Estimated reading time: 1 minute, 24 seconds. Contains 280 words
Well, it's that time of year again - Wireless LAN Professionals Conference (WLPC). This is the 3rd (U.S.) conference, and my 3rd as well. I look forward to this gathering of Wi-Fi geeks all year. I tell anyone who asks about learning wireless - if you can only go to ONE conference - this is the one.
My first WLPC was in 2014 in Austin, TX, and other than following WLAN pros on Twitter, I knew no one. I was overwhelmed at the knowledge, and people, I had access to. I got to listen in on conversations with people like Keith Parsons, GT Hill, Devin Akin, Andrew Von Nagy, Chuck Lukaszewski, and others.
I was a total fish out of water. I had just gotten my CWNA a few months before, but I really didn't know how far I would go. This conference was the impetus to start my blog, get involved in the WLAN community, and set a goal of achieving CWNE.
I was encouraged by all the people I met. People like me, who were relatively new to the wireless thing, and those who were well entrenched. Meeting other 'newbies' was encouraging, because I wasn't the only one who felt insecure in their Wi-Fi proficiency. Meeting the 'Pros' was encouraging because they were welcoming and open to sharing their knowledge and expertise with those of us that were new.
I encourage all WLPC first timers to get in the thick of it. Make an effort to get to know people, ask questions, listen in, and get involved. Push aside any timidity you may have, because the folks at WLPC are more than willing to welcome you in and share the knowledge.