Cool QuickPlace stuff
Just as at Lotusphere, I was looking forward to hearing about some of the latest cutting-edge stuff being done with QuickPlace, and I wasn't disappointed. Rob Novak and Viktor Krantz of SNAPPS presented some of the cool things they're doing with QuickPlace, including incorporating it into a dynamic portal that includes Sametime and iNotes functionality. They're also leveraging the power of XML to better display and consolidate information. I was also really impressed by the fact that they have now found a way to view PDF, CAD, and Visio documents inline in a QuickPlace. Very cool.

Dealing with information overload
As with many conferences, Lotus Advisor DevCon gives you a lot of information to absorb in a short amount of time. You've got to take it easy and avoid trying to be a mental Hercules, expecting yourself pick everything up. My advice is to decide on a few areas of focus and a few key questions that have been bugging you and stick with those. Of course, you're going to find other things that interest you or that you'll want to learn more about, but make sure you have a core three to four questions or issues you must get answered or learn more about. That'll help you to make the most of your time. You can't take it all in, so don't even try. Remember, it only takes a few valuable ideas to make it all worthwhile for you. Also, make sure to schedule some time to review the material after the conference. I realize that this is easier said than done, but if you can do this, you'll be among the elite of the elite.

This year, the proximity of the dates of Lotus Advisor DevCon to Lotus DevCon/IBM developerWorks Live! was a bit challenging. I'm actually finishing this article after the first day of IBM developerWorks, and already my brain is feeling a little overloaded because I got so much information from Lotus Advisor DevCon that I haven't totally processed yet. I think I need to just go sit on a mountaintop for a few days and let it all soak in.

What conference should you go to?
This is a difficult question to answer. Everyone has different needs, learning styles, and preferences. Personally, I think that you should try all the major conferences at least once, rather than sticking to just a single conference, no matter what it is. I love Lotusphere, I'm learning a lot at IBM developerWorks Live!, but there's still something special about an Advisor conference that I really enjoy and that brings me back (this was my third Lotus Advisor DevCon). Going to a variety of conferences helps to give a wider perspective of the industry and really season you as a Lotus professional, so if you haven't been to a Lotus Advisor DevCon yet, find a way to go. As I mentioned earlier, the next Lotus Advisor DevCon will take place September 8-12 in Baltimore, Maryland. Find out more by going to http://Advisor.com/DevCon.

Conclusion
I believe that the benefits you get from a conference are directly related to your eagerness to learn. If there's no limit on your eagerness, there's no limit on the amount of benefits a conference can give you. If you haven't already attended a Lotus Advisor DevCon, I recommend you give it a try. And if you've already attended, then you're already fully aware of the value it offers. I look forward to seeing you at a future Lotus Advisor DevCon.

Bain McKay is Executive Vice President and Chief Scientist of CIRI Lab Inc. where he and his research team build advanced Knowledge Management technology using the latest methods in Cognitive Science and computing technology. Bain can be reached at bmckay@cirilab.com or at http://www.cirilab.com.