Articles

Events Article

<p>The <a href="https://www.boye-co.com/groups/cms-experts" target="_blank">Boye &amp; Company CMS Experts Group</a> always provides lively debate and thought-provoking presentations. At the organization’s annual <a href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmskickoff23/program" target="_blank">CMS Kickoff</a> on January 17-18 in St. Petersburg, Florida, the event went to script.</p>
<p>One of the lines of thought particularly intriguing to me was put forth by <a href="https://www.cmscritic.com/cms-kickoff-2023-draws-global-attendees-focuses-on-the-future-of-content-and-composable/">Optimizely's Deane Barker</a> in his opening presentation. He talked about the creation of content – <em>where content begins – </em>and the idea that the “first 85% of content exists outside of a CMS.”</p>
<p>I had never considered this but had learned from my own experiences – and nightmares – why this is the case. </p>
<h2>So many CMSes, so little time</h2>
<p>I have had the opportunity in my varied roles as a journalist, consultant, project manager, search engine optimizer, and content producer to interact with more than 15 different content management systems. Whether proprietary, mass appeal, enterprise license-based, low-code, no-code, or HTML-code, they all essentially do the same thing. An interface exists to push content to the web, and this interface is more user-friendly, organized, and manageable than doing so in code. A CMS enables many more users within an organization to publish to the web and (should) limit the old bottleneck that was created by content creators (often many) sending their written content “over the wall” to developers (often few) to bring those “artifacts” to life digitally. </p>
<p>While publishing to the web might have become an action to be handled by many more hands, the fact that content creation itself doesn’t happen in a CMS – Barker’s “85%” comment – is still the general law of cyberspace.  A CMS – even when it features a WYSIWYG or visual editor – has never felt like a great place to begin the content journey. For me, it has never provided a better toolset than word processing software, like Microsoft Word or Google Docs, or notes applications, like Evernote, Apple’s Notes, or Microsoft OneNote. In addition, I am sure we have all experienced the nightmare of trying to develop content in a CMS, and then some reboot or login script automatically triggers and wipes away your potential masterpiece. </p>
<p>Barker noted that people are hesitant to create content within a CMS because of an anxiety of potentially being judged while a kernel of an idea is gestating. “Psychological Safety” is important for healthy content development. Barker himself negotiates “keyboard time” into his agreements with his employer, <a href="https://www.optimizely.com/?utm_source=linkedin&amp;utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Optimizely</a>. This is an acknowledgment that to create, you often need to “go dark” for at least a bit and be trusted to create. It also got me thinking that while content editing, queueing, moderation, and publishing can feel like a virtual supply chain, content creation feels more like product development or innovation. </p>
<h2>Trust the process... whatever that may be</h2>
<p>Some enterprise organizations, like Boye &amp; Company event presenter <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-spenceley-7058a312/" target="_blank">Michael Spenceley</a>’s team at <a href="https://www.jnj.com/" target="_blank">Johnson &amp; Johnson</a>, <em>can</em> build a high-performing content team that aligns impeccable customer-centric content creation into a kind of content conveyer belt, but most still need inspiration from the mind of a creator to kick things into gear. Could this – <em>should this – </em>be accounted for in the CMS? Is it good for content operations, from conception to commercialization, to be commoditized?  Should we still leave and trust some parts of the process to serendipity?</p>
<p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/carriehane/" target="_blank">Carrie Hane</a>, principal evangelist at <a href="https://www.cmscritic.com/sanity-raises-39-million-focuses-growth-on-content-as-data-for-transformative-digital-experiences/">Sanity.io</a>, talked at the Boye &amp; Company CMS Kickoff about how content technology impacts business. Her own research and vantage of the market note that “CMS users still think their CMS <em>sucks</em>, and that’s just how it is,” and that “most organizations don’t have a content strategy.” She also noted that composable technologies are being embraced by early-adopting IT teams and are better for content management. </p>
<p>This made me further think about the best use cases and philosophical aspirations of a content management system. </p>
<p>How do we square all these competing elements?</p>
<ul>
<li>CMS users who don’t like the system, but only use it for 15% of the content process.</li>
<li>IT teams procure new systems on behalf of content managers, who will primarily use them.</li>
<li>The right platform for content inspiration simultaneously enables quick and efficient processes for content perspiration.</li>
</ul>
<p>Most importantly, is there a specific problem in all this that is hankering to be solved?</p>
<h2>A new (old) content sheriff in town?</h2>
<p>In times of yore – let’s say the late 2000s – when selling the virtues of the then-nascent CMS to a prospective customer, we would often say that the technology allows you to manage and publish content on the web as simply as you can within Microsoft Word. Back then, it felt like the CMS would make Microsoft Word redundant, or worse, anachronistic!</p>
<p>This is a funny notion now in 2023. Microsoft has made quite a resurgence, up to its current perch as the third-largest company in the world by market capitalization. And just this past Monday (January 23), it announced <a href="https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2023/01/23/microsoftandopenaiextendpartnership/" target="_blank">a multibillion-dollar investment in ChatGPT</a>, via its maker OpenAI. Many are frenziedly anointing ChatGPT as the holy grail of content creation and production. It will undoubtedly become tightly integrated with Microsoft’s products.</p>
<p>Is it possible in the future that a CMS could just become a way to deliver generative AI-enhanced, Microsoft Word content directly to the web for publishing? What if Microsoft can swoop in and own Barker’s “85% of content” happening outside of the CMS and make a moot point of whether CMS users think their CMS sucks or not (per Hanes’ presentation)?</p>
<p>What happens in the CMS might not stay in the CMS much longer. It's a gamble to be sure, but the bets are already on the table that AI will change everything. We'll have to wait and see. </p>
<h2>About the Author</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-mcqueeny-9732493/" target="_blank">Matthew McQueeny</a> is part of the leadership team at <a href="https://konabos.com/" target="_blank">Konabos</a>, a global agency that specializes in digital experience platform implementation. Matt's role as the relationships and community lead is powered by over 15 years of digital marketing and web project management experience. He has worked with clients ranging from Fortune 500 to startups across a wide range of industries including healthcare, publishing, technology, telecommunications, education, retail, entertainment, manufacturing, and transportation. </p>
<p>Matt loves the intersection of technology, marketing, and communications. Throughout his career, he has worked with many licensed and open-source content management systems, in editorial, social media strategy and advertising, search engine marketing, lead generation, analytics, and podcasting. You can follow Matt on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-mcqueeny-9732493/" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/mattmcqueeny" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. </p>


