Laracon EU conference 2016 — Day 1

After the initial worry about catching the right train, I mastered the short train ride from Amsterdam Central, arriving at 9am sharp. The backpacks and elePHPant t-shirts gathered to disembark the train was a welcome sign that I was on the right track.

The first sign of Laracon EU was a huge multi storey banner welcoming me to the venue. A short sigh of relief and a smile helped me to relax then the excitement began to build. The entrance was not obvious so I just followed the herd. We made our way through what I overheard someone describe as an eastern European airfield with its derelict buildings and large, open concreted spaces. The sight of old industry was everywhere, rusting and peaceful like a break after a job well done. It was a perfect venue for a high tech conference set against an industrious manufacturing backdrop.

We entered the building and joined the back of the queue. I say we, even though I travelled on my own I already felt part of something. The queue snaked around a mood light corner to the awaiting registration desk where we are split into last name lanes. A pleasant volunteer welcomed me as I showed her my ticket. After a quick flick through the name cards I’m registered. For me this was the start of Laracon EU 2016. Next stop: coffee.

I entered track 1, the main hall, and wow, it’s big! Previous Laracons have been in auditoriums so walking into what I can only describe as a hanger, signals that this is no ordinary meetup. The room was split into two parts: half auditorium, half socialising space. Plenty of seats and tables were surrounded by trestle tables and fridges full of drinks and snacks. I grabbed a bottle of water and scanned the room looking for familiar faces. I couldn’t see anyone at first glance so decided to take the opportunity to go back outside and soak up the sun.

I follow the queue back the way I came that now extended outside into the car park. It seemed that Jeroen’s efforts to inform people of trains was successful and everyone had turned up on mass. They were all in high spirits and the queue was moving efficiently: certainly a great start to the well oiled machine that Shawn, Jeroen and their team strive and succeed to achieve each year. After having already spoken to several strangers, I felt comfortable not knowing many people.

9:45am: 15 mins before Taylor’s keynote opening of the conference. I was excited now; the minor concerns of travel were behind me so I could relax and enjoy a great first day. I walked back inside and took my seat in the main theatre. The space was three storeys high with gantries resembling part prison, part power plant; you really couldn’t escape the industrial feel of this impressive place. The stage was surrounded by three large video screens which once again showed a significant upgrade from the usual single projector you would expect. The hall was buzzing with chatter and a low rumbling of background music. A Microsoft Windows Vista desktop appeared on screen which ignited emotions from the crowd. 2 minutes passed and Shaun appeared on stage to inform us of some technical issues with the screens, resulting in a 30 minute delay.

I could see Rafael Dohms and Frank De Jonge in the distance, the first familiar faces I’d seen, but as I was seated, I decided to catch up with them after the keynotes. Shawn and Jeroen looked calm but busy as I’m sure they were handling a million and one small problems; the scale of the conference was impressive and I suspect a significant challenge to coordinate.

A round of applause signals the screen is fixed and we are set to start. Not long now.

Keynote