By Rob Parker, Interconnection Director

Your first NOG meeting doesn't have to be daunting. Here's what to expect, how to prepare, and how to make the most of every session and conversation.

Co-authored by Rob Parker and Gavin Tweedie

If you’re trying to optimize your organization’s peering and Internet Exchange (IX) traffic engineering as your network grows, you may be searching for more ways to improve your network or customer experience.

Attending an in-person Network Operator Group (NOG) meeting is the perfect opportunity to find answers. Discuss approaches to complex problems with a social peer group, learn what works for others, and run ideas past industry experts for inspiration.

In this blog we’ll cover what you can expect from attending a NOG, and how to get the most out of your experience.

Types of Network Operator Group

Most NOGs follow the same structure, varying primarily by region or specific group. They can either focus on:

• network operation with a thread or track of peering (e.g. NANOG, APRICOT)
• peering and interconnection (e.g. Global Peering Forum, European Peering Forum, PeeringAsia).

The overlap between meeting attendees is often high. Peering and interconnection isn’t a full-time job for most – just one part of designing or operating a network.

What to expect at your first Network Operator Group

Most conferences and events have a similar structure, comprising a daily program of presentations and talks about subjects directly related to network engineering, architecture, interconnection, or new technologies and protocols. You can review the program ahead of time to ensure you don’t miss sessions that are most of interest to you.

Outside of the presentation program, many events also have an important social element. Participants often take opportunities to socialize over a coffee or beer, or at an organized social event. This aspect of a NOG is often just as important or useful as the presentations, offering a great way to meet and discuss ideas or problems. These catch-ups also give you the chance to meet people you met (or missed) during the day, asking follow-up questions in a more casual setting.

A NOG is the perfect time to meet your customers, vendors and partners, too. Our tip: review the attendee list ahead of time to make note of people you’d like to try and meet. Many conferences have meeting tools available after registration that allow you to send meeting requests to schedule time with specific people. And if not, LinkedIn is an excellent way to reach out to people and plan a meeting ahead of time.

Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with anyone and everyone. Although the community is large, it’s very welcoming to newcomers and almost everyone will be happy to say hello!

Megaport often attends all the major NOGs globally, and our team is always happy to meet up. If it’s your first event, feel free to book some time with a Megaporter who’s attending to get you started.

Common NOG pitfalls, and how to avoid them

Arriving at the event with no plan

See above – review the program and attendees list prior to attending, plan your schedule, and try to plan meetings with people of interest. Allow wiggle room for unexpected meetings and spontaneous sessions.

Attending the “wrong event”

What is your main objective of attending this NOG? Who do you most want to talk to? Which topics do you want to learn more about? Research the conference in advance to make sure the topics and the crowd look right for you.

All work, no play

The social aspect of NOGs is just as valuable as the learning aspect. Try not to overbook your days with presentations; leave time open for spontaneous group conversations with peers. And beware of getting caught up in sales pitches – if left unchecked, these can become a major time drain.

Skipping the coffee stand

The coffee queue gets long on breaks. If you’re watching a presentation that isn’t keeping your interest, it’s a perfect time to take a quick coffee run. The smaller queues also increase your chances of striking up conversations with like-minded people, squeezing in a valuable chat without needing to book a formal meeting slot.

Forgetting your employer

When attending a NOG, you’re not only representing yourself but also your employer. Enjoy those after-hours drinking sessions in moderation – you don’t want to regret oversharing with a peer after too many beers or miss a valuable presentation because you overslept. Treat a NOG as a professional event with a sprinkling of leisure in between.

Your first NOG awaits

Even if it’s not your first NOG, walking in prepared makes all the difference. Do your research beforehand, leave room in your schedule for the unexpected, and don’t underestimate the value of a good coffee conversation.

The NOG community is one of the most friendly and collaborative in our industry (if we do say so ourselves) and the more you put in, the more you’ll get out.