What Happens in the CMS, Stays in the CMS?

mattmcqueeny

Las Vegas sign with text that reads "Welcome to your Fabulous CMS" instead of Las Vegas. Background of Las Vegas city skyline at night.

CMS Kickoff 2023 Draws Global Attendees, Focuses on the Future of Content and Composable

matt-garrepy

CMS Kickoff 2023 photo montage with images from the event of people and sessions

<h4>The two-day conference will be held January 17-18 in St. Petersburg, Florida, and feature keynotes and workshops with leading global experts in the CMS field. </h4>
<hr />
<p><em>If only there were a vendor-neutral conference dedicated to CMS...</em></p>
<p>That was the vision guiding <a href="https://www.cmscritic.com/critics/janus-boye/">Janus Boye</a> of <a href="https://www.boye-co.com/" target="_blank">Boye &amp; Company</a>, a leading peer group organizer, to create a new kind of live experience – one that focuses exclusively on Content Management Systems.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmskickoff23" target="_blank">CMS Kickoff 2023 Conference</a> will offer attendees a fresh and unique perspective on the continuously evolving CMS space. The two-day event promises diverse opportunities for learning and networking, as well as keynotes from top industry speakers and thought leaders.</p>
<p>Aptly named a “kickoff” and held in January, the conference will look back at the previous year’s challenges and trends. But as Boye pointed out, event speakers will emphasize what’s ahead for the CMS community in 2023.</p>
<h2><strong>A program featuring global brands and industry experts</strong></h2>
<p>The CMS Kickoff 2023 will share learnings, insights, and best practices from leading brands that are utilizing CMS, including <strong><a href="https://www.aetna.com/" target="_blank">Aetna</a>, <a href="https://dia.org/" target="_blank">Detroit Institute of Arts</a>, <a href="https://www.jnj.com/" target="_blank">Johnson &amp; Johnson</a></strong>, and <strong><a href="https://www.wellsfargo.com/" target="_blank">Wells Fargo</a></strong>.</p>
<p>Attendees will also have an opportunity to hear from CMS industry experts like <strong><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/deane/" target="_blank">Deane Barker</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartomlo/" target="_blank">Bart Omlo</a></strong>, and <a href="https://www.cmscritic.com/from-legacy-to-composable-whats-the-best-way-forward/"><strong>Sana Remekie</strong></a> (to name a few). These respected thought leaders will interpret market trends and discuss topics that range from <a href="https://www.cmscritic.com/top-free-headless-cms-platforms/">headless CMS</a> to digital experience composition.</p>
<h2><strong>Exclusively focused on CMS</strong></h2>
<p>Boye has long been a respected voice within the CMS community, conducting peer groups that tackle a range of topics. Along the way, Boye &amp; Company has built a global cabal of experts representing a multitude of vendors and integrators, and many have been yearning for a CMS event.  </p>
<p>“The CMS industry does not currently have a dedicated conference,” said Boye. “This event aims to change that while remaining focused on helping customers and ultimately moving the industry forward – without sales pitches.”</p>
<p>The CMS Kickoff 2023 will offer curated talks, workshops, and a “perfect mix” of presentations and discussions. Along with Boye &amp; Company’s legendary learning format and social events, the conference promises something for every CMS user, builder, or enthusiast – regardless of skill level.  </p>
<p>“Think of this conference as a mixture of world-class masterclasses, relevant lectures, enlightening discussions, high-impact learning, and down-to-earth networking,” said Boye.</p>
<h2><img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2022/12/don-cesar.jpg" alt="Don Cesar Hotel image" /></h2>
<h2><strong>Hosted at the Don CeSar Hotel in St. Petersburg, Florida</strong></h2>
<p>To top it off, the CMS Kickoff 2023 will be hosted at the legendary <a href="https://www.doncesar.com/" target="_blank">The Don CeSar</a> Hotel in beautiful St. Pete Beach – giving many attendees from around the globe an opportunity to leave winter weather behind and enjoy the Florida sunshine. Built in 1928 to resemble a Mediterranean-style castle and known as Florida’s "Pink Palace," the Don CeSar is the only historic hotel on Florida’s Gulf Coast.</p>
<p><strong>CMS Kickoff will be held from January 17-18, 2023. Registration is now open, and you can visit the website to <a href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmskickoff23/program" target="_blank">explore the event</a>, <a href="https://lnkd.in/dy_cSrhe" target="_blank">see the speakers</a>, and <a href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmskickoff23/tickets" target="_blank">book your seat</a> today. </strong></p>


