My first international conference is HUSTEF. Last year in Budapest, Hungary, I had a fantastic experience. To learn more about my experiences, read this blog.

Last year, as I was submitting proposals for several conferences, an email stating that “I am selected for Agile Testing Days USA 2023” with the topic of “API Testing for Everyone” suddenly appeared. This event combines a talk with a workshop. I was ecstatic to do this.

I gradually began to prepare for my talk. I also had to work on the Visa and travel arrangements. The day of travel finally arrived after many hours of planning. I traveled along with my family. A few days previous to the conference, we arrived in Chicago. Chicago sure is a lovely city. We had some free time to explore the city and stop by several famous sights. We could cope despite the chilly weather.

Not far from the City Centre lies the conference location, the “Hilton Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Centre”. The speakers’ accommodations were secured by the organizing team, making check-in quick and hassle-free.

On May 22, which is a tutorial day, they hosted the “Speaker’s Dinner” that evening. That evening was special since it was the first time I had actually met my longtime friend ❤️

Tristan is one of the finest individuals I’ve encountered in life. I am glad that we became friends. During the dinner, I also get to converse with a lot of other fantastic speakers. And Erika Chestnut, too. She is incredible.

 

Day 1:

On the Day 1 of the conference, I was handed over the “Conference Brochure”, with all the needed details.

I got my speaker card as well ❤️

 

The day began with Jenna’s keynote speech, which is terrific. She was amazing.

 

Following that, the audience could choose from a variety of tracks according to their interests. I went to a few sessions, and each speaker was outstanding and unique in some manner. There were many sponsor booths, and I finally met a few Postman friends. I meet Pooja, Ian, and few other folks 🧡

 

As I passed past the sponsor booths, I noticed many brand-new, intriguing products. Day 1 was wrapped off with another keynote by Elisabeth Hendrickson. There was also a raffle and several entertaining games.

After lunch, Erika gave her keynote address. She captivated our hearts and brains!

 

I met two other wonderful humans during the conference and couldn’t miss taking a Selfie with: Beth and Tara ❤️

 

Later for dinner, we had to get ready for the “Oktoberfest fest party”, which is part of Bavarian tradition. I tried to match up with a floral dress since I don’t have that costume.

We had good food and drinks!!

That evening, I get to take a picture with Lisa Crispin ❤️ She is so sweet!!

Day 2:

My session is planned for this day afternoon. I get to speak with many of the attendees during the lunch and break hours.

Paul gave an incredible keynote speech. Dr. Rochelle Carr gave her keynote address following lunch. She is a bomb of energy. It was no less than a TED talk.

 

After that, I was racing to set up my machine and get ready for my session!

We started with a few basic API terminologies and moved on to the types of API Testing and some best practices.

 

 

The workshop was effective overall, with few questions and plenty of hands-on activities! I cherished socializing with the audience.

 

I was quite thrilled and honored to be a part of this amazing conference, which was overall so beautifully organized.

 

Agile Testing Days brought together a vibrant global community of testing professionals, business leaders, and industry experts. The variety of perspectives and levels of skill in the room produced an atmosphere that promoted creativity, teamwork, and ongoing learning.

Many thanks for the priceless memories! Signing off until the next time ❤️