Archive of the '2010 Show Events' Category

Today is the big day for the Siemens Smart Grid Tour. They have a doom build across the street from the convention center. I went in there and was blown away! Be careful you don’t get carried away viewing the presentation on the ceiling. It is easy to keep leaning back until you almost fall over.

The 3D models are pretty neat too! they have interactive computer screens you can play with. Try not to miss this demo. It is worth the walk!

The Wednesday networking reception was another huge hit. PES put out plenty of food and drink. It seemed like there were serving tables about every 100′ all along the center aisle. Just for the heck of it, I walked past a half a dozen of these tables and found there were a few things different (food wise) along the way. I got to talk with several folks very happy to be able to mix on the floor.

The Crescent City Currents knows how to throw a party. These folks lined up the parade, got the permits, found bands, and got floats. If that wasn’t enough, they set the reception in motion. Then we had the fish to visit at the aquarium. There was also music to entertain. Then they closed down the Mississippi for the super fireworks to cap the evening!!!

If you missed this - shame on you. You missed one of the best opening ceremonies ever. The folks here in New Orleans know how to party!!!

We stood on the river front listening to jazz from the band. It was great. They even had dancers in front of the stage. But, something caught me eye on the river (also my ear). A paddle boat came by blowing its horn. The boat was all lit up and a party was happening on board. This is one party town.

One of the exhibits, at the aquarium, was the rain forest. We saw all manner of fish and reptiles - kind of like the swamp tour we took on Sunday. But here, the snakes didn’t come into the boat - Pam was very glad!

After eating, drinking, visiting, and listening to jazz it was time to go see the fish. PES had made arrangements to have the aquarium open to us. The fun never stopped. We were met by Neptune and one of his mermaids. They were there to welcome us. This is one of the best aquariums in the country. The walk through glass tunnel showing all the rays and sharks was great.

If you left this reception hungry, it was your fault. I have never seen so much food. And it was all major dishes. We had all the New Orleans favorites - gumbo, bread pudding, BBQ brisket, crawfish and so much more. There were serving stations all over the place. I don’t think I stood in line more than 5 minutes or so. Of course it could have been longer, but we were visiting with friends - the time passes fast when you are having fun.

The party goers were treated to meeting the costumed marchers once we arrived at the reception. I could not resist a photo op. Pam is my photographer when I need to be in the picture. What a great time. It was crowded, but everyone was so happy (the open bar helped).

We made it to the aquarium of The Americas - the end of the parade. Remember an earlier blog where I said 15,000 to 20,000 of Tommy’s friends would be at the party? They were all here. I think this was one of the best attended receptions I have ever been to.