Something that's relatively new for TechCon 365 is the idea of Roundtables. Daniel Christian had mentioned it in this podcast so expanding on it will be the focus of this blog.  

What is a Roundtable? 

The concept is simple, get a group of people together, set up in a small room space and have a discussion on a topic.  Everyone is invited to participate. 

What will be presented?  

The idea of a roundtable is that it's more focused on the conversation, not a presentation. It's low tech, meaning, no microphone, no projector. Yes, there are "speakers", but they take more of the role of facilitators. Knowing how to drive a topic conversation as well as keeping everyone on track. 

Why should I attend?  

A few reasons other than the conversations are so rich and valuable. It's not planned content, but sometimes the conversation can be just as enriching and enlightening.  But it's also a great place to network with other people. It's great to find out things that can't be answered in places that have the formal documentation, by people that have done that type of work. It's a place to bring your questions or ideas on the topic area and filter through a group of people with similar passions. It's also an opportunity for you to get involved and make the conference a little more interesting. 

What roundtable should I go to?  

There are several planned for the upcoming 2025 TechCon 365 season.  Power BI/Fabric, Pro Dev, Power Platform, Security, User Adoption but also subject areas that you wouldn't necessarily find at a conference like learning theater techniques or neurodiversity applied to the tech space. Whatever you're interested in its open.  

Challenge yourself to attend at least one of these types of sessions and you may just walk away from something valuable. Who knows, you may even have a few more informal roundtables while over lunch during the conference.  

To find the Roundtable sessions, go to the agenda and enter the search word "roundtable".  

I've visited Seattle many times, my first visit being in the summer of 2013. Each time I visit, I find new things to explore and walk down memory lanes with those places I've already been. It's a vibrant city with lots of things to do and highly recommended to get out and get a little exploration while doing a conference is never a bad thing. So, here's a list of the top 10 generated from the friendly Copilot but of course with the friendly edit.

1. Pike Place Market: This iconic market is a must-visit for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse offerings. From fresh produce and flowers to local artwork and vinyl records, there's something for everyone. Don't miss the famous fish tossing and the original Starbucks that is across the street.  This is also the place where you will find the famous gum wall which is great to take a picture by, but just a little gross otherwise. 

2. Space Needle: No trip is complete without at least seeing the Space Needle once. A symbol of Seattle, the Space Needle offers breathtaking views of the city, Elliott Bay, and the surrounding mountains from its observation deck. The 43-second elevator ride to the top is an experience in itself. When I visited in 2013, the observation area didn't have the glass floor yet, but it now does, which can be a little un-nerving albeit perfectly safe.  

3. Chihuly Garden and Glass: This is on my personal bucket list, and I can't believe I've been going to Seattle for 17 years and have never seen this. I plan to rectify this in June. This stunning exhibit showcases the colorful glass art of Dale Chihuly. The indoor and outdoor displays are mesmerizing, and the museum's interactive mobile guide enhances the experience with maps, schedules, and audio guides.

4. Seattle Center: Home to the Space Needle, Seattle Center is a hub of cultural attractions. Explore the Museum of Pop Culture, Pacific Science Center, and the International Fountain. The center also hosts performances by the Pacific Northwest Ballet and Seattle Opera.  Like I said before, there is something for everyone in Seattle. 

5. Seattle Art Museum (SAM): SAM is one of the West Coast's most important art museums, featuring a diverse collection of artworks. The museum's three locations—downtown, the Asian Art Museum, and the Olympic Sculpture Park—offer unique experiences

6. Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP): Another place that is on my personal bucket list to see/do in Seattle. Designed by Frank Gehry, MoPOP celebrates music, science fiction, and pop culture. Exhibits cover everything from indie video games and horror films to Nirvana and Jimi Hendrix. 

7. Seattle Aquarium: Located on the waterfront, the aquarium is a great place to learn about marine life. Highlights include the underwater dome, touch tanks, and daily animal feedings. I simply cannot imagine a better place to learn about aquatic life... ok, maybe in Florida. This is great for those of you traveling with the family.

8. Kerry Park: For postcard-perfect views of the Seattle skyline, head to Kerry Park. It's a popular spot for photographers and offers stunning vistas of the city and Mount Rainier on clear days. Speaking of Mount Rainier, if you fly into Sea-Tac on a clear day be sure to look out the windows as you may get an incredible view of this iconic mountain. 

9. Ballard Locks: Watch boats pass through the locks and see salmon navigating the fish ladder at this unique attraction. The surrounding gardens are perfect for a leisurely stroll.  There's also some great resturants up and down the waterfront that makes for a very relaxing place to enjoy the views.  

10. Fremont Troll: Apparently Trolls in Seattle are a thing. Now one being under a bridge brings me back to my childhood days of playing in the park where kids would hide under a bridge-like structure and scare others when they crossed the bridge, but this one has to be more humorous than scary. This quirky sculpture under the Aurora Bridge is a fun stop for visitors. The giant troll clutching a Volkswagen Beetle is a favorite for photos.

So, there you have it.  Lots to do, however I'll add one that maybe isn't on the top ten list for most visitors but something that will interest you and that's a trip to visit Microsoft. Even if you can't get an official tour, there are places you can go, like Building 92 to take a picture of the famous Microsoft sign out front. It's best if you can get an official tour however and maybe even pick up some Microsoft merch while you're there. Whatever you do, have fun, be safe.