Mainframes are MAD: How I Found My First Time at GSE

This week I attended my first GSE conference (my first conference full stop, for that matter). For all the mainframers reading this, you probably already know what that is. For all the non-mainframers, picture GSE as being the Oscars, the Superbowl and the Met Gala rolled into one - THAT is how exciting it is to us. It's one of the best places to meet like-minded people who are passionate about the mainframe, share ideas and meet industry-leading experts. I was invited to join at the very last minute and, needless to say, I was delighted. Here's what I got up to, and some of my personal highlights.

As someone who is relatively new to the mainframe scene, when Misty Decker invited me to co-present some sessions about mainframe modernisation with her, I was both excited and terrified. Imposter feelings crept in and I was sure people would pick up on the fact that I was a 'fraud' right away. Luckily (as is often the case) the fear of presenting was so much worse than putting myself out there and just doing it. I found myself getting more and more comfortable with it and by the final day I even found myself enjoying it! We discussed topics such as how unconscious bias affects technology as well as people, and how the term 'modernisation' can have completely opposing definitions depending on who you ask.

I was pleasantly surprised to have the opportunity to meet so many younger people across the mainframe community. One of my highlights was a panel discussion hosted by Earl Dixon where Niall Ashley and Maryam Ahmed talked about the different paths that lead them to the mainframe space, some of their challenges, and their favourite parts about the industry.

I also had a lot of fun meeting different vendors from all over the field and seeing what part everyone plays in the modernisation journey. Of course, I spent a little too much time trying to perfect my lap time on the Scalextric track at our own Micro Focus booth - nobody can say I'm not competitive!

My key takeaway from the week was that the mainframe space is so much bigger than I had ever imagined. I was introduced to different terms and viewpoints I had never considered and can confidently say it has been one of the high points of my career so far in terms of personal growth and opportunity for learning. I would recommend any other young mainframer to get involved if they can!