Cisco Live 2022: Cisco Champions Champion Chats

Cisco Live and cisco Champions come together

So, I got you here with yet another meme.  I’d like to say that is enough of an accomplishment for me and my work is done, but we have an agenda here.  Today I wanted to bring in some super talented people from the Cisco Champions program to give you some insight on their experiences and tips related to the not so far away Cisco Live.  I sent each Champ a list of questions to gain insight into  their favorite moments, pro tips, what they aim to get from attending, and how being a Cisco Champion changes their experience.  Click the image below for more information on all things Cisco Live!

Cisco Champions, Who are they?

The Cisco Champions are a group of people from around the globe who have a shared interest in the technology, solutions and hardware that Cisco offers.  They are considered “technical influencers” and engage with Cisco throughout the year offering feedback in all areas of technology Cisco has to offer.  No, we aren’t like the Kardashians posting pictures on Instagram in seductive poses while holding the latest network gear.  I could be convinced, but most of what we hear about is under NDA, so you would never get to see it anyhow.

If you would like more information about the Cisco Champions program , check out the Cisco Technical Influencer Hub.

introducing our champs

Being a Cisco Champ has some advantages.  My favorite is the Webex chat groups that allow you to communicate with brilliant people from every facet of IT.  We have groups spanning topics from Cisco Live information to “Animals Of Champions: Goats, Alpacas, Bunnies, etc.”  So I popped in the Cisco Live attendee group and asked for some folks to answer a few questions for your benefit.  Below we will find the Champs that generously offered some of their time to answer a few questions.  If you are interested in connecting with these fine folks, their information is listed at the end of this post.

 How many times have you been to cisco live

In my last blog I mentioned that I am a new to Cisco Live with this being my first year attending, so I wanted to know what kind of experience these Champs were bringing to the table.  I expected to get some answers like two or three times.  Maybe even 5?  Carole shows up with a solid 20+ times, including vendor booth support, presenting sessions and labs, and as an individual just enjoying the experience.  This year she is branching out and taking in a 4-hour lab!  Sam Clements gauges his Cisco Live attendances in hats, with his alleged first time being the Minion Hat.  Based on my detective skills this equates to CLUS Orlando 2013.

Daren hails from the UK and has been to Cisco Live Europe otherwise known as CLEUR three times and Cisco Live US once, making his trip across the pond his fifth this year!  Ken also is a pond hopper and has been going to Live in both Europe and the US each year since 2010, now that is commitment.  It doesn’t hurt that his company has been maintaining a booth in World of Solutions during that time.  Micheline has been to CLUS twice and adds in a virtual visit for good measure.  Last but not least David mentions that he believes his attendance is now in the realm of double digits.  Why do we care how many times these lucky souls have been to Cisco Live?  Read on to see what kind of experiences you might have and tips to make your journey that much better.

Can you recall your favorite Cisco Live experience

As I read through the answers to these questions, it was funny to see a few people had very similar responses to a couple of my questions.  I can tell you that Susie Wee  formerly with Cisco, now with Google, was popular with two of our Champs.  David remembers hearing some engaging presentations she gave.  Ken on the other hand had quite the adventure that led to meeting Susie on a bus heading to the party at Universal studios.  The TLDR version (he said I could cut it but we will just shorten it) is he was tired and didn’t want to go, a buddy convinced him he should using some “colorful” language, so he high tailed it to the buses and he made the last bus.  Being the only one he sat in the front, and a minute later Susie Wee and her husband get on and sit nearby.  With some  reservation, thinking it was time for her to decompress, he decided to let her know about his enjoyment of the DevNet zone anyhow. This turned into a great conversation that continued all the way to the event.  He credits this experience to his DevNet Creator Award, Champions membership and many new friends.  Maybe more like Too Long Had To Read Anyway….whatever it’s my blog.

Carole remembers an event where she was part of a huge human foosball game, where they were in harnesses in rows and could only move like the actual foosball game.  I would remember that as well Carole! 

Sam recalls meeting John Chambers and Chuck Robbins on several occasions throughout the years.  As a NetVet (attendees who have attended the last three out of five years) he enjoys the annual reception they receive with Cisco leadership. 

Daren remembers meeting Terry Slattery CCIE #1026 in a CCIE Star Wars themed party in 2018, doing a Cisco Champion Radio interview with Donnie Savage, the man responsible for implementing EIGRP in IOS, and chatting with Russ White in the Certification Lounge.  More on this later, there is a running theme all the Champs have. 

Micheline became famous by making it on the jumbotron during the keynote warm-up video!

What do you hope to achieve by going to Cisco Live

Ken, “A successful event to me is when, after the show, I have a notebook full of things I want to try that have not occurred to me before, or a new angle of something I have been doing forever that could benefit by the new insight I have gotten from a presentation, a presenter, DevNet or one of the many people that I like to see while I am at the show.”

