AutoCon 2 Highlights: Building Connections and Advancing Network Automation
This post is a ChatGPT summary of the Actual feedback we received directly from attendees in our post-event survey, enjoy:
AutoCon has solidified its place as a premier event for advancing network automation and fostering professional growth.
AutoCon 2 brought together a diverse community of network automation professionals, fostering collaboration, learning, and inspiration. Attendees consistently highlighted the value of networking and connecting with peers, presenters, and practitioners. These interactions often occurred informally between sessions, during meals, or at social events, providing opportunities to share experiences, discuss challenges, and exchange solutions. Many participants expressed that these conversations were as impactful as the formal presentations, and several suggested incorporating additional breaks or extended networking sessions to enhance the experience further.
Workshops and Real-World Learning
The hands-on workshops were a standout feature of the conference, offering practical insights into tools, techniques, and real-world applications. Attendees praised sessions like the ContainerLab workshop for its clear, step-by-step approach and the Mastering Network Observability workshop for its insightful content. These workshops were especially beneficial for attendees looking to apply network automation concepts to their own environments. The "how I did it" presentations and storytelling sessions also resonated, providing relatable examples of how organizations approached and tailored automation solutions to meet their unique needs.
While some noted that the workshops might be less relevant for highly advanced practitioners, most found the content invaluable, particularly for those early in their automation journeys. The diverse perspectives shared by companies at different stages of automation offered both humility and inspiration, clarifying the challenges and opportunities in the field.
Community and Collaboration
A recurring theme among attendees was the strong sense of community at AutoCon 2. Many described the event as a unique environment where participants openly shared ideas, experiences, and solutions without ulterior motives. This aspect was particularly beneficial for those working in small or isolated teams. The overwhelming majority of attendees indicated they would recommend AutoCon to their colleagues, citing the event’s ability to showcase network automation’s potential, provide diverse learning opportunities, and facilitate meaningful interactions with industry experts and peers.
Memorable Moments
Beyond the workshops, other highlights included keynotes, lightning talks, and social events. Michael Daly’s history lesson and Dinesh Dutt’s sessions stood out as thought-provoking and inspiring, while the lightning talks received praise for their quick, practical insights. Some attendees suggested incorporating more short-form content in future events to maintain this engaging and efficient format.
The social events, such as the USNUA Debate and karaoke on the party bus, fostered camaraderie and created a fun atmosphere. These moments, along with hallway conversations and informal discussions, were invaluable for building connections and exchanging ideas. Many participants left the conference feeling inspired, energized, and confident in their professional direction.
Key Takeaways
The primary takeaways from AutoCon 2 revolved around the shared experiences and challenges of the network automation community. While network automation is gaining momentum, many noted there is still a long journey ahead. Participants found reassurance in knowing that others face similar struggles, such as securing organizational buy-in, overcoming resource limitations, and identifying the next steps after initial automation successes.
There was a strong emphasis on thinking holistically about automation, addressing broader aspects of networking rather than focusing narrowly on specific tasks. Practical insights from across the industry and real-world problem-solution presentations showcased progress and underscored the importance of continuous learning. Growing interest in AI and ML was also noted, with some seeing it as a near-future priority, though not yet fully realized.
Looking Ahead
AutoCon 2 reaffirmed the importance of building a supportive and evolving community to drive network automation adoption. The event provided a platform for meaningful connections, practical learning, and shared inspiration. Attendees left with renewed enthusiasm, new ideas, and a stronger sense of direction, ready to tackle the challenges and opportunities ahead.
