Yesterday was day 1 of this years KaizenConf and it got started off with a bang. I was not able to make it to most of the conferences pre-conference workshop, but I was able to make it to one.
Fluent APIs with C# - Chad Myers
Chad put together a great workshop about how to leverage the C# language to build DSL's/Fluent Interfaces. He walked the group through the various type of DSL's and how each one can be created and used. He did a nice job of backing up each of the DSL types with pretty simple and easy to follow examples. By the end of the session the group really was getting into the why of DSL's and how they can be beneficial to your team.
Planning the Openspaces
The kickoff to any openspaces conference it the planning session. Kaizen was kicked off with a bang, Scott Bellware and Doc (sorry do not know his last name) did a great job of setting up the rules of the conference and then leading us to a great planning session. What was really cool is that the majority of the sessions proposed where non-technical in nature (meaning there were only a few 'how do I use XYZ technology).
The reason I am happy about the lack of technical sessions proposed is because the majority of the sessions are on lean, Kanban and general improvement topics. And since this is a Continuous Improvement in Software Development Conference, this is exactly what I was looking for.
I am looking forward to today's sessions and am plan on learning how I can help to bring awareness and change to my organization.
Post Planning Beers
Some would say that this type of conference is really about the social interactions outside the actual conference. Typically I would agree with this and tonight was no difference. After the planning session a few of us headed back to the hotel bar to have few drinks and great conversation.
What really set this 'beers and chat' session apart from many others is that the Tom and Mary Poppendieck joined us (if you do NOT know who they are you really need to read their books). It was awesome to be able to pick their brains and gather years worth of insight. If you just sit back and listen to what they have to say you would be amazed with the amount of experience and insight they have and how they are both able to convey there experiences in a clear and concise manor.
Another really great thing is that I am able to meet some people that I have been interacting with (via twitter, IM, etc) for many months. It it always nice to be able to put a face to a name/twitter handle.
Looking forward to what todays sessions bring..... stay tuned it should be good.
Till next time,