CMS Kickoff 2023 Brings Laser Focus to Content Management, Offers Sessions with Industry Leaders

cms-critic-staff

CMS Kickoff featured image with palm trees and logo

Shopify - The global commerce platform

Build your business with Shopify to sell online, offline, and everywhere in between.

The global commerce platform

#ffffff

<p><a href="https://www.cmscritic.com/sitecore-updates-experience-platform-and-experience-commerce-releases-new-sitecore-content-hub/">Sitecore</a> is holding its popular <a href="https://www.sitecore.com/company/news-events/events/2022/11/ldn/symposium-takeaway-sessions-2022" target="_blank">Symposium Takeaway Sessions</a> in Europe as a follow-up to its <a href="https://symposium.sitecore.com/" target="_blank">Sitecore Symposium 2022</a> in Chicago – with a keen focus on the topic of composability.</p>
<p>The sessions look promising, as they include live networking, customer presentations, and lively discussions with Sitecore leadership. </p>
<p>The digital experience platform (DXP) leader is welcoming back live audiences in three locations next month:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.sitecore.com/company/news-events/events/2022/11/ldn/symposium-takeaway-sessions-2022" target="_blank">November 3 – London, UK</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.sitecore.com/company/news-events/events/2022/11/dk/symposium-takeaway-sessions-2022" target="_blank">November 15 – Copenhagen, Denmark</a></li>
<li>November 17 – Stockholm, Sweden</li>
</ul>
<h2>From the Sitecore DXP roadmap to customer success stories</h2>
<p>While each of the Symposium Takeaway Sessions offers something unique (aside from the locale), each will feature a mix of Sitecore's thought leaders. The core presentations will be led by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-baxter/" target="_blank">Jaqueline Baxter</a>, Senior Digital Strategist at Sitecore, who will provide practical key learnings, informative tips, and takeaways from Symposium 2022 – which will be held in Chicago from October 17-20.</p>
<p>The UK session will feature a presentation by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-tidmarsh-7b3871/" target="_blank">Michael Tidmarsh</a>, Olgilvy's Global CTO, as he shares the agency's experience with emerging technologies. He will touch on blockchain, NFTs, AR, and other "fringe" innovations that are making the transition to be business-ready – and the goldmine that awaits. </p>
<p>In Copenhagen, attendees will have a chance to hear from LB Insurance about its use of composable architectures and automated DevOps with the Sitecore platform, allowing the firm to orchestrate and evolve business value and technology at different speeds to meet demands. </p>
<p>Stockholm will feature a presentation by leading global agency <a href="https://www.cmscritic.com/the-future-is-composable-a-conversation-with-new-mach-alliance-president-casper-rasmussen/">Valtech</a>, which is pioneering innovation in the composable space. </p>
<h2>About Sitecore</h2>
<p>Sitecore delivers a digital experience platform that empowers the world's smartest brands to build lifelong relationships with their customers. A highly decorated industry leader, Sitecore is the only company bringing together content, commerce, and data into one connected platform that delivers millions of digital experiences every day. Leading companies, including American Express, ASOS, Kimberly-Clark, L'Oréal, and Volvo Cars, rely on Sitecore to provide more engaging, personalized experiences for their customers. Learn more at <a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=3311724-1&amp;h=2070543467&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sitecore.com%2F&amp;a=Sitecore.com" target="_blank">Sitecore.com</a>.</p>


Sitecore Symposium Takeaway Sessions 2022 Coming to London, Copenhagen, Stockholm

Sitecore Symposium 2022 logo overlaying an image of a young woman holding her arm up in joy against a background of parallel neon lights.

Explore a wide range of informative articles on Events, insights, and industry updates. Stay informed and ahead of the curve with our diverse collection of news and posts covering the latest trends and developments in the industry

News

What Happens in the CMS, Stays in the CMS?

CMS Kickoff 2023 Draws Global Attendees, Focuses on the Future of Content and Composable

CMS Kickoff 2023 Brings Laser Focus to Content Management, Offers Sessions with Industry Leaders

The global commerce platform

Sitecore Symposium Takeaway Sessions 2022 Coming to London, Copenhagen, Stockholm