Bug's guide to conference curiosity
18 Sep 2025
In this moment:
Bug of the MoTaverse
I love going to tech conferences.
I keep an open mind and fill my brain with ideas.
I plan my day and don’t plan. Either works.
I check to see if it’s ok to speak to someone who is by themselves.
I keep hydrated with water.
I take lots of photos and selfies.
I make a note of the people I meet.
I welcome people into a group conversation.
I listen to show I’m interested in what someone else has to say.
I take breaks to allow my brain and body to settle.
I say thanks to the speakers, volunteers and organisers.
I take lots of notes.
I know there are others like me who feel anxious.
I ask simple questions when I meet someone for the first time.
I’m ok leaving a conversation if I’m uncomfortable or not interested.
I step back once in a while to take it all in.
------------
Share your conference tips in the comments.
I keep an open mind and fill my brain with ideas.
I plan my day and don’t plan. Either works.
I check to see if it’s ok to speak to someone who is by themselves.
I keep hydrated with water.
I take lots of photos and selfies.
I make a note of the people I meet.
I welcome people into a group conversation.
I listen to show I’m interested in what someone else has to say.
I take breaks to allow my brain and body to settle.
I say thanks to the speakers, volunteers and organisers.
I take lots of notes.
I know there are others like me who feel anxious.
I ask simple questions when I meet someone for the first time.
I’m ok leaving a conversation if I’m uncomfortable or not interested.
I step back once in a while to take it all in.
------------
Share your conference tips in the comments.
Simon Tomes
Community Lead at MoTaverse
he/him
Hello, I'm Simon. Since 2003 I've had various roles in testing, tech leadership and coaching. I believe in the power of collaboration, creativity and community. 🎓 MoT-STEC qualified. I get real joy working with and supporting our wonderful MoTaverse community.
“Thanks for making me feel so confident about myself.” | “I'm so grateful for all you do in the MoTaverse community, I learn so much as a result!” | “A simple chat with Simon in person absolutely changed everything.” | “Simon is one of the best people that I've ever met to have conversations with. He's so grounded in his way of thinking and articulates his thoughts so well and his feelings and his knowledge about community and everything.”
Open To
Teach
Speak
Mentor
Podcasting
Review Conference Proposals
Write
CV Reviews
Meet at MoTaCon 2027
Sign in
to comment
Manage your entire QA lifecycle in one place. Sync Jira, automate scripts, and use AI to accelerate your testing.
Explore MoT
Learn how to structure and organize test management data as an AI-ready foundation that gives AI systems richer context for testing insights and workflows.
Boost your career in software testing with the MoT Software Testing Essentials Certificate. Learn essential skills, from basic testing techniques to advanced risk analysis, crafted by industry experts.
Debrief the week in Quality via a community radio show hosted by Simon Tomes and members of the community