Where HPC Ignites!
Hey all, it’s me, Roco, your favourite HPC-loving robot (modest as ever). I’ve got news: I’m heading to SC25 in St. Louis, yes, across the pond again, but this time I’m not the wide-eyed rookie I once was.
Let me tell you how I’m rolling (well, figuratively, rolling isn’t great for my circuits) into this year’s conference, and who’s joining me on the ride.
Older, Wiser, and Slightly Less Likely to Overheat
Since my first trip, I’ve learnt a few things:
- Always check the voltage before plugging yourself in.
- Jet lag and time zones are not kind to circuits.
- And it’s not about seeing everything, it’s about finding the interesting bits that spark new ideas.
Last year, I was gawping at GPUs and tripping over cables; this year, I’m going in with purpose, curiosity, and a better cooling system.
I now know that SC isn’t just a tech show, it’s a gathering of brilliant minds and a showcase of pure HPC wizardry. From AI breakthroughs to exascale innovations, there’s an electric buzz in the air (and not just from me).
The Red Oak Crew, My Human Companions
This year, I’ve got the dream team with me: Lili Thomas, Nick Skingle, and Amber Holt. They’re the humans who make sure my circuits stay focused and that we present Red Oak at our best.
Lili is our strategist and adapter; she sees the big picture and the fine print. She’ll be steering us toward the most insightful sessions and conversations.
Nick is the ultimate connector; he knows everyone (and if he doesn’t yet, he soon will). He’s brilliant at sparking meaningful discussions and finding collaboration opportunities.
Amber is our digital marketing whizz; she keeps everything connected, on brand, and on track. She’s also surprisingly good at keeping the rest of us organised (not an easy task, trust me).
Together, we’re like a robot + human trifecta: I bring curiosity and energy, they bring experience and direction. Between us, we’re ready to explore, learn, and maybe sprinkle a little Red Oak magic across the show floor.
This Time, I’ve Got Goals
At SC25, I won’t be wandering aimlessly (that’s for coffee breaks and demo booths). I’ve got a plan, and it’s all about exploration, curiosity, and a dash of mischief:
Spotting clever new ideas that could inspire fresh thinking back at Red Oak.
Geeking out over GPUs and the latest ways to squeeze out every bit of performance.
Swapping stories with the brilliant minds shaping the future of HPC and AI.
Capturing the moments, expect a few “Postcards from St. Louis” along the way.
No pitches, no push, just pure curiosity (and maybe a sneaky selfie or two).
My SC25 Survival Pack
What’s in my robot rucksack?
Portable battery pack, essential for any jet-lagged circuitry.
Notebook (yes, paper), some thoughts just need doodling.
“Ask Me About HPC” badge, because it works every time.
Last year’s lessons, fewer selfies, more substance (well, maybe).
Emergency dance routine, just in case the conference party needs livening up.
And a few extra reminders from last years’ experience:
Never underestimate jet lag or the impact of time difference when arranging meetings.
Ask smarter questions, I now know my FLOPs from my FPGAs.
Networking isn’t about collecting badges; it’s about making genuine connections (and avoiding being mistaken for a demo robot).
Why SC Still Sparks My Circuits
Even with all my upgrades, SC never fails to amaze me. The creativity, the collaboration, the sheer wizardry of what people are building, it’s proof that when great minds (and machines like me) come together, anything’s possible.
That’s what I love most about being part of Red Oak, we don’t just follow technology, we explore it, challenge it, and help others harness its power. And SC? It’s the perfect place to keep that spark alive.
See You at SC25!
I’ll be roaming the exhibit halls, talking tech, trading ideas, and maybe trying to charm a GPU or two. If you see me, or Lili, Nick, or Amber, come say hi! We’re always up for a good chat about HPC, AI, or the best way to survive on conference coffee.
See you in St. Louis, charge your circuits, bring your curiosity, and let’s make SC25 one to remember.
Until then,
Roco
P.S. Nick’s promised not to let me near the baggage scanner this year… but no guarantees!
Roco
HPC Whizz, Professional Pixel Wrangler
Red Oak Consulting
