Well, it is October and time to start the countdown to the IBM IOD conference, held every year at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Convention Center.” This year’s event runs October 21-25.
This is my favorite event of the year because it is just chock full of data, database, and information management topics. The conference boasts over 700 technical sessions covering everything you’d want to know about DB2, Informix, MDM, Big Data, analytics, content management, and more.
My schedule is already filling up. On Tuesday, October 23rd, from 2:00 to 3:00 PM I will be at the IOD book store signing copies of my two new books: DB2 Developer’s Guide 6th edition (completely updated for DB2 10 for z/OS) and Database Administration: The Complete Guide to DBA Practices and Procedures 2nd edition (the industry’s only book on best practices for heterogeneous database administration thoroughly updated and revised for 2012). Bring your copy or buy them on-site at the IOD book store, where all of the books are discounted by 20 percent! The bookstore hours can be found online.
I’m also giving a presentation this year titled “Ten Breakthroughs That Changed DB2 Forever” (Session 1066). If you are interested in hearing my opinion on what the most important, transformative, and innovative changes that have been made to DB2 in its nearly 30 years history, then you won’t want to miss this presentation. I’ll be delivering it on Thursday, October 25th from 10:00 to 11:00 AM in the Islander B room.
I’m also looking forward to the many announcements that IBM will make during the week. There is always something new and exciting being delivered by IBM at the IOD conference. And by being there in Las Vegas, you get to hear about them first!
Finally, although IOD is mostly about learning and engaging with peers, it also has its fair share of fun. On Tuesday (October 23rd) the evening networking event boasts performances by two phenomenal bands: OneRepublic and Barenaked Ladies. I’ve been a fan of Barenaked Ladies for years and I’m especially interested in seeing them. Did you know they perform the theme song to the hit TV show “The Big Bang Theory?” And I also have to mention the annual mainframe shindig at the House of Blues. The “Z” party this year is on Wednesday October 24th from 7:30 to 9:30 PM. But you’ll need you “Z” pin to get in! (You can get a free “Z” pin in DB2 for z/OS & IMS sessions, at the pedestals in the exhibition center, or at the demo suites.)
If you are going to IOD this year be sure to stop me and say “hello”… and if you aren’t? Well, there is still time to reconsider, because the Mandalay Bay and IOD is the place to be this October.
