2015, where do I start? It was an amazing year to say the least, personally as well as professionally. For one, it was another year full of events and get togethers, which, as always I enjoyed very much. In fact, 2015 marked the year of my first ever Citrix Synergy, and what a ride it turned out to be. I’ll definitely be back for seconds! Looking back from 2013 up till now I can only say that I am privileged to have met so many great and fun community folks over the last couple of years and hopefully it doesn’t stop here.
Of course these types of posts are all about summarizing what you have been up for the last twelve months or so, and to also, sort of briefly reflect on your accomplishments during the past year, if any. Which, to be honest, does feel a bit weird. Then again, it was a very busy year and I must say that I am proud to have done the things I did. Some of which I never thought I would be capable of doing a few years ago! A big thank you to everybody who helped and supported me along the way! But to cut a long story short, here are some of my professional highlights for 2015!
- To start… My website / blog. Wow, I never expected it to grow this fast over the last two years. This year alone I have written and published 48 articles, gotten over a 100 reactions / comments, broke the 30.000 views per month mark and I am approaching 290.000 views for 2015! Again thanks to all!
- 2015, for me, was the year of public speaking as well. I finally got over myself, something I started doing in 2013, and took the leap! What an experience that turned out to be. I still have lots to learn and I am nervous as hell each time I have to get ‘up there’ but in the end it’s totally worth it. This year I presented 8 times in total (publically), see my overview here. Next to that I also presented multiple tech / pizza sessions, small and big, internally for Detron colleagues and customers.
- I have been asked / invited to speak on a relatively large (international) tech event somewhere in Q1 / Q2 of 2016, a big honor!
- And since were on the subject, I also submitted two presentations for Synergy 2016 (one together with Wilco van Bragt). So fingers crossed, you never know.
- As I mentioned, this year was my first ever Citrix Synergy, an awesome event! Even more so because I was asked to participate in the so-called Match.Geek program. Something I enjoyed doing very much.
- Talking about events, what about E2EVC? A year and half ago I didn’t even knew what it was all about, and now in 2015, just recently in November I attended my fifth E2EVC up to date, and already presented twice in total! Many more will follow I’m sure. Great event, great people!
- Let’s not forget about the DuCUG, Dutch Citrix User Group. A couple of year ago it was one of the first Citrix related events I ever attended and I’m glad I did. This year I presented twice at the DuCUG and as always the events (there were three in total) were all top notch!
- Together with Mick Glover (a.k.a. @XDTipster on Twitter) I started the FMA Co-op. An initiative where we both work on multiple FMA related blog posts and presentations throughout the year. Which resulted in a duo presentation at E2EVC Berlin a couple of months ago, multiple FMA related blog posts and another community friendship for life.
- Everybody knows about myCUGC by know right? And if not, shame on you :) A great initiative from Citrix. Launched in June and already nearing 8000 registered members and over 40 (or is it 50?) NEW local Citrix User Groups formed throughout the US and the rest of the world, and still going strong! I really enjoy discussing just about everything tech and CTX related on there, which also led to my ‘member of the month’ election a couple of months ago (they had me answering some really fun questions). Including (at a later stage) a myCUGC leader acknowledgement for 2015. It’s a great platform and mark my words, they’re not done yet, good things are coming for 2016!
- In 2015 I co-presented on multiple occasions. Together with Kees Baggerman, Wilco van Bragt and of-course Mick Glover. Thanks guys!
- This year my NTC (Nutanix Technology Champion) status got renewed for 2015 / 2015. Citrix recognized me as one of their SME’s for my contributions to the XenApp / XenDesktop 7.6 exams. Something I enjoyed doing but definitely underestimated.
- I was also one of the lucky few that was allowed to present at the first ever 2015 Virtual Expo. A whole day online technical event in the form of a webinar, free for all to attend. Another great initiative from xenappblog.com. Something I hope to repeat in the future.
- With Detron (the company I work for) I have been involved in some very exciting projects throughout the year, technical as well as non-technical and Citrix as well as well as non-Citrix related. I also promoted from Senior Consultant / Engineer to Management Consultant and just recently I have been appointed member of the Detron Technology Board. Can’t wait for 2016!
- I also started moderating (was asked to do so) the CTX Facebook group known as ‘Citrix Certified’ together with two other community members. And I can assure you, it is completely spam free!
Well that sums up 2015 from a professional perspective. Looking back it’s amazing how much a year can bring, hopefully 2016 will be equally as good and satisfying. I’m looking forward to new challenges and friendships. I which you all the best in 2016! Regards, Bas.
One response to “2015! My year in review, and what a year it has been!”
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