Google I/O: The Techies’ Disneyland

Whirlwind

I was given the opportunity to attend day two of Google I/O. It was amazing.

Let’s be real — I arrived feeling completely overwhelmed. It was my first tech conference and it seemed as though the walls were buzzing with opportunity. The rotating display of the day’s events made me feel dizzy and the air was thick as thousands of sweaty techies whizzed by in their GoogleGlasses.

In attempt to avoid a nervous break down, I took a seat on the ground and while slouching over my grey notepad I began to write about my brief exposure to the conference. The act of writing cleared my head, it somehow confirmed my presence and belonging. I took a few breaths, reviewed the list and felt a little proud of myself — I was rollin’ with the big kids. I found the day’s schedule on my iPhone, slowly read through the events, took screen shots of the events I planned to attend and took a few more deep breaths. I was ready to move forward with confidence.

V.I.P.

Lunchtime quickly arrived. Naturally, I had no idea where it was being served. Determined not to “bother” anyone, I decided that I could find the lunch area on my own. I overheard a group of people talking about food and followed them as they walked away from the main exhibits. Upon entering the “lunchroom,” a woman guarding the door reassured me that, indeed, this is where lunch was being served. The room appeared to have a maximum capacity of about 30. I thought, Google I/O is sure able to pull of an intimate lunch for how many people there are in attendance.

As I stood in line wondering what the other “lunchrooms” looked like, I noticed many people were talking about Chrome. Feeling out of place, I served myself from the buffet line and sat near the man I stood next to in line. We exchanged an awkward “hello” and he asked what feature I was working on. My stomach turned. An announcement was made, “We thought that we would give you all a break from Google I/O to talk more intimately about the projects at Google.” DAMN, I was definitely in the wrong location. The conversation quickly picked up and the developers at my table were talking about problems they encounter and potential solutions. The discussion was fascinating, yet; I didn’t belong. I quickly ate my lunch and while trying to appear disengaged, I listened closely to every word they were saying — it was all so interesting.

I finished my food and stumbled out of the room. Before reentering Google I/O for attendees, I informed the lady at the door that this was a V.I.P. lunch for speakers at the conference and walked away with a grin on my face.

Women Who Code

After lunch Women Who Code met to take a group picture. It was like a breath of fresh air to see familiar faces — and then we went our separate ways.

Sessions

The focus groups were structured around various levels of technical skill. While I didn’t understand everything that was discussed, I did find all the sessions very helpful and informative.

After practicing some code, I was offered Google swag.

Demos of various Google projects looped throughout the day. Here, I saw how Google envisions GooglePlay as tool for teachers.

Hands-On

When not attending a session, Google I/O is like a huge children’s museum for adults. There are many opportunities for hands-on experimentation.

Stephanie, from Women Who Code, is testing the Oculus-like virtual experience.

This exhibit allowed individuals to build with virtual Legos.

Using an iPad, one could set the color theme of this exhibit. This display is intended to portray the ball that is dropped on New Years Eve in Times Square.

Yay snacks!

Networking?!?!

Coming from a fairly introverted perspective — I have to stubbornly admit that I actually enjoyed networking at Google I/O.

I met a woman named Joanna who currently works as a developer at Google. She gave me her email address and told me I can contact her with questions about coding and employment opportunities at Google. We spoke about her role at Google and her recent accomplishment of creating the code for the “Play Google I/O Hunt.” Shortly after the conference, the game’s code will be made open-source. Joanna finds motivation in writing “good code” through knowing her code is used to teach others. (Very cool!)

As the day was drawing to an end, there was only time for one more session. I chose “Robotics In a New World,” — there is a special place in my heart for Robotics and as it turned out, it was put on by Women Techmakers. Google’s Women Techmakers, “aims to raise awareness of innovative women leaders in technology and inspire others to join the field.” Megan Smith, V.P. of Google [X], was the closing speaker, and she did an amazing job at highlighting strengths of the previous speakers and encouraging everyone in the audience to create. When the session concluded, I stuck around (meaning, I stood awkwardly close to Megan hoping to take in all the wise advice she was giving to curious audience members).

Megan noticed my “Women Who Code” shirt and commended me on it. (Thank you for the shirt Alaina!) I watched other women approach Megan with confidence. I knew I could do it too — not only did Megan answer my questions and take a picture with me but she also gave me her card!

Tips and suggestions:

If needed, take a minute to collect yourself — you will feel better.

Bring a phone charger.

Stalk people you want to speak with.

Confidence and then skill.

Enjoy the moment.