SQL SERVER – Attending MVP Open Day – May 2011

The MVP Open Day is an exclusive event for Asia Pacific & Greater China MVPs. MVPs from the region gather and have great time together. It is mix of education, fun and networking. I have previously written my experience over here.

SQLAuthority News – MVP Open Day South Asia – Jan 20, 2010 – Jan 23, 2010 – Review Part Fun

SQLAuthority News – MVP Open Day South Asia – Jan 20, 2010 – Jan 23, 2010 – Review Part Business

SQLAuthority News – Author Visit – South Asia MVP Open Day 2008 – Goa – Group Photo

This year again, I am going to visit MVP Open Day which is scheduled from 19th May to 22nd May. Every time I attend this event I make a point to maximize my time spend there. I was recently asked by my friend what are my tips to get maximum out of the event.

There is no one size which fits all. From technology to technology and from person to person these tips can vary. However, here is I used to do to maximize my time. You can read the list and decide for yourself.

DO:

• Do make a list of the people you MUST meet and send them email earlier requesting their time and attention.
• Do create list of the topics you want to discuss with product team, fellow MVPs and community leaders attending the event.
• Do express your feeling about product to product team without hesitation.
• Do attend all the technical sessions related to your technology.
• Do meet new people when there is no session related to your technology.
• Do share your business card when introducing yourself. (Excusing for not have your business card handy is usually lame excuse)
• Do understand that most of your sessions are usually NDA so no sharing of the information outside the group.
• Do attend all the community and network building parties – they are fun way to know people.
• Do take photos of emails, phone numbers, links shared by attendees, presenters as that is the most accurate way to capture data.
• Do make others aware what your current profession is as well what you do. You never know when you need each other.
• Do blog, tweet your experience it is fun way to document our learning.
• Do NETWORK, NETWORK and NETWORK – this is your chance!

DO NOT:

• Do not over solicit your business at this event. Usually people do not like it. They will reach out to you themselves in need. (Read Suprotim‘s comment below)
• Do not verbally abuse compete technologies in public. Try to balance your views with reasons and data points.
• Do not skip breakfast – it is not only most important meal of the day but there is great conversation at the breakfast table.
• Do not drink too much – no one likes to drag you to your room :)

This guideline is to just give my perspective and no way to constraint the experience at the event for anyone. The goal is to have fun and build relationship with your fellow MVP.

Reference : Pinal Dave (https://blog.sqlauthority.com)