RoadTrip: Nelson and Christchurch

RoadTrip: Nelson and Christchurch 18 Feb 2008 15:21

Following on from Wellington, we took the ferry across Cook Straight, having plenty of fun on the crossing by setting up a self dubbed "Ferry Area Network" utilizing our mobile data wireless router.

On arriving in Nelson we headed over to Tahuna Beach to present at the Tahuna Beach Function Rooms. A great venue, and all set up this time (Good work Nelson!). An hour later and we had a lively audience of ~35 joining us for session 8 of the Road Trip.

The session was awesome, and we all had a lot of fun. As Nelson is the home of SQL Services, it was no surprise that the new management features in SQL 2008 generated a lot of excitement among the group, along with the spatial enhancements of course. Additionally because "launch events" dont come to Nelson, there was general enthusiasm with just being part of the launch wave and getting a practical look at the new products and some of the ways in which they could be put to use.

One of our aims with the Road Trip has been to try and put a bit of a different spin on the things and really get the buzz out to the community in more of a "real" and "fun" way. We have certainly had fun, and from the feedback it seems like everyone has really enjoyed what we have put togethor.

As a presenter its also very pleasing when someone comes up at the end of the session and personally thanks you for making the effort to come out to their local region and giving them an "awesome presentation". Cheers guys - we all want to come back now so keep up the great attendance at your local user group! :)

Next stop was at Maruia Spring Thermal Resort on the Lewis Pass (SH7) for a quick bit of R&R and also because its the half way point between Nelson and Christchurch. They dont have any technology here (no phones, no cellphone signals, no internet), just mountains, rivers and hot pools.

After a good nights sleep, it was on to Christchurch where we were presenting at the Town Hall. Dan Wissa and Chris Fairbairn joined us for the second biggest session of the Road Trip with over 150 in attendance. Poor old ChrisA was feeling a bit crook but we still had a great time - although someone mistook Chris for Marc Ellis which was amusing :)

So week 2 all done and back to Wellington for the weekend!

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