Notes from the Event Director: We're Adding a Science Fair to Helm Conference (Yes, Really)
I’m Jonathan Cheng, the Event Director for Helm Conference. Notes from the Event Director is my way of giving you an inside look at what we’re planning for Helm Conference, and my own personal view on things. Enjoy, and see you at Helm Conference!
Every year when we start planning Helm Conference, we ask ourselves the same question: what’s the thing people are going to talk about on the flight home?
Sometimes it’s a particular session. Sometimes it’s a conversation at the bar with someone who runs a fleet three time zones away and has the exact same problem you do. Sometimes it’s wrestling (lol). This year, I think it’s going to be the Helm Science Fair.
So what is it?
On the afternoon of day one, we’re taking over a room and filling it with stations, each one focused on a different new feature of Helm CONNECT. This isn’t a formal scientific presentation — think more junior-high cardboard-and-construction paper vibes (we’re about the fun, remember?) You walk in, grab a coffee, and go wherever you want, at your own pace. No schedule to keep, and no sitting through forty minutes on a module you don’t use to get to the product you actually came for.
At every station you’ll find the people who built the thing standing right next to it. Not a slide deck about the feature — the feature, on a laptop, with the product manager and the developer who made it. Ask them why it works that way. Ask them what it can’t do yet. Ask them who the best Helm Conference Event Director is. The bottom line is, you get to put your hands on the mouse and try it yourself.
If you’ve ever left a conference session thinking that was interesting, but I wish I could have asked one more question — this is that. The whole afternoon is one more question, and you’re in control.
And everything else that makes this week good
The Science Fair is the new part, but it’s not the only part.
The networking. Based on your survey feedback, this is the highlight every single year, and it’s not because of anything we do - it’s because of who’s in the room. Operators who are facing the problem you’re wrestling with. People who’ve been through the implementation you’re about to start. Some of the best conversations at Helm Conference happen in hallways, and we build the schedule with enough breathing room to let that happen on purpose.
Our signature evening event. I’m not going to spoil it yet, but I will say that we’ve never had a dull one yet!
Industry leaders, partners, and us. You’ll hear from people across maritime operations talking candidly about what’s actually hard right now — crew availability, compliance load, aging fleets, the pressure to do more with the same headcount — and the different approaches they’re taking. Chances are you’ll discover a new solution, a workflow to unlock efficiency, or simply just a way to make life easier on yourself. Plus, facetime with your account manager, the product team, and our leadership team – tell us how you really feel and what you want to see next!
Come see us in Victoria
Helm Conference runs October 20–22 at the Fairmont Empress in Victoria, BC — which, for what it’s worth, is a short walk from just about everything and a genuinely beautiful place to spend a few days in the fall. It’s on the harbour, and I can confirm that orcas have been sighted there in the past.
If you’ve been before, you know. If you haven’t, this is a good year to start.
Questions about registration, group rates, or bringing more of your team? Reach out — I’d rather answer your question directly than have you guess.
See you in October.
Jonathan Cheng
Event Director, Helm Conference