Kscope17 Preview: Your Destination Awaits

opalblog_bull 1.jpgKscope12, my very first Kscope and the one that shares this year's location, was a superbly unique event. In last year's ODTUG Cinco de Mayo #tbt Twitter party ("tbt" = "ThrowBack Thursday" for those of you who don't use Twitter), pictures from Kscope12 kept surfacing attached to fond memories and the occasional "that was my favorite Kscope!" comment. There was good reason for this. In addition to the extraordinary content, Kscope12 had a full on Texas rodeo, armadillo races, the Texas Two-Step, and a mechanical bull. It is definitely a conference that stays burned in my memory.

The conference planning torch has moved on to a new group of folks since 2012, but the Kscope17 conference committee is dreaming up something big - possibly as big as the great state of Texas. As is the usual crazy conference practice, we started planning this year's conference during the week of the previous conference. We hope to wow you with a new experience in San Antonio - the 20th anniversary of ODTUG.

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(Your Kscope17 conference committee)

However, before I spoil the fun with the awesome details of this year's conference, I'll pause here and wax poetic about the Kscope17 location so you'll know what to expect (or, for those of you who are returning, so you can reminisce).

JW Marriott

The JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, nestled in the Texas hill country, is something special. An all-inclusive resort property, this place hides magic.

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(Photo courtesy of the JW Marriott's website)

Everything about this place is purpose-built to showcase the amazing Texas backdrop, highlight fun family activities, provide opportunities for networking, and optimize learning spaces for conference participants.

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(Photo courtesy of the JW Marriott's website)

From the beautiful Texan art to the superbly comfortable couches...this place beckons you.

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(Photos courtesy of the JW Marriott's website)

Come, relax, take a load off....We have what you need....Enjoy your time with family. 

Immerse yourself in everything Kscope17 has to offer.

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(Photo courtesy of the JW Marriott's website)

And while you're at it, sit in one of our hotel's many special areas. We built this place just for you.

 

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Built in 2010, this resort boasts 600 rolling acres of grounds. It's completely remote because this property was carved out of the northern side of San Antonio. Here are some of the amazing amenities this hotel has to offer:

  • TPC San Antonio (a PGA Golf experience) - 2, 18-hole golf courses
  • 6 restaurants
  • 9-acre water park, including: 3 pools, 1 children's pool, 1 whirlpool, and a lazy river
  • Full-service onsite Starbucks (and it's conveniently located between the hotel rooms and the session rooms)
  • Full-service spa
  • Fitness center
  • Arcade room
  • Laundry onsite
  • Gift/newsstand store
  • Onsite FedEx
  • Full-service business center

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(Photo courtesy of the JW Marriott's website)

There is no way you could not enjoy yourself here, amongst friends, amongst co-workers, amongst family. You could stay at the property without ever leaving - they have an onsite store, restaurants, (must I mention the Starbucks again?), multiple pools, etc. It's a resort so it's pretty inclusive. In addition, this super cool Marriott property invested in beautiful artwork that is native to the city. These phenomenal glass wildflowers, which you'll see dotting the ceiling on the way down to the Kscope17 registration booth and exhibit hall, are from famous local artist Gini Garcia.

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What's really great about the property, however, is that it's so spread out that there are private spaces everywhere. Need a quiet place to take a phone call? Take it in the library on the lobby floor.

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(Photo courtesy of the JW Marriott's website)

Need to have a quick impromptu team meeting? There are dozens of tables, lounge areas, and formal seating spaces (both indoors and outdoors) where you can have a gathering.


Who wouldn't want to lose themselves in work or training with this peaceful backdrop? I don't know of a better location primed for learning.

San Antonio and Surrounding Areas

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(Image courtesy of Google)

San Antonio, home to a population of over 1.5 million Texans, is deeply rich in culture and is central to touristy areas. It's only 1 quick hour away from Texas' capital, Austin, and nearby to multiple historic German towns: New Braunfels, Gruene, Luckenbach, Fredericksburg, and Schulenberg. Some of the best venues that Texas has to offer are within driving distance of the Kscope17 location:

Family Fun

First things first - bring your bathing suit (and lots of sunscreen!). With temperatures ranging from the 70's to the 100's in late June, it's sure to be a scorcher. You and the kiddos can cool off by riding down a water slide, taking a dip in one of the many pools, and basking in the Texas sunlight...

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...or just floating on a tube around the lazy river for hours.

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(Photo courtesy of the JW Marriott's website)

Do your kids want to be away from the adults? There are many areas where they can run off to safely (the property is monitored 24/7 by security), including a full gaming arcade.

Want to escape the "nerd-dom" at Kscope? Rent a car nearby at Enterprise Car Rental and spend the day at one of the fantastic San Antonio or surrounding area attractions, including one of the largest and best water parks in the world: Schlitterbahn!

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(Image courtesy of Google)

I So Want to be at Kscope17...

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We sure hope you can make it to our awesome Oracle user group conference in June. It's guaranteed to be one for the books, just on purpose alone. We have several grand things planned for our special 20th anniversary.

Come be with your ODTUG family as we all celebrate and take a trip down technology memory lane and peer into the future of Oracle.

The Kscope17 location is sure to impress, with a backdrop of the greatest topography that Texas has to offer.

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Texas is a warm and friendly state. It's my home state (and I'm not biased at all). I, the Kscope17 conference committee, and the ODTUG Board all welcome you with open arms.

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(Mike Riley getting his steer on at Kscope12!) 

This is hill country.

This is Texas country.

This is Kscope country. 

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(Kscope12 throwback)

We'll be seeing ya now, ya hear?

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