Hybrid Conf

Hybrid Conf

An extra special conference

Melissa Keizer By Melissa Keizer

This year I had the opportunity to attend a web conference like no other. After seeing hundreds of tweets about the conference in previous years, I was ecstatic that I was able to attend Hybrid this year, thanks to my lovely place of work, Eyekiller! :)

Dublin, We Are In You

After picking up one of my good friends Sinead, we set off on our road trip, from Belfast to Dublin on Wednesday evening.

Hybrid was held at Dublin City University, with the talks happening inside The Helix. The sun was shining, people were smiling, and the talks were about to kick off.

Dublin, We Are In You
Dublin, We Are In You

Armed with my lanyard and a fantastic Hybrid goody bag filled with stickers, stationery and even a few Tattlys (designy temporary tattoos), I sat down in the auditorium and soaked up the incredible talks.

Hybrid Conf

Old Friends & New

It was great to see another familiar face at the conference, as Aaron swooped up a ticket just days before the event kicked off. I also got the chance to meet one of my Twitter friends in real life, as we arranged to stay in a shared apartment close to the university. Rob turned out to be even lovelier in person.

Old Friends & New
Old Friends & New

Saved By The Bowling

On Thursday evening after the talks ended, we were headed to Leisureplex Coolock, for a night of 90’s themed bowling, beers and throwing some shapes. Along with Aaron, Sinead and myself, our team included Hybrid’s very own MC, Carl, and official Hybrid photographer, Dan. I couldn’t have asked for better team members, as the night was filled with so much laughter. It was awesome to be cheered on by Carl even when I threw one too many gutter balls!

The next day bowling prizes were about to be dished out. What I didn’t expect there to be was a prize for the best dancing of the night, which led to Sinead & I walking red-faced to the stage to collect our super cute prizes! Haha, thanks guys!

Saved By The Bowling
Saved By The Bowling
Saved By The Bowling

Aim To Misbehave

Cards Against Humanity has provided my friends & I with hysterical laughter and fun for years, as it’s our go-to game for parties (Rummikub requires too much brain power after a few drinks…). I was very excited to see CAH’s Community Manager, Jenn Bane added to Hybrid’s speaker list. Her talk did not disappoint, as like the game it provided a lot of laughs, as well as some interesting insights into how the team operate.

Jenn very kindly handed me the Cards Against Humanity Design Pack after we got chatting following her talk. As you would expect, they’re both vulgar and hilarious.

Aim To Misbehave
Aim To Misbehave
Aim To Misbehave

99 & A Flake

We soon realised that Zach and Laura arranged an extra special treat during one of the breaks when we heard the tune of an approaching ice cream van!

99 & A Flake
99 & A Flake
99 & A Flake
Doin’ it right.

Hybrid Conf

Draplin

After meeting Aaron Draplin and watching him speak a few years ago at Build Conference in Belfast, I’ve been a huge fan of his work, so I was delighted to discover he’d be closing Hybrid’s talks on Friday evening.
Draplin
Draplin
Draplin
Draplin

Hey, I Know You From Twitter!

Getting to meet so many of the awesome people I follow on Twitter has been the highlight of Hybrid for me. When internet friends become IRL friends <3
Hey, I Know You From Twitter!
Hey, I Know You From Twitter!
Hey, I Know You From Twitter!
Hey, I Know You From Twitter!
Hey, I Know You From Twitter!

I had a feeling Scott Riley would be awesome in person. I was right.

His talk on “Re-learning to love the web” was both engaging, and highly entertaining. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so much during a talk, and that’s a big thing to say when you’ve heard Mr Bingo speak.

Hybrid Conf
The super niice people of Hybrid ;)
Hybrid Conf
Hybrid Conf
Hybrid Conf
Hybrid Conf

Smile, you’re at #hybridconf! :)

Hybrid Conf

Thank You Zach & Laura!

I just want to give a massive thank you to both Zach and Laura who organised this amazing conference, you did one heck of a job. I’ve come away from the event feeling refreshed, inspired and so thankful that I got the chance to meet so many new people, many of which I’ve admired for years. It was an incredible few days and I miss seeing the people whose tweets I follow every day, in person. I’m hoping our paths will cross again very soon!

Thank You Zach & Laura!
Thank You Zach & Laura!