MSDD: No WiFi? No Big Deal.
I took my laptop computer with me to DevDays thinking that they'd probably have wireless internet access (WiFi) like they did during the PASS Community Summit. After all, it was in the same convention facility. Even the same room whence I posted one blog note while Gordon Mangione was talking. But I was disappointed to find out that there was no WiFi signal to be found.
My first thoughts were, "Was this a conscious decision, or merely an oversight? Why wouldn't Microsoft provide this?" And it bothered me a little bit. I had thought I might blog direct from the event. But now looking back on the day, I'm glad it wasn't there. If it had been, I might have been tempted to blog direct from the event. Yes, I know that sounds repetetive, but really, the point is that I was there to learn some new things and to make some new contacts, and if WiFi had been setup, I would have been distracted from those two goals. So, now, I'm happy it wasn't there. (BTW, I found out later that it was indeed a conscious choice.)
But don't get me wrong. If this had been a multi-day event like PASS, then I definitely think that WiFi, or at least an "internet pavillion" would have been called for. This was only a one day event. I know some people will say that they need access in order to check on things at the office, or some such. But let's be honest here, if your company cannot last without you for one day, you have a very weak company. You need to learn to develop some leaders in your company, or at least one competent manager. You might want to read the book Developing the Leaders Around You by Dr. John C. Maxwell. In the meantime, you better pray that you don't come down with any serious illness like I did several weeks ago. It was so bad I couldn't even get to my computer in my own home for 3 days. But really, many of us just need to learn to unplug once in a while. And hey, you might even make some new friends.