The data gives you answers to questions you didn’t even know there were answers to,” said bestselling author Michael Lewis, in an exciting Super Session that reflected on Wall Street, major league sports—and why we can’t discount the human factor in technology. Lewis’s books on the role of data in sports and financial markets have spent weeks on bestseller lists, and the journalist and author shared his fascinating research with Citrix SVP, business strategy, and chief marketing officer Tim Minahan in this morning’s Super Session.

Super Session highlights

“If human beings were natural statisticians, there would be much less opportunity to exploit it with better data,” Lewis said, explaining how enterprising analysts in baseball and on the trading floor found a way to leverage data to their advantage, making millions in the process—stories he told in Moneyballand Flash Boys.

Lewis’s research points out that “people who aren’t using analytics intelligently are making intuitive judgements—and they are flawed.” At the same time, he says there’s a limit to using algorithms alone to make decisions. Lewis explained that the work of finding a balance between data and people never really ends. His most recent work, The Undoing Project, concedes that even when we’re aware of our cognitive bias, we’re incapable of correcting for it. The only way forward? “Humility,” he says. “You have to acknowledge your flaws.”

I’m so thrilled we were able to bring this thought-provoking and accomplished writer to our popular Super Session series, and hope you enjoyed the session as much as I did.

Spotlight on social

I know I say this every year, but I can’t believe another Synergy is coming to an end. I’ve captured my favorite tweets throughout the day, touching on everything from the Michael Lewis Super Session, why Synergy is so valuable, and the view from a couple of great breakouts. Keep tweeting—use #citrixsynergy—and remember to fill out the surveys so we can continue to refine and improve your conference experience. I’m looking forward to seeing your impressions from tonight’s Final Night Party. Meanwhile, here are today’s favorites:

Up next: Final Night Party

Hope you had a chance to make-your-own trail mix in the Happy Trails Snack Break before the Solutions Expo shut its doors for the final time. Soon it will be time to get ready for a spectacular Final Night Party at House of Blues Anaheim, with special guests Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Taj Mahal, and Javier Colon. One of the coolest things about every House of Blues is the metal box under every stage that’s filled with Delta Mississippi mud—so that every performer has the roots and the spirit of the South planted beneath their feet. It’s going to be a great celebration of blues and soul, and a memorable close to Synergy 2018.

If you haven’t already, please pick up a Final Night Party wristband at the Giveaway Desk. If you’re bringing a guest, you’ll both need to be there in person and present government-issued identification to pick up your wristband. Also be sure to bring government-issued ID and your conference credentials to House of Blues: you need all three to join the party! Buses will be leaving both hotels beginning at 6:00 p.m. PT, and running continuously until 11:30 p.m.

Coming soon: Citrix Synergy 2019

It’s been a blur of a week, with intensive learning and networking around the clock. Remember, you can revisit the highlights anytime on Citrix Synergy TV, which features the keynote and breakout sessions on demand. Attendees will also have access to downloadable presentations from your My Account beginning May 21.

Thanks for joining us at Synergy 2018, whether virtually or in person, and for following me on Twitter @merisummers. Stay in touch as we begin the planning for Citrix Synergy 2019, May 21–23 in Atlanta, Georgia. Visit www.citrixsynergy.com to keep up with the latest news and special offers.