This year's Common Annual Conference and Exposition in New Orleans, LA exceeded my expectations from the beginning to the end.

I love starting the Conference with the Common Cares 5K sponsored by one of our partners, Fresche Legacy. First, it is a great way to contribute back. This year it was to Make it Right. But also, it is fun way to get started and pumped up for the conference. From the initial coffee and water jolt to crossing the finishing line to cheers and jeers, this year did just that. Granted, being in New Orleans, the morning did seem to come a bit earlier than past years. The weather turned out to be quite nice for the run and there was a great turn out of runners and walkers all cheering each other on. Thanks to the volunteers that guided us along the course and gave the needed inspirational cheer as we passed as well as the locals in the park, some of who also got into the spirit to cheer us on. Looking forward to the run next year in Orlando. Be sure to check out the video from Fresche Legacy on the race.

We had a great time in the Exposition Hall once again this year. The excitement around our new Web Line-of-Business Framework and Generation really exceeded our expectations. I mean, we know it is great new technology, but to see everyone else get really excited about it was, well, really exciting to us. Look out for more to come from us on that front. We are now actively looking for beta customers prior to the official release in early July. Beyond the excitement of the new technology there was strong continued interest in our current modernization tools and professional services. All of it kept us very busy at the booth discussing everyone's development and modernization challenges and providing some ideas and demonstrations as to how we can help. Have a look at the slide presentation that was looping in the background and give us a call at (239) 405-8427 or drop us a note for us to show you the demos.

The Educational Sessions presented by the most respected, skilled and knowledgeable presenters are always the mainstay of the conference. And this years selection was no exception. With over 300 educational sessions, labs, and all-day workshops, this conference offered plenty for everyone. I was happy I was able to catch a few more than usual this year. And, of course, We had the opportunity to present a couple sessions of our own again this year. If you were not able to catch our sessions, have a look at The Top 7 Pillars for Accelerating Mobile, Web and Windows Software Development Slide Deck and Accelerating Software Modernization with Surround Technologies’ Strategies, People, Process and Tools. Slide Deck and please drop us a note or give us a call, (239) 405-8427, if you want more information.

Wow, Wow, Wow! Our Tuesday night Let The Good Times Roll Party was absolutely awesome. What a turn out. I always like the evening events, especially our own, as I get to talk to people both about the conference and industry as well as so much more. Plus the food was great, the drinks were flowing, the balcony overlooking Bourbon street was packed and, even after 3 hours, it was so busy and everyone was having so much fun, we extended it an additional hour. Thanks to our co-sponsors Focal Point Solutions, S4i Systems and Vision Solutions for helping to make a Common evening to remember. Oh, and thanks to the guys from Flagship and a number of others for fetching more, and more, beads! Check out our Facebook page to see some pictures. Now, I wonder how we outdo this one in Orlando next year!?

My one regret this year is that I could not stay to attend the Closing Ceremony. I heard that the second line parade and the party was a blast. From the pictures I saw as well as the movie posted by Trevor Perry of the second line, it surely was!

If you would like to check out some more news and photos of the event, got to our Facebook Page and the Common User Group Facebook page.

Already looking forward to the Fall Conference in Columbus, OH and next years Annual Conference in Orlando, FL.