My First Trip to Europe, New Friendships, and an Unforgettable Community Experience
After more than 25 years in data protection and nine years working with Veeam software, I've had the opportunity to work with some incredible technology, share knowledge, and connect with some amazing people.
But attending my very first Veeam100 Forum in Lisbon, Portugal, as a Veeam Rising Star was something truly special.
And to make it even better, this was also my first trip to Europe!
Exploring Portugal Before the Forum
Since I'd never been to Europe, I decided to arrive a few days early and explore Portugal with my girlfriend, Bonnie. And I'm glad we did!
Lisbon is an incredible city, full of history, beautiful architecture, and amazing views. One of my favorite experiences was taking a sunset cruise along the Tagus River, watching the sun set over Lisbon.
We also explored the famous Pink Street, where I decided to get my first tattoo of the trip!
Another highlight was spending a day in Cascais, enjoying the beautiful coastline and relaxed atmosphere. And apparently, one tattoo wasn't enough, because I decided to get another one while we were there!
We also visited Sintra, exploring its incredible castles and taking in the history and scenery.
Two new tattoos, incredible sights, and memories that will last forever. The second tattoo, a butterfly, holds a very special meaning to me. It represents my daughter Marissa, who passed away 17 years ago, watching over her brother Kenny. I also have pocket watch tattoos showing the exact times both Kenny and Marissa were born. These tattoos are more than just ink — they're a way of keeping my children close to me and honoring a bond that time can never take away. Getting the butterfly during my first trip to Europe made an already unforgettable experience even more meaningful.
My First Veeam100 Forum: Feeling Welcome from Day One
I'll admit, walking into my first Forum was a little overwhelming.
Here I was, surrounded by Veeam Vanguards, Legends, and fellow Rising Stars. Many were people whose blogs I'd read, whose contributions I'd followed, and whose technical knowledge I'd admired.
But that feeling quickly disappeared.
From the welcome party onward, everyone was incredibly friendly, welcoming, and approachable.
I even met several Veeam Vanguards during an elevator ride!
One of the best parts of the Forum was finally putting faces to names I'd seen throughout the Veeam Community Hub and LinkedIn.
It didn't matter whether someone was a Vanguard, Legend, or Rising Star. Everyone was there to share knowledge, build friendships, and enjoy being part of something special.
That's when I realized Veeam100 isn't just about recognition or titles. It's about the people.
Great Sessions and Valuable Conversations
The technical sessions were another major highlight, with excellent content, valuable discussions, and insight into Veeam's technology and direction.
As someone who spends a lot of time in the lab testing new features, building environments, and working with data protection solutions, I really appreciated hearing different perspectives and real-world experiences.
And some of the best conversations happened outside the sessions, during breaks, meals, and hallway discussions.
Those opportunities to exchange ideas with other passionate technology professionals were just as valuable as the presentations themselves.
Security Roundtable (Invite only session): Sharing Real-World Feedback
One session that really stood out was the Security Roundtable.
This wasn't a typical presentation. We had the opportunity to sit directly with Veeam developers and discuss security capabilities, what was working well, what wasn't, and what we'd like to see added or improved.
Having spent considerable time testing Veeam's security features in the lab, I really appreciated being able to share hands-on experiences and feedback directly with the people developing the technology.
It was an open conversation about real-world challenges and opportunities for improvement.
That's what makes the Veeam100 program so valuable. We're not just learning about the technology; we're contributing feedback that can help shape its future.
For me, this was one of the most rewarding technical experiences of the Forum.
What Being a Rising Star Means to Me
Being recognized as a Veeam Rising Star is something I'm incredibly proud of.
After 25 years in this industry, one thing I've learned is that you never stop learning.
I've always enjoyed sharing my experiences through technical blogs, hands-on lab testing, and community discussions. Not because I have all the answers, but because I'm constantly learning myself.
If something I've experienced can help someone else, then it's worth sharing.
Attending the Forum reinforced that belief and motivated me to continue contributing to the Veeam Community.
One Community, One Shared Passion
If there's one thing I took away from my first Forum, it's this:
We are one community.
Vanguards, Legends, and Rising Stars may represent different levels of recognition, but when everyone comes together, those titles take a back seat.
What matters is sharing knowledge, supporting each other, building relationships, and helping the community grow.
As a first-time attendee, I never felt like an outsider. I felt like I belonged.
And that meant a lot.
Leaving Lisbon With More Than Just Memories
Looking back, it's amazing how much I experienced in such a short time.
My first trip to Europe, exploring Portugal with Bonnie, a sunset cruise, Pink Street, Cascais, Sintra, and two new tattoos.
Then came my first Veeam100 Forum, filled with great sessions, valuable conversations, new friendships, and the opportunity to interact directly with Veeam developers.
I arrived in Portugal excited but a little nervous about what to expect.
I left with incredible memories, new connections, fresh ideas, and even more motivation to give back to the community.
And those two tattoos? They're permanent reminders of an experience I'll never forget!
Thank You, Veeam100!
A huge thank you to
To the Vanguards, Legends, and fellow Rising Stars I met, thank you for the conversations, laughs, knowledge, and most importantly, for making a first-time attendee feel so welcome.
I'm proud to be a Veeam Rising Star and grateful to be part of this incredible community.
The technology brings us together, but it's the people who make the community special.
Here's to new friendships, continued learning, and hopefully many more Veeam100 Forums!
Obrigado, Lisbon! And thank you, Veeam100!
