First Impressions Of SAP TechEd 2008 In Berlin
If you didn’t catch it in the last update I posted – I was kindly invited by SAP’s VP of social media relations Mike Prosceno to attend their TechEd conference in Berlin as a blogger. By some bizarre stroke of luck I landed up with an empty seat next to me on a very full flight to Munich last night, meaning I got more sleep than I normally would. In fact I got more sleep last night than I get at home.
Our connecting flight to Berlin was delayed because there was, um, no plane to take us, but I was immediately struck by the helpfulness and professionalism of the German staff at the airport, as I have been with pretty much every one else I’ve come into contact with today. Pity the German embassy in South Africa gives one the opposite impression.
We were whisked straight from the airport to the ICC Berlin where the conference is happening. To quote David Terrar it’s a bit like being in the Starship Enterprise – enormous, technologically jacked and filled with odd-looking geeks.
I met up with Dennis Howlett, Tom Raftery, James Governor, Gregor Wolf and Prashanth Rai.
After lunch (and a cool chat with David Terrar) I decided to get back to my hotel for a quick shower, to return for some of the afternoon sessions. I greatly underestimated two things though – 1. How little I actually know about using any form of public transport whatsoever (how you know you’re a ‘rich’ South African) and 2. How buggered I actually was.
Once I’d finally figured out how to get home I crashed for a bit, had my shower after all and then took a brisk walk around the city closest to where I am. I snapped a few quick pics in 45 min and then got back to write this, a bit down that I missed some of the days best sessions back at the Mothership.
Pics are here: http://flickr.com/photos/mikestopforth/sets/72157607997110395/
A few things have struck me (so far) about Berlin:
1. It’s prettier than I thought it would be.
2. It’s gorgeous in autumn – we don’t get autumn trees like this.
3. Lots of people cycle here – and few are overweight (despite generous quantities of beer and eisbein in sight) – these are linked I think.
4. Tweens and Teenagers are so much more independent here – think it has something to do with feeling safe and being able to use public transport. I think it’s a good thing.
5. Public transport is awesome – I can’t wait for Gautrain.
That’s all I can think of for now – but it’s a super cool place. Wish you were here.
More updates tomorrow and follow what I have to say on Twitter too.
