Another successful Umbraco Spark

  • Posted: Tuesday, 12 May 2020

What a couple of months it has been! Not only did we have a hugely successful event but it has followed with some very challenging times and will continue to for the time being, so before I start talking about Spark, stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives!

How’d Spark 2020 go, you ask?

One word, BRILLIANTLY! We smashed our target ticket sales and from what we have heard from you, the important ones, who attended Spark, we are not alone in thinking it was a great success.

It was, in our opinion, streets ahead of our first conference and still maintained the key value that Spark is all about, innovation! From the topics, speakers, to the venue itself!

It was as smooth as we could have hoped for and more than anything, people showed up, and I mean nearly everyone. Only 5 or so people couldn’t attend last minute, so we had a full house.

Friendly?! They didn’t lie!

As one of the Producers at Gibe Digital, I had never really gotten involved in the Umbraco community before becoming a part of the organising committee of Spark. Being busy with clients and the team daily never gave me that opportunity. Also, I had thought the Umbraco community was entirely comprised of developers and let’s just say I don’t have a coding bone in my body, although I have tweaked around with the back end of Umbraco and changed some validation before if that counts?

Organising Spark introduced me for the first time to what I have heard as the ‘friendly’ community. And this year I really saw that. Everyone at the event and post the event, albeit with a little Dutch courage in them during the latter, were so friendly and welcoming. I even bagged myself an invite to Codegarden, hopefully, I get to see everyone there next year when life returns to some sort of normality!

I think anyone interested in Umbraco should add Spark to their list of events next year. It’s informal, inspiring and community-driven. Thanks to the huge support we had from sponsors, speakers, attendees to Umbraco HQ I have no doubt the conference will get bigger and better in years to come.

This years event was amazing. I really liked the range of speakers and topics. Overall an A+++ Event. Not sure how you are going to beat it next year!

Nik Rimington

The future

Do not fear, because of you, there will be more Umbraco Spark to come and we will be hosting again in Bristol next year. The support and numbers we received this year proves that Bristol is a great location and a perfect spot for the community to link up again!

There may also be a Spark coming to your neck of the woods, well if you live up North that is! But watch this space, more will be revealed soon.

Any last words…

Always. I am very proud to be a part of the organising committee of Spark and absolutely love putting this conference together.

If over the next few months, you are feeling the challenge of being indoors, let’s spare a thought for the one thing we all remember from Spark, yes you got it, Jon Skeet’s trousers. They still brighten my day as I sit here working from home. I hope it works for you!

Until next year, Umbraco friends!

Really well organised and friendly again. One of the best on the circuit now so keep up the good work.

Peter Duncanson, Offroadcode

"I thought the event came over as being very well organised, in a great space and location. Coming to Spark has already been productive for us, from both a business, community and a personal growth perspective. Thank you! #H5YR!"

Lucy Brailsford, Outfield Digital

About the Author

Cat Todd, Senior Producer

Cat is a Producer at Gibe with experience working with some top brands across the marketing sector. She keeps busy with project and account management working side by side with the tech team to ensure the project hits the nail on the head in terms of requirements and expectations. Cat also organises the Umbraco Spark Innovation Conference!