Once again, it’s time for all data enthusiasts to emerge from all over the world to unite in Seattle, Wash. for the 2014 Tableau Conference – also known as TC14. It’s going to be hard for me not to refer to it as TCC14. For those who’ve been attending the conference every year: We can now say that we have a badge of honor or that we're vintage, right? Regarding this year’s conference, I couldn’t be more excited.
If you’ve never been to the conference, or desire to have a more successful conference, there are some tips that will prove useful. I thought I’d throw my thoughts together regarding those tips as well as things that you shouldn’t miss at this year’s conference.
The Venue
Washington State Convention Center.
This place is huge. Make sure you have comfortable shoes and are ready to walk. I should also mention that if you are planning on carrying a backpack or laptop bag, smaller is better. Some sessions at the conference may be extremely full due to the topic, presenter, etc. You wouldn’t want to be “that” person who’s hitting everyone with their bag as you find your seat. Plus, it’s just easier to manage a small bag in general.
Above: Entrance to the Washington State Convention Center.
What to Expect
Every year, I’m amazed when I leave the conference. I’m energized, focused and ready to take on whatever is thrown my way. I think this is due to the quality of the sessions I’ve chosen to attend and the experience of the conference overall.
Above: The masses gather for a keynote speech.
The conference is a combination of absorbing knowledge from a fire hose during the day and enjoying yourself at night. Tableau treats you as their honored guest at “The Party” where you have plenty of time to explore the host city. Being that this is Tableau’s hometown, this year should be especially good. To summarize, you’re in for an exhilarating ride that will have you excited about Tableau and the future of the tool, yourself and data exploration.
Quick Survival Tips
Having now been to several Tableau Conferences, here’s a list of my essential tips to make the conference enjoyable:
- Bring comfortable shoes.
- Bring several business cards (you'll have opportunities to network everywhere).
- Prepare for sessions you want to attend ahead of time. Pick several sessions in each time slot.
- Never skip a meal and have a small snack with you each day.
- Bring your preferred method for taking notes, be it laptop, tablet, notepad, etc.
- Focus on the conference unless an emergency arises. Work will be there when you get back.
- Make reservations for dinner ahead of time if you are a large group.
- Take time to visit every booth at the expo. Watch demos and take in all the knowledge you can.
Above: Don't forget the essentials.
What Not to Miss
Keynote Speakers
All the keynote speakers are normally excellent speakers that you don’t want to miss. That said, you definitely don't want to miss the first keynote with Christian Chabot and Chris Stolte. You’ll likely see what new Tableau features are in the works, find out when a new major release is planned to hit and hear from the developers themselves. This session is always a must-see for every attendee.
Above: Christian Chabot delivering the TCC13 keynote speech.
The Expo Hall
The Expo Hall is a can’t-miss location for all TC14 attendees. It’s not only where we will be eating, but also provides opportunities to intermingle with Tableau partners and employees. You will find Tableau-centric partners, demos of Tableau tools to maximize your Tableau experience, database vendors fielding questions and showing off their advances, and so much more. Come prepared to ask questions or just hang around and listen to great conversations around all facets of the Tableau development cycle.
Above: Last year's InterWorks conference swag. The Expo Hall is a great place to load up on goodies like these.
Be sure to find the InterWorks booth in the Expo Hall. Several InterWorks consultants will be there ready to chat about all things Tableau, including myself. We’ll even be giving exclusive demos of our Power Tools for Tableau.
Tableau Doctor
Do you have an issue or question around how to do something? Are you stumped trying to figure something out? Do you have a performance problem? Stop by on the first day and set up an appointment to see a Tableau Doctor about your specific problem. Once you setup your appointment, come by the InterWorks booth and talk to me! I’d be happy to discuss what’s going on and give you some guidance.
Data Night Out aka “The Party”
Three words: Don’t Miss This.
Tableau knows how to throw a party. From being on an MLB field watching fireworks to the Newseum, past parties have not disappointed those who have gone. Network, eat great food, have a good time and relax for an evening.
Above: In case you forget, Tableau likes to remind you when it's party time.
Tableau Store
Want some Tableau swag to take back with you? Make sure to hit up the Tableau Store. You’ll find shirts, hats, mugs, books and more.
Sessions
All the sessions have great appeal. As with most conferences, there is no way for you to clone yourself and get to everything. Prior to coming, take some time to go through the list of sessions and pick out which are most beneficial to your role. Find what you want to learn about.
There are customer stories describing their journeys with Tableau, talks from Tableau employees themselves and even hands-on trainings. Each session is assigned an experience level. If you see something that interests you, don’t let that deter you from going to that session.
Above: Our session with Facebook at TCC12.
I went ahead and made a viz featuring all of the TC14 sessions. You can check it out here. Be on the lookout for an update to this viz that will show InterWorks’ session picks, many of which we’re attending ourselves.
Community Hub
Ever wonder where those crazy profile photos come from on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter? You know, the ones that state: “Data-Whiz,” “Beauty and Brains” or “Talk Data to Me?” The conference photo booth is the source. Visit the photo booth at the Community Hub to get yours.
Above: InterWorks' Brian Bickell (left) and Tiffany Spaulding (right) posing in the photo booth.
Food & Drink
The food is normally very good. There are many selections that mix cultural influences, like Luau Day. At least that’s what I called it when everything seemed Hawaiian at a past conference. Being that TC14 is in Seattle, I'm hoping that the food is going to be even more of a treat.
Above: Last year's dining area.
If you want to get your caffeine fix, InterWorks has you covered. We’re sponsoring three espresso bars at the conference to keep you going! You can also find out more about Power Tools at each bar. It’s a double whammy.
Enoy the Conference!
I hope you’ve found this quick post helpful with what to expect and how to have a successful conference. Remember: Stop by the InterWorks booth and say HELLO! I’d love to meet all of you.
You can learn more about what InterWorks has planned for TC14 at our official TC14 press release.
Follow us on Twitter for updates and conference coverage. The official TC14 hashtag is #data14.