A visit to CEBIT

My next event on the Plantronics calendar was CeBIT, or Centrum der Büro und Informationstechnik (German for Centre for Office and Information Technology). Plantronics was exhibiting and had many of their products on show, including a limited release Discovery 925 in the seasons fashionable colours, and with packaging designed by Fashion Week's Michael Lo Sordo. Also featured was a plethora of business headsets, Bluetooth earpieces by Plantronics and speaker systems by Altec Lansing. Plantronics employees from around the world where attending and it was a great opportunity for me to meet more of the faces behind the brand, as well as to learn more about the company that had so readily welcomed me into its fold.

After an extended meet and greet with the team, I was introduced to the Accessories Merchandise Manager of one of Plantronics' major partners. At this and other various meetings I was presented not only with a unique insight into the sales and marketing side of the business, but also contributed on my role as a Product Ambassador and how this could be further incorporated into the retailers business and marketing plans.

After the meetings, I got chatting to several other employees on the Plantronics team, including Don Houston, an incredibly engaging, charismatic man who also happens to be Plantronics' Senior Vice President of Sales. We spoke at length about a wide range of topics, even delving into personal aspirations such as which countries we would most like to travel to and what we feel is important in life.

As I walked to my car at the end of the day, I thought a lot about my conversation with Don and realised that it's having people like him in the company that makes Plantronics such a successful, innovative brand. Don's broadmindedness and vision regarding life in general translate to his work as well, and are characteristics that seem to be ubiquitous throughout the company. My dealings with Chris Brown and Matt Paris had certainly shown this, and I wondered about the possibilities of our next event and what unforseen inspirations might be in store.

Michael Lo Sordo at Fashion Week

After the fun I had had at the previous night's Gaming Event, I was excited as I got ready for Michael Lo Sordo's show on the final day of Fashion Week. I had heard great things about the designer and was looking forward to seeing a collection that was tipped to be full of colour and, of course, style. It was sponsored by Plantronics, after all!

This would be my fourth time this week at the Overseas Passenger Terminal at The Rocks in Sydney, but it was my first daytime event and it could not have been a more beautiful day. As I exited the cab and walked towards the Registration area, I immediately felt the difference in atmosphere from the previous events. People were mingling in small groups, chatting easily and drinking coffees, or relaxing on benches, taking in the stunning view across the harbour and soaking up the sun. It was nothing like the frantic, frenzied dashing to and fro of the night time shows, where errand-runner's lives were dependent upon the completion of tasks that had to be done yesterday.

I quickly found Riley from 2threads and was soon joined by Chris, Cleo and finally Matt. We were introduced to Miro Kubicek a tall, impeccably well-dressed man with a European accent who looked as if he had just stepped off the catwalk. Miro is what is called a 'Wrangler', someone who assists celebrities on the red carpet, guiding them to get photographed before taking them through to their seats, never allowing anyone to get too close, and determining how long they should be photographed for so they each get their time in the spotlight, without being over-exposed. The term gave me the impression that celebrities can sometimes be a little more than 'difficult'. I mean really. A Wrangler? My head filled with images of this impeccable man with his long arm locked around Jennifer Aniston in a tight headlock, firmly wrestling her to her seat as she struggles and tries to get away... I snapped back to reality and pushed the image away, lest I start giggling hysterically.

After collecting our tickets for the show, Miro guided us upstairs to the Rosemount Bar where we would wait for the show to start. We had well over an hour to relax, so we ordered some coffees and found an empty lounge outside in the sun where we plonked ourselves down somewhat smugly. After all, it was Friday morning and this was supposed to be work!

People watching was, apparently, the entertainment. YSL was the new Gucci and black was, well, the new black. Silk scarves and vests were in, as were ankle boots and fringeing. Statement sunglasses were big, as Alex Perry knew all along, and it was totally acceptable to start drinking, despite the fact that was barely 11am. I doubted chardonnay and cappuccino would be a good combination and wondered at some people's judgement.

As the general seating area filled up, our little group wandered over to the doors and waited until there were only a few people left before entering the pitch-black room. Miro was on hand to 'wrangle' us to our seats, and after posing for a few photos, I settled down and waited for the show to start.
Even though this was the last day of Fashion Week, there was no less anticipation in the room as the lights dimmed and switched off completely, the sign that the show was about to start. The crowd murmured excitedly and as the music started, the lights flared and the runway lit up. The first model appeared and the show was underway.

The funny thing about Fashion Week is that each designer spends months in preparation, tearing their hair out with the stress of it all, all for a show that rarely lasts more than ten minutes. Michael's show was well worth the effort; his designs were stunning. Light, colourful, feminine and refreshing, it was a perfect way to end a week that had had more than its share of androgynous and even masculine collections. The sleek and simple Discovery 925 earpieces complimented the outfits beautifully, and guests who had been seated in the front row were overheard talking with glee about their goodie bags that they found contained a brand new Plantronics 925 earpiece.

As the crowd slowly made its way out of the Pavilion, Chris, Matt and I met up again and headed downstairs to Cruise Bar to grab a bite to eat and ponder the day's events. It was 3pm and there wasn't a cappuccino in sight, so what else could I do but get a glass of chardonnay?

Check out all the action from the day below

Plantronics Gaming Dual

I looked at my wardrobe with more than a little apprehension. What on earth does one wear to a Plantronics Gaming Event? I thought about ti some more and using the words design, comfort and style as my inspiration. I decided on a black blazer (design and style) teamed with a pair of jeans (comfort and ease of use). I grabbed my Discovery 925 earpiece (all of the above) and was out the door after considerably less deliberation and even less panic than usual. It was a good start to the night.

When I arrived at the venue, iStarzone, it quickly became clear that I need not have worried. Chris and Matt from Plantronics were unhurriedly sweeping the room performing final checks and adjustments on the array of new Gamecom headsets, the reason for the event.

The plan for the night was simple. Gaming and tech journalists would arrive, we'd all have a chat over a drink and dinner before commencing a Call of Duty: World at War tournament comprised of two, ten person teams, with each participant using either the 367, 377 or Dolby Digital 777 Gamecom headsets. Unfortunately for me, I had given up on first-person shooters years ago, after my lack of coordination made playing them rather embarrassing. Again, however, my fears were unfounded. I had an absolute ball, killed 5 enemies (after accidentally killing many more teammates), and was not ridiculed one little bit! The headsets were given the thumbs up and before we knew it, it was all over. We all agreed that the night had been a huge success. Meanwhile, I'm off to buy Call of Duty...