Aug 08 2008

Rumors, I’ve Got Rumors…

Categories: Conferences,GBN Dave Rathbun @ 7:53 am

A few days ago I posted about the new GBN (Global BusinessObjects Network) organization. They’re going to be responsible for the user conference this fall that is replacing the “Insight” conferences run by Business Objects in the past. One of the questions posted as a comment to that post was this:

Will the Global BO Network be organising the conferences around the world?

We over here in the Asia-Pac havenÒ€ℒt had one for awhile…

I did some digging and asking around and some guessing, and at this point I have some rumors to share. πŸ™‚ From what I can tell, the intent is to sponsor several conferences a year. If that is the case, then the Asia-Pacific Rim area should be on the short list of options to consider. I suspect that we will see plans for GBN-sponsored events in both Europe and Asia-Pac in 2009 along with at least one large “Insight-style” event in the US. Part of the reason for me guessing this is they will want to put their best foot forward in order to secure long-term support and interest for their program, and the best way to do that will be to get out in front of the users. By doing that, they can share their vision and mission with the largest group of people… which should ultimately prove beneficial for both parties if they can deliver. And from our first conference call (in my earlier post I mentioned that I was selected to the steering committee for the GBN) one of the focal points was the “G” or “Global” nature of the program.

Getting global events running would be the best way to reinforce that concept, yes? πŸ˜‰

The EU-Insight from earlier this year was in Berlin along with the SAPPHIRE conference. Given that the GBN wants to emphasize the independence from the product company I would expect that future conferences will not be held in conjunction with SAPPHIRE but will instead be a separate venue. Most of this is guess-work at this point as the new organization is just getting off of the ground. If I learn anything concrete I will be sure to share it when I can.

2 Responses to “Rumors, I’ve Got Rumors…”

  1. Comment by Joshua Fletcher

    Hurray, thanks very much for posting this Dave! πŸ™‚

    Good news, and you should definitely attend if you can.

    – Josh

  2. Comment by Dave Rathbun

    Remember it’s just a rumor (albeit from a good source) and an extrapolation on my part. πŸ™‚ Nothing is concrete yet.