Note: The following article represents my views alone, and does not represent any statement on behalf of Pure Storage whatsoever. All opinions are entirely my own.
Taking place in the heart of Texas, Pure Storage’s annual conference Pure//Accelerate 2019 is going to be an event for the books.
This year, Pure Storage is sending three “Pure Ambassadors” from their ranks to attend //Accelerate and report their experiences back to their colleagues. Candidates were selected based on their applications to attend. I applied and got 
the position!
With representation from around the globe, the Ambassadors will be there to experience the conference, mingle with customers and partners, and report on what we do and learn.
Here are the top 5 things (in no particular order) I’m most excited for at this year’s Pure//Accelerate:
1. The Opening Keynote
The opening keynote is set to feature Pure Storage CEO Charlie Giancarlo welcoming attendees to the conference. It will be the opportunity for Pure to get those in attendance excited for what’s to come. I can’t wait to see whatever exciting things are planned for the opening ceremonies!
2. The Breakout Sessions
There’s a lot of good knowledge that’s ready to be shared at the breakout sessions this year. With speakers from partners and employees alike, there’s something for everyone. I’m most excited to attend the ‘ElasticSearch at Enterprise Scale on FlashBlade’ session. I’ve spent a lot of time on ElasticSearch projects and think that the possibilities presented by breaking free of DAS solutions by using FlashBlade are incredibly exciting.
3. The Location
Austin, TX is the ‘capitol of live music’. It’s a weird little blue spot in the heart of Texas. It’s Michael Dell’s very own backyard. This will be my first time visiting, and I’m looking forward to experiencing the sights and sounds of the city.
4. Hearing Leland Melvin Speak
Although I’m looking forward to all of the keynote speakers, I’m particularly excited to see Leland Melvin speak. The American engineer is a retired NASA astronaut and ex-NFL wide receiver. With life experiences as wild and diverse as those, his talk is going to be one to remember.
5. The Food!
This may seem silly, but Pure Storage is bringing in all the best food trucks Austin has to offer. Anything and everything is made better by good food, and I plan to indulge.
Bonus: Making Connections
Pure//Accelerate represents an opportunity for Puritans, Pure Customers, and Pure Partners to come together and marvel in the future of what’s possible. The knowledge shared and connections made at the conference are what the whole thing is really about. I’m looking forward to meeting more of my fellow colleagues and interacting with everyone at the event.
Pure//Accelerate 2019 kicks off today with the Global Partner Forum, and starts in earnest for everyone else this evening at 5:30 PM CT at the Welcome Reception. What are you most excited for this year?
If you see me at the conference, please stop and say hi!