A Memorable Experience at PUG Challenge 2024

This autumn, our team had the privilege of attending PUG Challenge 2024 both Europe & Americas, two pivotal events for Progress OpenEdge enthusiasts and experts. With a team of nine, including three dynamic speakers, we set out to learn, network and share our insights with the community.

This year’s PUG Challenge Europe edition took place in the vibrant city of Prague and between the engaging sessions, booth experiences and a thrilling circus-themed party, we had a truly unforgettable time.

Key Highlights

Our speakers in action

We were proud to have three of our experts present at PUG Challenge 2024, each sharing valuable insights into their areas of expertise.

Ovidiu Filip, Enhancing Business Application Success – A Guide for Back-End Developers on UX Impact

Ovidiu highlighted how back-end developers can improve UX by optimizing queries, simplifying save operations, and using asynchronous calls. His session showcased practical ways to enhance UX while maintaining performance and scalability, showing that even behind-the-scenes development can significantly impact application success.

Claudiu Spac, Understanding Your Data and How to Best Access It

Claudiu focused on simplifying data access for developers, demonstrating efficient ways to answer key business questions without writing multiple reports. His session offered practical tips on optimizing database queries and improving overall performance.

Virgil Pal, An Enigmatic Duo – Using Copilot for Progress OpenEdge Development

Virgil explored how GitHub’s Copilot and Visual Studio Code can streamline OpenEdge development through AI-powered code suggestions. He shared real-world examples of Copilot’s potential to boost coding efficiency, while also addressing some of the challenges developers face when integrating AI into their workflow.

Each speaker delivered actionable insights that resonated strongly with the audience, leaving attendees with new strategies to enhance their development processes.

A booth with a twist: The massage chair

One of the highlights of our booth this year was our massage chair, which quickly became a hit with attendees. As conference-goers moved between sessions, they stopped by our booth for a quick moment of relaxation, which opened the door for deeper conversations. It wasn’t just about the comfort, though — the relaxed atmosphere encouraged more natural and open discussions about industry challenges and opportunities.

Our team took full advantage of these interactions, sparking meaningful conversations. We talked about real-world applications, industry pain points, and potential solutions that we’re excited to explore further.

Networking and the Circus-Themed Party in Prague

Of course, no conference is complete without its social events, and this year’s circus-themed party in Prague didn’t disappoint! It was the perfect mix of fun and networking. Our team had a blast mingling with other attendees, enjoying the lively performances and even getting into the spirit of the circus atmosphere.

The party provided a unique opportunity to connect with people in a more informal setting. We met industry peers, exchanged ideas and strengthened relationships with both new and familiar faces.

Takeaways and Insights

The conference was filled with insightful sessions and discussions on the latest trends in Progress technology. We walked away with a wealth of knowledge and actionable insights.

Conclusion: A Successful PUG Challenge 2024 Experience

PUG Challenge 2024 Europe exceeded our expectations in every way. From the insightful presentations and technical deep dives to the lively networking events, our team left feeling energized and inspired. We’re excited to apply the insights we gained at the conference to our projects and continue innovating in the Progress ecosystem.

A big thank you to everyone we connected with — whether you visited our booth, attended one of our sessions, or shared a laugh at the circus party, it was a pleasure getting to know you. We’re already looking forward to next year’s event and continuing the conversations we started in Prague!

If you didn’t have a chance to attend or would like to learn more about the topics we discussed, feel free to reach out! We’d love to chat further.