Red Hat Summit: get your steps in

With Red Hat Summit 2019 starting next week, you are probably thinking about what to pack, what sessions to attend (be sure to check out  the agenda builder on the Red Hat Summit website to start building your personal schedule for when you are onsite!) and how excited you are to see your fellow Red Hat and open source enthusiasts. And if you are anything like us, you may also be thinking about how you will maintain your 10k a day step count streak and fitness goals while attending the event. Luckily for you, we have your back - er wrist and legs - with this guide for making sure you still hit your step goal, in-between sessions and keynotes, of course.

Walk everywhere

Okay, this may seem obvious, but in a small city like Boston, it is even more possible to do: be the person who says “I am going to walk!” If you are staying at The Yotel, it is exactly a mile to the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center (BCEC) where Red Hat Summit is located. That is roughly 2,000 steps that you will knock out before the day even starts! Plus, who doesn’t love getting some fresh air before heading inside for the day? While the other hotels may not be as far as the Yotel, opting to walk to and from BCEC gets you some quick mileage. This also goes for meals out!

Run or walk in the Red Hat Summit 5k

Join us for our annual 5k run, on Wednesday, May 8th at 5:30 am. This year, it is being hosted by IBM in Boston Commons. The 3.1 miles are sure to get you at least 6,000 steps - and bragging rights among your friends. Register for the event here.

Dance it out

It is no secret that there are some pretty epic parties at Red Hat Summit. In fact, this year, we have not one but two bands who have both taken the number one spot on the Billboard Alternative Songs Chart - Neon Trees and Fitz and the Tantrums - that will be playing a show just for Red Hat Summit attendees. The show will take place on Thursday, May 9 at the Rockland Trust Bank Pavilion, which is just half a mile away from the BCEC. You can sneak at least 1,000 steps in walking to the concert - and then another 2,000 at least challenging your friends to dance-offs during the show.

Take laps around the show floor - and pick up swag

One of the best parts about events and conferences is the swag. Walking around the Ecosystem Expo hall floor to check out all of the interesting booths, learn more about what the companies do and how they relate to Red Hat, maybe doing some demos and, oh yeah, picking up stickers, pens, candy, stress balls, you name it, is a must-do conference activity, and one that can quickly and easily boost your step count. One lap around the floor is roughly 500 steps, so do it a few times just to make sure you didn’t miss any stickers - err - potential partner booths.

Other things to check out when you are collecting swag:

• Stop by Booth #821 in the Ecosystem Expo to pick up a 3D printed keychain
• Experience the 180° photo GIF booth - jump around a few times while smiling for the camera for a little added cardio work
• Take a cruise through the infinity mirror to ponder how you can expand your possibilities, while also expanding your step count
• Walk the “Innovators on the Line,” artistic sensory display featuring our 2019 Red Hat Innovation Award Winners
• The Lawn on A - expand your network while also playing games like ping pong, cornhole and life size Jenga! Swing on by this indoor installation for a mental break while getting some physical activity!

Stop at the Red Hat booth

And of course, while you are perusing the Ecosystem Expo floor, be sure to stop by the Red Hat booth to learn more about major announcements, demo new products and of course pick up some of the latest evolution of Red Hat swag. This should get you at least 250 more steps, hey, every step counts!

Stock up on swag with the new logo at the Cool Stuff Store

While you are walking around and collecting swag, be sure to visit the Cool Stuff Store, which will be located near registration on the first floor. Be sure to make the quick trip over from registration to stock up on swag and at least 200 steps, and even more from the Ecosystem Expo hall.

theCUBE

When you are cruising around the BCEC, be sure to also head upstairs to check out theCUBE, where a team from SiliconANGLE will be interviewing Red Hat executives, customers, partners and even keynote presenters on video. Come on up and hang out to listen to live interviews or watch the video play backs. And while you are already upstairs…

...visit the Hat Rack!

Located directly across from theCUBE setup, the Hat Rack cafe offers a great chance for you to grab a coffee and catch up on email or take a quick meeting. Or, take the coffee to go and take a walk around - safe bet that this alone will get you at least a 1,000 steps that you otherwise wouldn’t have had!

Ancillary events

In addition to the main Red Hat Summit activities, there are also a number of ancillary events happening throughout the week, including:

• Culture of Collaboration Community social - Tuesday, May 7, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. in the Ecosystem Expo Hall
• 10th annual Red Hat Women’s Leadership Community Luncheon - Wednesday, May 8, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the BCEC, Room 210B
• Open Source Stories Film Premiere - Join us on Wednesday, May 8, 4:30 - 6 p.m. in the BCEC, Room 210A, as we premiere our latest Open Source Story, “Farming for the Future”
• Red Hat Summit First Timers reception - Monday, May 6th, 4 - 6 p.m. in the BCEC, Room 210B

Expand your Pawsibilities and Visit with the adoptable dogs from Great Dog Rescue New England

Yes, you read that right. There will be doggos at Summit this year. Local animal rescue organization Great Dog Rescue New England is bringing adoptable puppies, and you can visit with them on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and again on Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Playing with dogs is proven to lower blood pressure and stress levels, and is also bound to get you moving. On Wednesday and Thursday, visit with the adoptable pups and get playing! This is sure to rack you up at least 500 steps. If you are interested in bringing one home with you, there will be information on how to officially bring them into your family.

As you are walking all over the Boston Seaport and the BCEC, we would love to see your photos! Tweet a pic when you get to 10,000 steps and be sure to tag #RHSummit and share where you are when you hit your goal.