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Contributor: Lorraine Lachica
Opn Con, our inaugural internal developer conference, was a resounding success! Held on September 27th at our office, the event brought together Opners from all corners of the company for a day of learning, connection, and celebration.
Inspired by the endless possibilities of LEGO bricks, we incorporated a playful and creative element into Opn Con. This theme perfectly aligned with the conference's focus on "Innovation in Tech and Payments."
From the insightful presentations to the lively networking opportunities, Opn Con offered something for everyone. In this blog post, I'll take you on a journey through the event day and share what made it so memorable.
The conference kicked off with an inspiring keynote speech by Raghavendran Sukumar, an external speaker and Director for Payments Delivery at FIS Global. Raghavendran shared his insights on the evolution of payments and the role of technology, highlighting emerging trends and the importance of perspective in solving real-world problems.
Attendees had the opportunity to choose from a variety of breakout sessions led by industry experts and internal developers.
The lightning talks showcased the diverse expertise of our developers in a fast-paced format. Each speaker had 10 minutes to present on a variety of topics ranging from cutting-edge tools to personal insights on the industry.
The Women in Fintech panel discussion at Opn Con provided valuable insights into the experiences and challenges faced by women in the industry. The panelists, Nor Kanjanahattakij, Pornphan (Rainy) Buranapim, and Jitsupa (Ple) Cheowit, were moderated by Natty Petchpaibool, who skillfully guided the discussion and encouraged thoughtful dialogue among the panelists.
The panel discussion focused on the experiences of women in fintech, with a particular emphasis on career development, work-life balance, and gender equality. Panelists shared their personal stories about how they landed jobs in the fintech industry and the challenges they faced along the way. Work-life balance and imposter syndrome were common themes discussed, highlighting the unique challenges that women can encounter in this field.
Key takeaways from the panel discussion included:
One of the standout moments of the panel discussion was Ple's sharing of her experience working with young people in the fintech industry. She expressed her preference for working with younger individuals, describing them as energetic, positive, and inspiring. Ple noted that interacting with young people made her feel rejuvenated and motivated, highlighting the positive impact of intergenerational collaboration in the workplace.
Nor shared her experience with imposter syndrome and emphasized the importance of focusing on her strengths and continuously learning and growing.
Additionally, Rainy emphasized the importance of having a reliable and capable team as a key factor in achieving a work-life blend. She shared her experience of being able to take vacations and enjoy time with family, knowing that her team was capable of handling their responsibilities in her absence. Rainy's perspective highlighted the importance of building a strong and supportive team as a foundation for a successful and fulfilling career.
In response to a question from the audience about gender equality in fintech, the panelists agreed that Opn values the contributions of all employees, regardless of gender, creating a supportive and inclusive environment for women in the industry. Nor also pointed out that unlike the military, which values strength and order, the fintech industry values innovation and creativity, making gender less of a factor in determining success.
The panel discussion was a valuable opportunity for attendees to learn from the experiences of successful women in fintech and to gain insights into the challenges and opportunities that exist in this field.
While Opn Con didn't have formally scheduled networking events, the conference provided ample opportunities for attendees to connect and build relationships. During breaks, Opners took advantage of the time to catch up with colleagues, discuss topics related to the conference, and explore potential collaborations.
The informal atmosphere of Opn Con encouraged attendees to approach speakers and other participants with questions or to simply strike up a conversation. This spontaneous interaction fostered a sense of community and facilitated meaningful connections.
According to the post-event survey, many attendees voted that their favorite part of Opn Con was "Connecting with fellow Opners." The networking opportunities contributed significantly to the overall conference experience, allowing attendees to learn from their peers, explore new ideas, and build valuable relationships.
Future Plans:
The day concluded with a lively after-party filled with music, food, drinks, and fun. Attendees had the chance to relax and unwind. The after-party was a great opportunity for further networking and socializing, allowing attendees to build bonds and create unforgettable memories.
The conference showcased the talent and creativity of our developers, fostered a sense of community, and provided valuable opportunities for professional growth.
One of the standout moments of Opn Con was the lightning talks, which highlighted the diverse range of topics and skills within our team. Attendees were particularly impressed by the passion and enthusiasm of the presenters.
Beyond the educational aspects, Opn Con provided a valuable platform for networking and building relationships. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with colleagues from different departments, share ideas, and learn from each other's experiences. Additionally, the conference offered a unique opportunity for developers to practice their presentation and communication skills in a supportive environment.
As we look ahead, we are excited to continue building on the success of Opn Con. We are already planning future conferences with new and exciting themes.
Stay tuned for updates on our next Opn Con!
