Technically, Agile2016 is not software, BUT, Agile2016 is about product delivery. It is a product of hard work of countless volunteers, track and submission reviewers, sponsors, companies, and the people who attend. And while I know that there was probably copious amounts of documentation and communication in paper form, the end game is not and will never will be about the documentation.
To dig into this further, I went to the principles behind the manifesto to get more understanding on this key pillar of Agile and how it applies to the actual conference. If you peruse through the principles, there are key phrases related to the actual software product such as, “satisfy the customer,” or, “deliver… frequently,” or that the product is, “the primary measure of success.” Each of these could be asked as questions in regards to the success of Agile2016 so far.
Is the customer satisfied?
As a customer (and no, I will not format this as a user story) – yes! The way that the hotel staff has been attentive, the quality of the company booths, the attentiveness of the volunteers, the excitement and energy exuded by the attendees. The answer is a whole-hearted YES! Add to that the camaraderie of even competing organizations and the people focused on skills improvement and relationship building and Agile2016 is a resounding success. I wish I could find the picture of one of our competitors chatting it up with us in booth – sharing stories, or seeing the two name sponsors’ staff hanging out in each others booths. It is a sign of success of not just the conference but the movement. Customer Sat? Check.
Is there frequent delivery of value?
Again, absolutely. In 1:15 increments, speakers are delivering value. In 3 hour bursts, the exhibit floor is bursting with value! Even the breaks where one can chat with other agilists is a sign of creating instantaneous value.
Is the customer satisfaction and product delivery the primary measure of success?
This one adds to the first. Not only do we recognize the need to create satisfied customers, but for our growth and for our validation of abilities, we need to actually deliver something. What is the “product” that Agile2016 delivers? Strategic and tactical agile transformation concepts, relationships, and vendor solutions.
On that note, welcome to Agile2016 day 2! We look forward to more “quality product delivery” today!
Joshua Thinks 