We can’t predict the future, but we can prepare for it. As Citrix product engineers focus intensely on innovating and iterating, our events team concentrates on how to showcase those new technologies for our customers and partners. That’s why, by the time you arrive at Synergy for training and networking, we are looking 12 months into the future to the next Synergy event. Then, after you leave the conference, we get busy reading your comments and reviewing attendance numbers to understand which programs worked well and which we’d like to repeat. This year-round focus ensures that Synergy remains dynamic and continues to evolve to better meet your professional goals.
So what’s in store for Citrix Synergy 2018, May 8–10 in Anaheim, California? Here’s a sneak peek at what we’ve been planning!
Behind the scenes: Synergy 2018
Synergy 2018 will feature even more of what you loved from 2017, from interactive sessions like Fireside Chats and Hot Topics Roundtables to the Innovation Super Session series that debuted with New York Times bestselling author Malcolm Gladwell and former U.S. Secretary of State Gen. Colin Powell. You told us that you thought their talks on the future of work and cybersecurity were the highlight of Synergy 2017—surprising, uplifting and inspirational. We set a high bar for ourselves, and we’re working on even more incredible speakers for 2018. Who would you love to see next year? Share your thoughts in the comments!
We’re also bringing back the longer, 90-minute technical sessions, which were a direct result of your requests for more time to go deeper on technical subjects. We’ve developed amazing new programs based on survey results, including Match.Geek and Hot Topic Roundtables for one-on-one and small group discussions with industry experts.
Like many Synergy attendees, you may have participated in Simply Serve @ Synergy, whether playing logic games or assembling STEM kits. But Simply Serve is more than just a meaningful microvolunteer experience: this year, a few intrepid Citrites facilitated the Battle Bots competition, pitting 15 teams from a middle school robotics team in a fierce test of engineering, electronics and programming skills. The social media campaign to support the competition included a $1 donation to the Heart of Florida United Way for every tweet using #citrixsynergy. “Hopefully we’re encouraging a whole classroom of new engineers,” said Chris Matthieu, director of IoT Engineering. Hear more from Chris about the competition in this Orlando Sentinel interview. It’s part of a sustained Citrix corporate commitment to support at-risk youth and STEM education, and you can definitely expect more from Simply Serve and Corporate Citizenship at Synergy 2018.
You can also count on an unforgettable Final Night Party. Attendees had a blast this year as we took over Universal CityWalk™ and the entire Universal’s Islands of Adventure™ theme park. Think we can’t top that as we switch coasts to California next year? We’ll be revealing details on www.citrixsynergy.com, so stay tuned!
New location: Anaheim, California
One great feature of Synergy 2018 for attendees from Asia-Pacific and the U.S. West Coast: less jet lag! We’re excited to move to Anaheim, which hosts some of the top technology shows in the world, including CES, NAB and InfoComm, along with more than 1.5 million business travelers a year. Also, the Anaheim Convention Center is about a mile from Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park, so be sure to schedule some time pre- or post-Synergy to have fun with your family or friends. There are also plenty of quirky attractions around Anaheim to keep you entertained, along with near-perfect weather and abundant sunshine.
What else can I tell you? Dates for Synergy 2018 have shifted from late May to early May, so be sure to add the conference to your calendar now. Registration opens once again in November to help you plan well in advance and apply any unused 2017 training dollars.
We’ll keep you posted on key dates with regular news on www.citrixsynergy.com. This year, our website becomes a year-round source of information on Synergy 2018 as well as access to the best of Synergy 2017, including Citrix Synergy TV for on-demand viewing of keynotes and select breakout sessions. You’ll also get updates on the end of year sale and Call for Topics: each year, the proposals get more and more amazing, so watch for the announcement. The lead presenter chosen for each session will receive a complimentary full-conference pass!
I hope to see you in Anaheim for Citrix Synergy 2018—add May 8–10 to your calendar today. Join the interest list for Synergy 2018 and I’ll also update my feed with news as it happens: follow me on Twitter @merisummers.
