rooms … it’s hard to find folks just hanging out. Still, this has been a great Day 1.
Tomorrow’s keynote concentrates on mobile and devices. Yep, we’ve done that before, but this year we have an announcement that should make the content far more relevant. Stay tuned!
MAX Day 1 Roundup
3 responses to “MAX Day 1 Roundup”
-
<<< The only bummer is the venue. Don’t get me wrong, The Venetian is an amazing hotel, and Vegas is, well, Vegas. But I am reminded of why I am not a big fan of these type taking place here in Vegas. There are too many distractions, too many other events going on, too much distance between rooms … >>>
I am sad to report this is my general feelings about the venue selection this year, as well.
Indeed, I’d even go so far as to say: the daily walk through the Sea of Ugliness between the Venetian and the hole I was forced to stay at (thanks to splendid government per diem rates – the Imperial Palace), this twice a day ordeal put a rather significant damper on the entire gig.
Hoping for a more MAX 2005 atmosphere for next year…. -
Dale, Vegas was not our first choice, primarily due to cost. Don’t get me wrong, I have no problem with Vegas per se, and The Venitian is an amazing venue, but I just don;t like these types of events there. And no, we are not planning on returnign to Vegas in 2007.
— Ben -
I did not mind the walk from Ceasars Palace (government rate was $100 a night). The only thing that bugged me was lack of places to sit and then all being crammed through the tight hall to get to the general session!
Leave a Reply