The first annual PeopleSoft RECONNECT, a deep-dive event into the PeopleSoft product line, kicked off this afternoon with John Webb mapping out coming PeopleSoft updates and strategies to a packed room. But first he took a couple of minutes to point out the unique nature of this event - the first in many years devoted solely to PeopleSoft customers at a micro level and their needs. "It's been hit-or-miss [at other conferences] with how much PeopleSoft content there would be," Webb said.

While giving attendees a teaser of what's coming in release 9.2 (schedule for general availability later this year), Webb showed a screen shot of the 1994 version of the PeopleSoft - which garnered a good chuckle from the audience - to show just how far the product has come. Despite the levity, his point was all about the health of PeopleSoft in light of its many long-term customers who recognized that screen. "One of the ways we measure success is our customer retention," Webb said. 

While addressing the always hot-button issue of upgrades, Webb managed to get another laugh from the room: "Who in here loves upgrades? Oh there's one? Meet me at the bar at 5, it's on me!" he said after one brave attendee did raise a hand. But another sign of the health of PeopleSoft is the number of customers running the two most current releases: Nearly 85 percent are on 9.0 or 9.1, a statistic reflected in a quick poll of attendees in the room. 

An afternoon jam-packed with educational sessions ensued - complete with lively discussions taking place among attendees and Oracle executives - including Amira Marcos and Richa Dubey during their sessions - and of course tons of customer and peer-to-peer tips, tricks and lessons learned as well. 

At the day's closing keynote, Peter Kohler of IBM quipped that his company's session was the only thing between his audience and a drink or two, but gave a lively talk on data governance  as it applies specifically to PeopleSoft -  he even managed to get in a "Hunger Games" reference! Dhan Patel wrapped up the IBM keynote before the offcial opening of the exhibit hall floor. 

Stay tuned throughout the rest of the conference for more updates, pearls of wisdom and fun from RECONNECT!