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BP301 -Accessibility for the Visually Impaired with IBM Lotus Domino

QuickImage Category LS 2006

I received "official" confirmation last night (too late to blog about it). I am now allowed to talk about this publicly: I'm presenting at Lotusphere 2006. Woohoo!

I know several of my regular readers have presented at various conferences, including Lotusphere; they can probably understand my feelings about this. This will be my first "big" presentation in years. Yes, I've taught more classes than I can count; and I presented at "Lotusphere Comes To You" in California back in 2001 (Domino Everyplace Enterprise Server); but this is different. This is Lotusphere. For a (not so) humble developer from Arizona, this is big time hubba hubba stuff.

Yes, I'm tooting my own horn just a little, but I think I'm allowed a bit of celebration. Even though this will be my 4th Lotusphere; Lotus Notes / Domino development have been my bread and butter since the days of R3. To me, this is akin to being called up from the minor leagues to play ball for the Diamondbacks. (Ok, given the last season, perhaps the White Sox).

Am I honored to be presenting? You betcha.

Am I humbled? Absolutely. I'm going to be "rubbing elbows" with some of the brightest folks I've ever met; people who are experts about something I love. (Ok, to be honest, I've rubbed elbows with many of them at Turtle's parties in the past, but this it the first time I'm going to be there as a presenter, not a spectator.)

Am I excited? I've already done the "happy dance" several times today.

Am I scared out of my wits? I think I just soiled myself.

-Devin

Comments

Gravatar Image1 -

BTW, Am I the only one who thinks this Lotusphere Guy reminds him of this NBA Guy?

-Devin

Gravatar Image2 - You'll be great. Congratulations! I still remember my first time speaking at Lotusphere. Scary, but exciting (although I had the kind of audience that was doing the wave and cheering every time I started speaking, which made it a little hard to concentrate - long story, another time). Now, get working on that presentation!

Gravatar Image3 - Congratulations! Interesting topic.

Gravatar Image4 - congrats man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gravatar Image5 - We'll heckle gently... :)

Gravatar Image6 - Awesome dude! Talk about a tough topic since it can't be done out of the box.

Does this mean you will be staying on site this year?

Gravatar Image7 - Congrats Devin. See you there

Gravatar Image8 - Devin, you earned it. Congratulations.

Devin submitted the only abstract on accessibility, at least in my track. I felt this was an important topic to be discussed, and deserved at least one hour on the Lotusphere stage; and given Devin's extensive work in this area, I knew he would be a great speaker and subject matter expert on the topic.

Also, if you, gentle reader and Lotusphere attendee, agree with me please show your support by attending the session. Good attendance gives me ammo to repeat a subject like this next year, so show Devin some love and help the cause.

Once again, congrats Devin - you earned it

Rock

Gravatar Image9 - Thanks for the support everybody.

@5 - Well Tom, I guess it's my turn. However, unlike some others, I do NOT plan on any "money shots".

@6 - Hey Chris. When I originally registered, I selected an offsite hotel. Now that I'm presenting, I have received permission to stay onsite. Problem is, both Dolphin & Swan are waitlist only right now. So I've booked at the Beach (of the Y&B). It is a bit of a walk, but still better than having to drive every day. It is a bit more costly than the Dolphin or Swan, but then again, I don't have to pay the $7.50 / day "special" fees.

Hope to see you all at Turtle's party after registration on Saturday.
-Devin.

Gravatar Image10 - Okay, Bill brought Scotch to his session last year.... and you have been talking about all the beer you're brewing... so will we be having a beer tasting in the Q&A room after you're done?


BTW, you planning to play anything for the Jam Session? I'm trying to decide whether to bring the Martin Acoustic or the Fender Strat.

- chuck -

Gravatar Image11 - @10 - Chuck, I am so happy to know you are going to be there.

As far as the beer goes, I need to figure out all of the legalities on how to get it there. I don't know if I can legally ship 1 (or more) cases ahead of time; or if I would have to bring it as part of my carry on, which may or may not be allowed. If I can ship it to the hotel ahead of time, that would be the best. Barring that (such as the hotel refusing to accept it for me before I arrive); and assuming it was legal, my next step would be to ship it to somebody I know who is driving there (perhaps Turtle, Jonvon, Julian, or Joe), and "trust" them not to drink it before arriving. Suffice to say, if I can figure out a way to get it there; I will be providing "samples".

Regarding the Jam session: I'm not planning on bringing anything this year (well, perhaps I could squeeze my harmonica along). If things go right, I'll bring something next year.

-Devin

Gravatar Image12 - I'm driving. You can ship it to me here in Alabama and I'll put it in the back of the Explorer when I head down.

I stopped flying after the 1 hour flight from Pensacola turned into a 7 hour trip... that included a turboprop to Tampa and a limo ride back to Orlando... barely made it to the Dolphin for the beach party Sunday.

I now grab a couple of books on tape from the library, load up the cooler with snacks and drinks and hit the highway.

- chuck -

I'll email you tomorrow with my contact info and if you want to ship me some beer I'll promise not to drink it before I get to Orlando.

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