This year’s Networkers party was held at Dreamworld, about 20 minutes north of the Gold Coast. We all piled into the buses and headed to the fun park to be greeted with flames and jester hats.
Jester hats? That’s right, every attendee was given a totally cool jester hat to wear on the night.
The above photo is very funny. There were like 100 hungry jesters lining up for some ‘food’ at every location around the theme park. And believe you me, it was NOT worth lining up for.
Most of the rides were operational so you had screaming and shouting at the thrill of free-falling 80 metres on the Tower of Terror (or whatever it’s called). I settled for an old favourite – the dodgem cars.
The highlight of the evening was Peter Murray, who even played with a jester hat on for a while. The crowd of mainly women got quite excited. They even chanted “encore, encore!” and Pete was kind enough to oblige.
Special thanks to Cisco Australia and New Zealand managing director Ross Fowler, seen here with Brad Howarth and Shing Quah, for putting on such a great night. Brad, you’re looking a bit sinister there.
I have a feeling the Gold Coast, with its shiny new convention centre, hasn’t seen the last of Networkers.
Rodney
Jesters hats are of course something of a tradition for Cisco — they were a frequent feature of the late lamented Di Data Forum, where Cisco, MS and EMC would constantly fight over who sponsored which dinner!
I feel like I’m missing out! I got to do the whole ComTech Forum thing… not a hat in sight. There were however, many margaritas…
Unfortunately I came back empty handed.
I put my jester hat down on a bench to take the photo of Brad, Ross, and Shing, only to turn around and see it had magically disappeared.
Geez… some people! If the person asked me for it with even just a stupid reason for wanting it I would have given it away. Ahh well, hopefully it’s making some kid’s life happier.
Rodders
Some big kids, maybe!
Hey Rodney, I looked at your blog for the first time tonight. Thanks for your kind words about Cisco Networkers …. I’m delighted that you enjoyed it so much and we’ll do better on the food next year!
In terms of the Jester Hat, you can have mine. I’ll make sure I bring it next time we meet.
cheers
Ross Fowler
Hi Ross,
No problem. I think I speak for all the journalists (and delegates) by saying the event was a huge success. Re the jester hat, thanks for the offer. Although I probably look much better without it
Cheers
Rodney