Sam, “Networking with peers, customers, co-workers, the Cisco mobility team, and of course – friends.  Keeping current on technology changes – not just messaging but observing how my customers perceive the message of the year.  Live is *the* place for interactive technical content.  It’s one thing to read a 700 page guide, it’s another thing entirely  to talk or listen to the folks that build the solutions tell in their own words what makes them special and unique.  The technical deep dive content is what gets me out of bed every morning of the conference!”

Daren, “Ah, this event will be different to any I’ve been to before simply because I’m working!  I’m there with my employer, working the booth in WoS, delivering a session on the stage, and presenting to Tech Field Day delegates.  Success then = people engaged and wanting to talk about IP Fabric.  Any other time, success would have been being able to talk to my heroes.”

Carole, “I plan to re-connect in person with many people.  I also plan to attend multiple technical sessions and meet-ups, and exchange ideas about network issues and best designs and real life practical workarounds.  I plan to take a certification exam as well.”

Micheline, “The most important aspect of Cisco Live is the human networking.  A successful Cisco Live is a reconnection with old colleagues and making new connections.”

David, “Due to the pandemic the biggest thing I’m looking forward to is reconnecting with past colleagues.  Second objective is to learn more about Webex CC as I’ve been more and more involved with it.”

How does being a cisco Champion improve cisco Live

I asked the champs “As a Cisco Champion, what does that mean to you as it pertains to Cisco Live?”.   Most of the champs had similar things to say about how as Cisco Champs, we have access to a lot of behind the scenes action like sneak peeks of new products, meetings with the upper echelon at Cisco whom I’ve been told really desire our feedback, special Champs only lounge, behind the curtain NOC tour, a special night time event, and much more.  I know one of the things I am looking forward to is the Cisco TV Studio Tour.  I’m not much for being in front of the camera, but I am always interested in seeing how things are put together.

What is your Pro Tip for anyone heading to Cisco Live

David and Micheline offer us some practical advice about how to keep your body feeling its best, mentioning you should sleep well, bring comfortable shoes (you will be walking A LOT), bring a hoodie, and drink lots of water.  All great tips and simple things folks might overlook.

And almost by unanimous decision, the most important thing to do at Cisco Live……..

Having known Sam for a few years now as we both work for Presidio it was interesting to hear that he is a self-described introvert.  I have been to multiple trainings he has put on, watched presentations he has given online, listened to podcasts he has participated in, among many other public facing events.  To know everyone isn’t an extrovert is mildly comforting.

Sam has this to say, “Connect with people. Our industry is full of introverts (me being one of the biggest!), and having to overcome that is difficult, but worthwhile. It’s easy to say, “go out and connect with people” but it’s another thing entirely to do it when the time comes. This year is going to be a year of “getting back into the groove” for many of us to begin with, so expect awkward interactions, but most importantly, be tolerant, accepting, and open to new experiences.” 

Carole takes my anxiety to a whole new level offering this advice, “Bring a bunch of business cards. Use the breakfasts and lunch periods as times to meet new people. Ask if you can join a table that has people you don’t know and introduce yourself and hand out a business card. Then offer a summary of why you are attending and ask if folks will chat with you about why they are at CiscoLive, and what they are trying to find out during the week.”.  I’m all about meeting new people Carole, but my inhibitions make casually sitting down at a table full of new faces a challenge.  I will vow to try to do this at least once!

Ken keeps the personal connection theme going, “It’s all about the people.  First the people that keep Cisco Champions running are about the most tireless, involved and committed group I have ever known. There is never an un-answered email or WebEx message, it truly is amazing. Second, it’s about the Cisco Champions themselves, it’s the most diverse group of people I have ever met. Everyone has their own experiences, specialties and stories to tell. When we get together the subject matters run the gamut of Cisco devices, networking, security and even old video game restoration.”.

Final Thoughts

It was a humbling experience having these generous Cisco Champions offer up their time, bringing you a new take on Cisco Live from experienced industry veterans.  I want to personally thank you for carving some time out of your busy schedules to offer invaluable insight to those participating in Cisco Live 2022 and beyond.

Make sure you Follow our Champs

David Macias can be found on Twitter, LinkedIn and posting on his Blog.

Carole Warner Reece can be found on Twitter.

Sam Clements also prefers the Twittersphere and can additionally be found on the Wi-Fi Pros Slack Group.  If you are in the Wi-Fi world and would like an invite, shoot Sam a message.

Micheline Murphy is another Twitter enthusiast.

Ken Partridge goes for four ways to connect with Twitter, LinkedIn, a Blog he visits occassionally, and an EMAIL.  Please don’t spam Ken, we just became friends….I think.

Daren Fulwell, last but not least provides us with his EMAIL, LinkedIn and Twitter links.