There are only 2 days to go until Oracle CloudWorld in Las Vegas, the largest gathering of Oracle customers, partners, developers, and technology enthusiasts of the year! That’s right, folks; we are finally back in person.
Of course, the database team will be there. You will have multiple opportunities to meet with us in one of the informative executive keynotes, technical sessions, customer sessions, or hands-on labs.
But what can you expect from this year’s event?
To help whet your appetite, here are some of the things I’m looking forward to at this year’s CloudWorld.
Reconnecting with the community
If you have ever been to an Oracle OpenWorld conference, you will know there are always plenty of chances to network throughout the day and into the evening. But this year, after two years of pandemic living, I reckon it’s more important than ever to spend time face to face with friends and colleagues to catch up and to learn from one another. 
That’s why I’m looking forward to networking on the expo floor, meeting customers in the Executive Briefing Center (formerly CVC), hanging out in our Expert Lounges, and kicking back with friends and customers at the legendary Oracle Party featuring the Steve Millar Band.
Getting Inspired
There is nothing quite like attending an Oracle Keynote by Larry Ellison to reignite my love of Oracle technologies. Larry never fails to deliver insights on our end-to-end data strategy and the latest on databases, apps, analytics, and our cloud services.
There will be three other Keynotes along with Larry’s this year featuring Oracle customers and leaders offering additional insights and inspiration on tech and apps.
I’m particularly keen to see Andy Mendelsohn and Juan Loaiza’s Solution Keynotes. Andy will share details on Oracle Database Directions on Tuesday, October 18th, at 12:15 pm. While Juan will be introducing new capabilities that are Revolutionizing Objects, Documents, and Relational Development on Wednesday, October 19th at 11:15 am.
Boosting my knowledge
This year there are even more ways to boost your knowledge and build your skills at CloudWorld via technical deep dives, panel discussions, hands-on labs, and more.
With hundreds of in-depth learning sessions across nine different tracks, no matter your role or where you plan to run your Oracle systems (in the public cloud, on-premises, hybrid cloud, etc.), we will have all the product updates, technology deep-dives, and best practices sessions you need. Choose a track based on your focus areas to get information, advice, and best practices tailored to your specific needs and goals.
I plan to spend most of my time in the database and developer tracks. You’ll hear about new product enhancements and what’s next for the Oracle Database and be able to attend deep-dive sessions on Machine Learning, Graph, Spatial, JSON, REST, APEX, MAA, Exadata, and App Dev. These sessions will be jam-packed with technical details, tips, and tricks you can take home and apply immediately, not marketing hype. You can check out the entire searchable catalog online.
I’m particularly looking forward to sessions on my favorite topic, the Oracle Optimizer. There will be sessions by Nigel Bayliss, the Optimizer product manager, covering the Oracle Database 19c Optimizer (Thursday at 9 am) and the new Automatic Indexing capabilities (Tuesday at 4:40 pm). There will even be a session on Optimizer Hints given by little ole me (Wednesday at 3:45 pm)!
As well as in-depth technical sessions delivered by Oracle experts and Aces, you will also get an opportunity to try out all the technological innovations you hear about in our Hands-on-Labs.
Putting my knowledge to the test
One of the other things I’m looking forward to participating in at Cloud world is the OCI certifications. You can earn a recognized OCI certification credential with on-site preparation classes and exams. I’ll definitely try my hand at the updated Oracle Autonomous Database 2022 Certified Professional exam.
Visiting Las Vegas again
Las Vegas is the ultimate home to world-class entertainment, cuisine, and nightlife. If you are a foodie like me, a trip to Las Vegas would not be complete without checking out some of the incredible restaurants they have on offer. Whether you want a great steak, sushi, or a vegetarian feast, Las Vegas has you covered. After all, you will need some fortification after spending all day learning and trying your hand at the latest Oracle technology.
Regardless of what you look forward to at Oracle CloudWorld, I hope to see you there!
If you can’t make it in person, be sure to sign up for a digital pass, so you don’t miss any of the action. I have a code you can use to get a free Cloud World Digital Pass! Simple use Comp Code: OCWDIGITAL.
Register for Oracle Cloud World today!