What to Expect from Cisco Live!
Cisco Systems is one of the largest networking companies in IT, and its annual conference, Cisco Live!, is the company’s biggest party of the year. Last year, more than 15,000 people attended the show, and you can expect similar numbers this year in San Diego, where the show will be held June 10–14 at the San Diego Convention Center.
While there will be plenty of fun to be had (Weezer is performing!), the event will also offer educational IT sessions, product demos and thought-provoking discussions.
Here’s a quick look at some of the highlights from the upcoming show:
Speakers You Don’t Want to Miss
Who: John Chambers, CEO and Chairman of Cisco
When: Tuesday, June 12, 10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Why: Chambers has been at the helm of Cisco for the past 17 years, and during his time as CEO, he has transformed the organization from a $1 billion company into a $40 billion IT heavyweight. Chambers’s experience and vision set the tone for Cisco and its Cisco Live! event. His keynote address should not be missed. He’ll provide an overview of the IT landscape and announce Cisco’s plan for innovative new solutions.
Who: Padmasree Warrior, Chief Technology Officer, SVP Engineering, GM Enterprise Business, Cisco
When: Wednesday, June 13, 10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Why: As the company’s CTO, Padmasree will share both internal and external experiences in IT business strategy. She’s been working to push IT innovation and experimentation within the organization, and it’s a good bet that bring your own device (BYOD), cloud computing and collaboration will be topics of discussion during her keynote address.
Who: Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman, hosts of Discovery Channel’s Mythbusters
When: Thursday, June 14, 2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Why: This Emmy-nominated duo is known for pushing boundaries, questioning conventions and challenging norms, so attendees can expect the unexpected as Savage and Hyneman close out Cisco Live! with their keynote address. Perhaps there will be a little audience participation during this segment?
Hands-On Tech at Cisco Live!
One of the unique components of Cisco Live! will be the Walk-in Self-Paced Labs (WISP). Attendees will be able to experiment with Cisco products and solutions at their own pace or work through a 30–60 minute predesigned scenario. The labs available for this year’s show include CCIE practice exams, SSL VPN, TelePresence, FabricPath, and the Cius tablet.
So, techies, get ready to roll up your sleeves and get hands-on with Cisco technology.
Social Media and Virtual Attendance for Cisco Live!
Can’t make it to San Diego? No, problem. Cisco will provide remote access to the conference with Cisco Live 365, the company’s virtual ticket to the show. Did you expect anything less from the company that brought you TelePresence?
Here are some of the official features of Cisco Live 365:
- View Cisco Live! conference content available only in Cisco Live 365.
- Use the integrated search and content recommendation tools to search thousands of sessions and partner content and then bookmark them for later viewing.
- Rate, review and share content with your network.
- Receive content recommendations based on your interests.
- Download Cisco booth content and partner information in the exhibitor resource centers.
- Contribute to the conference conversation with social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
- Throughout the year, view thousands of on-demand sessions and participate in monthly live events that will help you extend your existing network and learn the latest business practices.
Rock Out with Weezer
For alternative-rock fans, having Weezer play at Cisco Live! will be a little like Christmas coming early this year. Known for their hit records “Buddy Holly,” “Island In the Sun” and “Beverly Hills,” the band is sure to put on a rockin’ good time. This is the beauty of tech conferences — you can go for the IT and stay for the show.
