My header photo is from @JamesBulpin, proving that even our minifigs are excited for the kickoff of Citrix Synergy 2018 tomorrow in Anaheim, California. (Thanks, James; hope you enjoyed the in-flight Kit Kats.) I’ll be blogging each day of the conference to bring you the highlights as I do every year, and I encourage you to follow Citrix on social, especially ‪‪#CitrixSynergy on Twitter. Every time you post using #CitrixSynergy this week (Mon-Thurs) Citrix will donate $1 to STEM education nonprofits, up to $50,000! I’ll be featuring some of my favorite tweets from the conference each day, and with all the big announcements, we’re sure to be trending, so join the excitement wherever you are.

I hope that wherever you are is right here in Anaheim, where we’ve been since last week, getting everything ready for a spectacular conference. If you were unable to make the trip, you can still join us virtually: we’ll be live-streaming the Opening Keynote tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. PT on Citrix Synergy TV as well as top technical breakout sessions. Check out the schedule, and join us for great insights and inspiring new technology. Citrix Synergy TV also will offer on-demand viewing immediately after Synergy, with all videos available by May 11. If you’re attending, you’ll also be able to download presentations from your My Account tool beginning May 21.

Here’s a preview of what to expect tomorrow. But first, a few tips:

  • Download the Synergy Mobile app and build your agenda with a mix of interactive sessions, breakouts and special events. And play GameOn! You’re automatically entered into the game when you log in to the mobile app for the first time, and you’ll unlock badges and earn points as you attend sessions and complete activities. Keep an eye on the leaderboard!
  • Don’t miss the Opening Keynoteand Super Sessions. You’ll see some incredible demos, meet the Citrix Innovation Award winner, and learn how Citrix is powering a better way to work. You’ll also hear from Dr. Condoleezza Rice, 66thS. Secretary of State, and New York Timesbestselling author Michael Lewis.
  • Visit the Citrix Experience Centerand see how Citrix is making the future of work possible right now from the perspective of a tech CEO, surgeon and IT admin.

Monday highlights

Almost 400 customers and partners attended the Instructor-led Learning Labs preconference workshop, which concludes this evening and which featured a great networking reception last night. This is one of the most popular features of Synergy every year. It sells out quickly, so if you were unable to access the labs of your choice, preregister early next year: the package includes up to three labs for $99. Remember also that you can access the same content in Self-paced Learning Labs, which are available every afternoon in Synergy Park, no reservations required. Check out these labs—they were the most popular this weekend: LAB602: App layering integration with XenDesktop using PVS and User Layers and LAB606: Using NetScaler MAS to provide visibility and analytics in an enterprise environment.

Looking ahead: Opening Keynote and Citrix Experience Center

Tomorrow, Citrix president and CEO David Henshall will share the Citrix vision for the future of work. He’ll be joined by Diane Bryant, chief operating officer of Google Cloud, to discuss the integration of Google Cloud Platform. Tim Minahan, SVP, business strategy and chief marketing officer, will talk to customers about workplace innovation, and what they’re achieving with Citrix. Then, chief product officer PJ Hough will be showing us demos of some amazing new technology. I saw a sneak peek today, and trust me, you don’t want to miss it.

Also tomorrow, you’ll get a first look at the completely reimagined Citrix Experience Center, which shows you how every Citrix product fits together to deliver your most complete, integrated solution for securely accessing your apps, desktops, and data from anywhere — and providing visibility everywhere.We’re telling that story in demos and immersive experiences so you can see how it will work in your company, and how you can use it to your competitive advantage. The Citrix Experience Center is the heart of the Solutions Expo, where you’ll also meet our sponsors and explore the best of what’s new to help you in your digital transformation.

What’s next: Navigators Reception

I’m headed over to the Navigators Reception shortly. Whether you’re new to Citrix or one of our much-appreciated alumni, you can get pointers from Synergy experts on finding the sessions and events that best fit your conference goals, meet reps from our Citrix User Group Community (and join a local CUGC) and just generally discover how to make the most of your time here. Come on over to the Anaheim Marriott—we’ll be in Salon 6 in the Platinum Ballroom, Lobby Level, at 6:30 p.m. for beverages and hors d’oeuvres.

Welcome to Anaheim, and have a great Synergy!

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