Reflecting on the Thrilling Experience at the Adobe Marketo Forum 2023
Embarking on a journey thousands of miles from home to a gathering like the Adobe Marketo Forum, the excitement overrides any travel fatigue. As I navigated through flights and stopovers to reach san jose, little did I know that the ensuing experience would be nothing short of exhilarating.
The journey began with unexpected camaraderie. Meeting Katja from the Netherlands, who had to search for emergency clothes due to a lost suitcase, highlighted the unexpected twists of international travel. Yet, these chance encounters often pave the way for lasting connections.
My rendezvous with Jon sparked discussions about the Marketo Nation community. As we delved into various topics, I couldn’t help but reminisce about the first Apple Mac I used for my degree thesis, a nostalgic connection to the evolving landscape of technology. Touring the awe-inspiring Adobe towers and sky garden further fueled the excitement, taking me back to the roots of my digital journey with Adobe PageMaker on floppy disks.
The Champions Forum itself was a whirlwind of innovation and collaboration. Despite a packed agenda, discussions around Marketo and Marketing Operations (MOPs) seamlessly flowed, fostering an environment where ideas incubated and passion for the subject matter thrived. Meeting fellow champions face-to-face was a highlight; the collective energy and shared enthusiasm made me proud to be a part of the esteemed global Adobe Champions 2023 cohort.
The sneak peeks into roadmap developments and champion opportunities opened doors to speaking engagements, office hours, awards, and engaging online sessions. What struck me the most was the dissolution of my impostor syndrome; I found myself immediately integrated into the group, contributing valuable insights and engaging in discussions without hesitation.
Off the formal agenda, the moments of bonding over Adobe cocktails, karaoke, and bowling added a layer of camaraderie that transformed strangers into friends, united by our shared passion. even the clown shoes made us laugh!
A heartfelt thank you is owed to Brad, Julie, Kelsey, Robert, Jon, Emma, brian and the entire Adobe team for their warm hospitality and for curating an event that made us champions feel not just welcome but truly valued.
Even on my return journey, the adventure continued. Utilising my layover time in Minneapolis, I seized the opportunity to take the new Adobe digital marketing beta exam, making the most of every moment.
The Adobe Marketo Forum 2023 was more than a meeting; it was an immersion into a community where passion, innovation, and camaraderie converged, leaving a lasting imprint and igniting inspiration for the journey ahead.
EMEA MOPS diary by Zoe Forman 