A Partner’s Guide to Red Hat Summit

Each year at Red Hat Summit we highlight the innovative and thought-provoking case studies and success stories coming from our partner network. Just as open source wouldn’t be the same without the community, Red Hat wouldn’t be the same without our partners. They play an integral role in our success and support our Red Hat Summit. For that, we want to say thank you.

If you’re a partner and it’s your first (or your fifth time) going, a little planning can go a long way to helping you make the most of your time at the premier enterprise open source technology conference. Here are a few tips as you get ready to join us in Boston.

Save your session seats

Post-event feedback is filled with shoulda, coulda, wouldas from attendees who waited to set their agenda until the last minute, only to miss out on sessions with space limits. Don’t let this happen to you! Watch for the agenda builder to go live in early April and save your seats before the event. Of course, you must register before you can select your sessions, so if you haven’t done that be sure to use code “PARTNER19” for a discount off your full conference pass.

Don’t miss the general session keynotes

It’s no secret that major announcements happen during the general session keynotes, from inspiring customer stories, new technology innovations, and exciting partner news. This year is no exception. No spoiler alerts here, but as our Red Hat leader-packed lineup continues to roll out, you’ll see a list of partners and customers like BMW Group, Delta Air Lines, ExxonMobil, Lockheed Martin and UPS. If you’re busy getting a booth ready, there’s good news. This year’s general sessions will also be live-streamed on theater screens throughout the Ecosystem Expo.

Visit the Ecosystem Expo

Speaking of the Ecosystem Expo, it’s on the list of what not to miss for you and your customers. In this collaborative exhibition space, you’ll get more details around general session announcements, try hands-on demos and watch theater sessions. Go there to see our work within communities and with other partners, customers and vendors. You should also swing by if you like swag...

Stop by the Partner Success Lounge

Within the Ecosystem Expo is the Red Hat Partner Success Lounge, an exhibit focused on all things partner. Here you’ll find details on partner program benefits, including tools, training and resources. Learn more about Red Hat’s ecosystem, how you can deploy innovative technologies and solve customer challenges with Red Hat solutions. Schedule a meeting to talk with partner teams while you’re onsite.

Find an ancillary event

There are a number of ancillary opportunities that can enrich your Red Hat Summit experience and help occupy whatever free time you have left. From Telco Partner Day to Cloud and ISV Appreciation parties, keep an eye out for special events coming soon on the Red Hat Summit website. Recurring favorites that are open to all attendees include the Women’s Leadership Community Luncheon and diversity and inclusion gatherings.

Tell the world you’re going

Before you catch your flight to Boston, drop a note to your friends at Red Hat and let them know you’ll be there. Besides potential opportunities to connect face-to-face, your contacts might have some valuable event insights for you and your customers. Want to announce your plans to attend Red Hat Summit to everyone? How about be prepared to announce Red Hat technology news as it breaks at Red Hat Summit? Find press release and social media toolkits on the partner portal to help.

Make your plan for next year

Some partner opportunities begin well in advance of Red Hat Summit, so keep them in mind for Red Hat Summit 2020. If you’ve got an interesting open source story to tell, Red Hat Summit can be the perfect venue. Check out some of the partner sessions for inspiration, and submit your idea during next year’s call for papers. You can also support the event and highlight your Red Hat partnership via sponsorship opportunities. These fill up, so check back with us next year.

Hope to see you there!