On Monday morning, suitcase in hand, I set off for Lisbon for the Veeam 100 Summit. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect: it was my very first time attending such an exclusive event, reserved for members of the V100 program. I was curious to experience the atmosphere, meet the teams and take part in the discussions that have made this event so renowned.
Why this Summit is different
The Veeam teams are all about transparency: throughout the event, they engage in discussions, answer questions candidly and share their vision about data resilience. In fact, the discussions continue well beyond the sessions, whether in the corridor or over a meal. You come away with a real understanding of the direction Veeam is taking, far beyond what you might read in press releases.
And then there’s the community. Bringing together enthusiasts and experts from all over the world and from all walks of life in one place creates a special energy. Discussions start over a coffee and carry on into the evening, with everyone sharing their real-world experiences, tips and mistakes. You learn just as much in the corridors as you do in the conference rooms.
Monday: settling in and getting to know each other
After checking in and collecting our swag (thanks, Veeam!), the evening kicked off with the ‘Welcome Party’ on the hotel’s rooftop. It was hard to beat the setting: Lisbon stretched out before our eyes, and it was the perfect opportunity to put faces to names that I’d previously only known through social media and forums.
Tuesday: Deep diving into Veeam's roadmap
This day was devoted to exclusive content: detailed technical presentations, product developments and outlooks for the coming months. Due to confidentiality, I can’t reveal anything, but rest assured there’s plenty to get excited about.
At the end of the day, Scality treated us to a drinks reception. It was a great opportunity to unwind, continue chatting and take in all the information from the day.
Wednesday: frank questions and the closing night
Another series of sessions in the morning, followed by the ‘Ask Me Anything’ session, where everyone could ask questions directly to the product teams.
For the closing night, we headed to SUD Lisboa, located on the banks of the Tagus. The venue was superb, the atmosphere was warm, and it was a wonderful way to round off the event.
Thursday: one last stroll before departure
As my flight wasn’t until mid-afternoon, I was able to wander through the streets of Lisbon in the morning. Just long enough to appreciate the city and regretting not having more time.
In summary
Four action-packed days, top-quality content, enriching encounters and a magnificent city: this first experience exceeded my expectations. Thank you Veeam for organising the event, and to the whole V100 community for their warm welcome. I was absolutely delighted to meet in person people I admire or with whom I regularly exchange ideas with here.
One thing is certain: if the opportunity arises again, I’ll be there.
