April, 2008

This is really just a day trip, but since it was to a new location, I figured it was deserving of its own web page. A good little company called IBM was good enough to host a one day conference at the Belleview Hyatt, which is a super swanky hotel in the heart of Belleview. I dare say, I have not had such a good time at a conference ever. Not to sound like a corporte stooge, but the break-out sessions were actually really helpful and informative. There were some very dynamic speakers, with information that was interesting to me. And the food was amazing!!! Also really great to catch up with friends and co-workers (who are often one in the same) and to meet a load of other like minded professionals. A really great day.

	Here's one building in the beautiful Belleview Hyatt. A nicer hotel could not be hoped for. Well, you could hope for it, you just probably wouldn't get it. Not in Belleview, at least.		Downtown Belleview on my way back from the conf. It was about 2 in the morning by this time. A VERY full day.
	Ah yes, what conference would be complete without the obligatory booths! I'm sad that we had so little time to check them out, as there were a few vendors that I was quite excited to speak with. Side note: man, what happened to the times when I'd be out running around forests and stirring up trouble? Now I'm getting excited by booths. How the mighty have fallen :)		Speaking of food, this was but ONE of the snicky-snack set-ups that they laid out for us. There were three such "stations" scattered throughout the two floors the conference was occupying. From left to right, we have brownies, double choco-dipped rice crispy treats, chocolate cups filled with mouse and a raspberry drizzle, and choco-covered cheese cake. Yikes.