Rehearsed and getting amped!

[Cathy Brooks - Executive Producer - Seesmic]

I think it's pretty safe to call myself a veteran of DEMO. I've attended about 20 iterations of this event. It began about 18 years ago (since 2000 they've done two DEMOs a year). But it's been 10 years since I was here as part of a demonstrating company team and the dynamic is decidedly different.

For the last two years or so, I consulted with Guidewire Group, the analyst firm that picks all of the companies appearing at DEMO conferences. In this role, I helped pick companies and also produced a series of audio and video podcasts about the event and entrepreneurs. So when I walked in to the conference hall with Giselle today the usual question was: "Where will you be setting up your interviews, this time around?"

I cannot tell you the incredible sense of pride I felt when explaining that this time I'd be joining the ranks of demonstrating companies and participating in one of the presentations.

And what was even more gratifying was the great sense of excitement from my long-time colleagues as I told them about Seesmic!

Loic arrived here in Palm Desert just in time for the mandatory demonstrator meeting, which was followed immediately by our on-stage rehearsal. It was the first time he and I had went through the script, and even though we ended up totally re-writing it mere minutes before we took to the stage, I have to say that I am incredibly pleased.

We polished the script (again) over a quickly devoured meal of oversized burgers, and it was off to the opening reception.

While there, I took the opportunity to drop-kick our mobile client a few more times and did a post or two ... or three ...

The very wise Giselle took the evening for rest while Loic, Geraldine and I headed out for a dinner with some media folks that also included rather decadent consumption of wine.

But now it's to bed, because the next two days will be saturated with back-to-back-to-back dog and pony presentations - including our big, on-stage demonstration at 4:40pm Tuesday afternoon. (That would be 4:40pm Pacific time).

If you want to watch us LIVE at that time, you can go here and then click on the bright orange highlighted link in the middle of the page.