Ed Brill

My first Lotusphere '04 presentation was a treat... I'll write about the content in my still-as-yet-unwritten lotus.com weblog entry, but as for the delivery, well, that was fun.  The room was the same one used for the business development day keynote, so about half the room was arranged with round dining tables, and the other half with regular seating.  The room was also set up with wireless microphones, and I own a wireless mouse, so I decided I could have some fun.  For example, I started the session all the way in the back of the room and just started walking and talking towards the front.  The Q&A session was actually quite fun -- I decided to do my best Oprah Winfrey immitation, and wander through the crowd with both the handheld and lapel microphones, making the Q&A more of an informal chat.  For those who were seated at the tables, heck, I decided I could take a load off and have a seat with them while discussing their question.  Hey, why not?
So it was fun.  I think those who attended agreed, though I haven't read the evaluations, yet.  I did hear a funny story from one of the room monitors, but I think someone else is going to blog it.  
From there, straight into the abyss of the welcome reception.  Way too many names to blog, but I enjoyed meeting many of you for the first time and renewing contact with others.  Congratulations to Rita-Lyn -- the newshound has some big news of her own!  Very cool.  Also quite impressed to see my colleague from Moscow is here, Igor Bresus.  This is his third visit to the US -- twice this month, as he was also on the Vegas trip.  I can only imagine what kind of impression of America Igor brings back to Russia when his only times here he has been to Beverly Hills, Las Vegas, and Orlando, all for fully-paid-for company functions.
Post welcome reception was indeed time to visit Kimono's for some excellent sushi, friendly banter, and a bit of karaoke.  I have to admit, I hadn't ever done that before here at Lotusphere, and I'm not sure I'll repeat it.  If I do, though, the learning from today -- pick a perky song, not a ballad.  Otherwise, the spider roll appeared to be a hit with its requestor, and I was content to be kicking back on the Sprites.  Glad to see so many people there -- it wasn't packed, but it was a fun crowd that had energy and spirit.
Looking forward to Monday -- it will be so interesting to be able to see the general session through the eyes of so many, just by reading their on-the-spot reports on their weblogs.