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As Vice President of Conferences for Software Quality Engineering, Heather Buckman brings with her ten years of social work experience, five years of industry knowledge, and plenty of experience attending a variety of conferences ranging from the most simple of productions to more elaborate ones. She uses her unique blend of business and people skills to help maintain a constant focus on producing top-notch conference experiences with a rich educational and networking environment for Software Quality Engineering�s delegates. As industry demands change with the times, it is Heather�s goal to exceed the expectations of those who currently attend Software Quality Engineering�s conferences, while paving the way for tomorrow�s conference patrons. |
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The 2008 Better Software Conference & EXPO is right around the corner. It will be held June 9 - 12 in the always fun and glamorous Las Vegas, and we’re geared up for another great year of learning, networking, and fun. Read on to find out what’s new at Better Software Conference & EXPO as well as a few special treats to check out in Vegas (when you’re not learning, that is). I’ll add updates as we get closer to the event, so be sure to check back often.
In 2008, the Better Software Conference & EXPO is celebrating its 5th year. Each year the conference seems to get bigger and better, with a wide variety of pre-conference tutorials, concurrent sessions, and stellar keynotes. This year we’ve expanded our pre-conference tutorials to include a mix of full- and half-day options. We have increased our offerings from 14 in-depth tutorials in 2007 to 49 in 2008. That’s three times as many offerings! By adding half-day tutorials and also increasing the total number, we’re offering you dramatically more choices.
Another change for this year is that agile has a larger presence. Approximately 80% of our program is related to agile, and that translates into more of the information you need for your agile project. Whether you’re transitioning to agile or already working in an agile environment, the increase in agile offerings should give you a fresh perspective on how to tackle your project.
What else is new? We’re working on a new networking opportunity called “Open Space.” Open Space is an area where our delegates set the meeting agenda by proposing topics they’re passionate about. We know we can’t cover everything on the conference agenda, and we also know that our delegates have much that they can learn from each other. We tried it with much success at the Agile Development Practices conference in December, and we’re bringing it on board for the Better Software Conference & EXPO.
When you’re not in the classroom learning, Vegas offers plenty of opportunities for adventure. I’ve been going to Vegas for three years now with the Better Software Conference & EXPO, and each time I try to do something a little different. Last year I rode the Manhattan Express— a rickety wooden roller coaster at the New York, New York hotel. It was a little terrifying, but who am I to miss out on the opportunity to get a little whiplash? This year I’m thinking of trying out Insanity, The Ride. It’s a “massive mechanical arm that extends 64 feet over the edge of the Tower.” Dangling over Vegas in a mechanical arm sounds just my speed and should get my adrenaline going quite nicely for the conference week. I’ll let you know how it goes!
That’s it for now! The Better Software Conference & EXPO will be here before we know it. And Vegas will be waiting to welcome us.
Until Later,
Heather Buckman
Vice President of Conferences |
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