V-Soft was a bronze sponsor at ServiceNow’s Knowledge16 conference in Las Vegas, Nevada in May. While we were there we learned quite a lot about the ServiceNow platform and made many great connections during the week. Here are a few things that we wanted to highlight from the experience.
The Go-Live Party
Although we arrived late to the party and things seemed to have been winding down, there were still groups of people standing around booths and getting to know each other. The general feel was loose, relaxed, and friendly. Although we were frazzled and excited from our long trip to Las Vegas (which came with our fair share of hiccups), we still socialized and managed to meet quite a few interesting folks. Plus, free decorate-your-own cupcakes. Those were a huge hit.
Knowledge16’s Keynote Takeaways
Invigorating, full of energy, and confident. Those are the three things we would use to best describe the keynote speeches. They were passionate about the changing of times and how the ServiceNow platform can help propel technology forward. He mentioned how we've come to expect spectacular service as a consumer. For example, how many people utilize mobile check-ins for flights instead of waiting in line at a kiosk.
Author's note: I used mobile check-in for the first time ever on this trip. Totally worth it.
Despite how consumers are expectant of having this service available to them, many companies are still lagging behind in the workplace itself. ServiceNow CEO Frank Slootman explained how incorporating better service can improve productivity, raise employee morale, and better work flows.
The Expo
The size of the expo itself was substantial. Far larger than we had anticipated. Over 11,000 attendees came out to the Mandalay Bay convention center in Las Vegas with over 150 sponsors/booths on the floor. ServiceNow had even offered excellent catered breakfasts, lunches, and snacks (did I mention free ice cream?), so we were constantly fed while at the conference. We spent most of our time here maintaining our booth and answering questions that anyone may have had about V-Soft. Think you spoke to one of us? Here's a handy post where you can put a face to a name from the team that attended.
ServiceNow Breakout Sessions and Labs
Our own Prasad spent most of his time at Knowledge gaining just that – knowledge of the ServiceNow platform. When asked what he thought about the trainings, all he could do was smile and say, “Wow.” What Prasad was able to confirm was the depth of learning opportunities ServcieNow brings in the Knowledge16 conference.
V-Soft’s Thoughts on Knowledge16
While we spent a lot of time selling ourselves, we had an excellent opportunity to learn about current and projected trends in technology, as well as what unique features companies were putting into their ServiceNow implementations.
A few personal takeaways to finalize our thoughts:
- Everyone knew the platform. We were actually quite surprised at how well-versed in ServiceNow the attendees we spoke to were. They knew exactly what they were looking for and why.
- The ServiceNow community is a tight-knit one. It was almost as if we were going to a family reunion. SNUG members everywhere enthusiastically hi-fiving one another and lunch tables were crowded with people from so many different industries in so many different countries. There was no barrier between anyone at the conference.
- The party was awesome. But really, what else is to be expected with live bands, great food, and great company?
All in all, we are excited for Knowledge17. Next year it will be held in Orlando, Florida. Be sure to sign up for Knowledge17 updates to keep up on all things ServiceNow.
