Eric Stewart: Running Off At The Mouth

Cisco Live 2023 is in Las Vegas again this year, from June 4th through the 8th.  I’m all registered (I even have a full Sunday schedule).  The session catalog is available but it doesn’t look like scheduling (beyond the hands on/seminars you have to pay for) is open yet.

I could retread entire blog posts about travel, Las Vegas, and Cisco Live, but I’ll keep it short: Think ahead when it comes to what will be required of you going through security and metal detectors; be sure to stay hydrated and indoors as much as possible; and you don’t have to fill every minute of your schedule with a course.

This year, while Cisco suggests you be fully vaccinated, they aren’t requiring proof of vaccination.  So, I would say additional caution may be required when in close proximity to such a large group of people; last year saw several of my friends (who were fully boostered!) catching the bug and testing positive when they got home.  Cisco is also encouraging face coverings.  This is one thing I thought the vendors could have capitalized on, but didn’t – they could have offered swag masks and gotten some free advertising.

I’m probably going to have to dart out of my afternoon seminar a little early – the Arrival Tweetup starts at 5:30pm this year (while the afternoon sessions run 2pm – 6pm).  Similar to last year, the Departure Tweetup is scheduled late morning at 10am-11am, and I’m guessing there won’t be afternoon classes, nor does it appear as if there’s going to be proper closing keynote again; there will likely be “something” on Wednesday like last year, but no word on who.

Same for the Cisco Live Celebration – it’s the standard 7:30pm – 11:00pm on Wednesday, but no word on who the performer(s) will be.  You’ll know when I’m allowed to tell you (which may not be until after everyone already knows).

So, get your registration squared away, your hotel, and your flights!  It will be June before you know it.

Now, while I’d rather not have the competition, it would be unfair if I didn’t point out that on the Social Media page there’s information about entering the usual blogging contest.  Prizes include free labs/technical sessions, a full 2024 conference pass, front row keynote seating, or (my personal favorite) suite upgrade for your conference hotel room.