Two weeks ago, I returned from the ApacheCon 2008 Open Source Software Convention held in New Orleans.  This was my first time attending such a conference with the Apache Software Foundation, and for me, it was a great opportunity to build both professional and personal relationships.  Looking back on this event I will certainly remember the phenomenal people who contributed to this great experience.  

Attendees are completely immersed in the Meritocracy that ApacheCon exemplifies in its culture, where, within the Apache Community, responsibilities are distributed based on demonstrated talent.  I observed first hand how the Open Source Community, built around Apache Software, comes together to innovate technology and enlighten their individual community members.  

Arriving on Sunday, I got my bearings before attending two intermediate training sessions on Monday and Tuesday.  In one session, we were fortunate enough to have Jim Jagielski present information related to the Apache HTTPD server.  Most open sourcers know Jim Jagielski as an established Open Source guru.  Jim’s ideas and enthusiasm can certainly be described as inspiring and contagious.  Compared to other presentations I attended by Jim, it was great to have him in such a small forum where we were able to ask direct technical questions.

The rest of my week was spent attending other sessions, attending the Expo and simply processing all of the great information available at such a huge event.  In a very short time, I observed first hand how the wheels of innovation are greased with the ingenuity and individual contributions of each and every member.  It is incredible to see so many voluntary contributors from such a diverse range of experience come together for a common interest.

I am looking forward to attending my next Apache Conference in 2009…