Rodeo Clowning At IOD 2010

Well, I arrived in Viva Las Vegas, Nevada, yesterday afternoon for this year’s IBM Information on Demand event, which I can say with some comfort is looking to be the most well attended ever.

Rumor has it that the last couple of weeks floods of new registrants came streaming in (that’s a technical term typically referring to data streaming, but in this case referring to streams of new IOD registrants), but word also has it we’ll be able to accommodate all the latecomers.

As fate would have it, I arrived in Vegas only to discover that the Professional Bull Riders World Finals were being held this past few days, and being from Texas, I’m all about the rodeo.  I even went to rodeo school once upon a time.

But I came to my senses and learned how to make computers work, and, well, here I am.

Consider me your IOD 2010 rodeo clown.  I won’t be wearing any lipstick or rubber noses, and I won’t be hiding out in any barrels.

But it is the rodeo clown’s job to keep the cowboys on the right track and out of harm’s way, so I will do my level best to keep you on the straight and narrow.  Meanwhile, if you’ve never had the opportunity to see a lone mortal ride one of these massive beasts, here’s some video highlights from the PBR finals.

As for today’s schedule, well, let’s get the most important details out there first: Other than the PBR finals starting at 11:30 at the Thomas and Mack Center, IOD lunch is being served at noon.

Our Business Partner forum got underway at 8:30 this morning, and this evening, we’ll be hosting the Business Partner Awards Reception from 7:00-9:30 PM.

For those not in the Partner camp, know that the EXPO Grand Opening is from 6:00-8:00PM, and various Community Receptions from 8:00-10:00PM.  Check your pocket calendar for locations, and keep an eye on the video screens throughout the Mandalay Bay for location and scheduling updates.

Finally, if you want to hang on for the full eight seconds (which is how long the bull rider has to hang on for his ride to be scored), keep an eye on Twitter ID @iodgc2010, where you’ll see the official latest and greatest from the event.

And of course, don’t forget our own IOD Social Media buzz booster, where voices from across the conference will be streamed (there’s that word again) into a single queue you can make some sense out of.

Enjoy your Sunday in Vegas and get plenty of rest tonight — the full IOD and Business Analytic 2010 rodeo kicks off early Monday morning.

PS Scott Laningham and I will be livecasting from the EXPO floor later today from 7-8 PM PST, speaking with IBM customers and partners alike (including IBM VP and CTO Anant Jhingran).  Tune in to www.livestream/ibmsoftware