Automattic Grand Meetup 2019: Sunshine State (Part Deux) What’s up everyone! It’s been a hot minute since I’ve updated this thing. As you can imagine, a lot has happened since the last time I published a post. Today I want to highlight my most recent trip to Orlando, Florida (yes, again!), which was for Automattic’s 2019 Grand Meetup. I failed to take any pictures this year… BUT, this is only because I was much more focused on shooting video this time around. In fact, video editing is something that’s been a passion of mine for a long time. Now, that I have a decent camera, I’ve been putting it to use. Quite. Extensively. FUN FACT: My last team meetup was in Seoul, Korea. Check out my video recap on it! The hotel we stayed at was literally across the street from where we stayed at last time. We of course had different keynote speakers, classes to take, swag to be gotten, food to be eaten, people to meet — the whole shebang was there. With that said, I don’t think I can provide much more commentary on what was different compared to last year. Go check out my last recap on the 2018 GM if you haven’t already 🙂 Instead, I present to you my little three part video series of my journey from Sapporo to the GM for this year! EPISODE#01: Sapporo to Orlando EPISODE#02: GM Highlights PT.1 EPISODE#03: GM Highlights PT.2 Bonus Clip I wouldn’t be doing this post any justice if I just leave at it that without mentioning the best part of the GM… which is the people. Above, you’ll see me with my fellow Asiamatticians, Japanmatticians, and my team. Eventually, I’ll update this post once our company photo comes out. So, until then… Check out some more Grand Meetup pictures and updates snapped by other Automatticians! We’re on: Instagram: #a8cgm | Twitter: #a8cgm | WordPress.com: #a8cgm Annnd… We’re hiring!
Automattic Grand Meetup 2018: Sunshine State Sun. Food. Drinks. Entertainment. And meeting hundreds of highly talented, creative, and lovable humans wrangled from all over the world to work, collaborate, and just have a grand old time at a single location — what more could I ask for in a company meetup. This is a snapshot of my experience at my first Grand Meetup! 📸 Continue reading “Automattic Grand Meetup 2018: Sunshine State”
Journey Back To America: First Contact Since coming to Japan, I’ve only gone back to the US once, and that was nearly five years ago in 2013. This year will be the first time coming back since then, and I have this opportunity because my company’s Grand Meetup is taking place in America this year. Granted, the meetup is in Orlando, Florida — the opposite end of San Diego (my hometown) — I still feel at home. Leaving Sapporo Bus to the airport Lunch Connecting flight The main leg Upon Arrival Immigration Officer: You currently live in Japan, but you’re here on business? Me: That’s correct, sir. Immigration Officer: And what field of work is this in? Me: Web development. Immigration Officer: Ah, so I.T. then. *stamp, stamp, stamp* Immigration Officer: *hands me back my passport* You have a good day. Welcome home. Me: Thank you, glad to be back, sir. Hotel Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Giant GM decal right when you walk the front! Custom Automattic message in the room as well 😀 Local chocolates for the team My basecamp for the week 🙂 Mandatory Family FaceTime I’ll be in Orlando for a whole week until October 6th, spending time with the entire Automattic crew! I’ll try to make a daily post of my experience if I can. Otherwise, if not, expect a long epic one at the very end 🙂