Sponsors Night

"Oh yes it's [sponsors] night
And the feeling's right
Oh yes it's [sponsors] night
Oh what a night (oh what a night)"

So I didn't know what to expect from the platinum sponsors evening, beyond a networking night that was hosted by a lot of big companies:  Cisco, Google, IBM, Intel, HP, Microsoft, and Sun.

At ten past six, straight after the last session of the day, we all hopped on buses going to Universal Studio's CityWalk. After following sign after sign, kindly waved by stewards, we came to the large dedicated area set aside for

the mass of women

from GHC.

There was a lovely buffet, some free drinks, entertainment, and a good game of 'find the company.'  It somehow reminded me of the promenade plays by punchdrunk - each company was in a different room, building and level offering treats and raffle tickets to those that found them.  The challenge was to collect a raffle ticket from each sponsor; while also interacting with the great diversity of things that each company had set up for everyone to play with.  Each room was different and tailored to each company, and the

cocktails were great. 

The venue was brilliant for the 1000+ women to explore, drink and converse - as well as for me to be utterly mercenary.

There were 7 raffle tickets to collect for the big prize raffle, one from each sponsor.  Even though I didn't win the raffle I left at the end holding a boa, two lei, an astronaut toy, usb lamp, travel mug, photo, bag, plastic mug, notebook, t-shirt, flashing badge, headphones and more.  My major regret was that I did not manage to find the Sun room in time to acquire one of the limited number of lovely rucksacks that they were distributing. 

(I took a photo of one of the bags I didn't acquire in envy.) 

 

There were only two drawbacks to the night as a wonderful closing party for the conference.  Firstly we were whisked away so quickly after the raffle, back to the hotel, that there was no chance to dance, socialise and relax.  I think everyone would have loved to stay and celebrate all their new friends for longer.  Secondly I woke up in the morning with 'Ladies Night' stuck in my head, and it sill hasn't gone! 

"Come on let's all celebrate
Oh [sponsors]  night and the feeling's right
Come on let's all celebrate"

---

Johanna Hunt
Official GHC 2007 Blogger
You may comment on this blog by visiting the GHC Forum