Conference Planning Checklist

As SaaS vendors scale, integration requirements shift from “nice to have” to mission-critical. But in parallel, the demands of enterprise IT - data residency, compliance, performance, and cost predictability, only become more stringent. At Integration App, we’re addressing this tension head-on by delivering a universal integration layer that runs directly within your infrastructure. Unlike hosted integration solutions or embedded iPaaS platforms that introduce new data flows, latency layers, and vendor-side operational dependencies, our model prioritizes infrastructure sovereignty. You retain full control over how and where integrations execute while benefiting from a platform that automates and abstracts the complexity of connecting to thousands of third-party systems. Here's what that unlocks: 1. Data Sovereignty by Default No proxies. No data egress. Customer data never leaves your environment. Whether you’re in a private VPC, on-prem, or operating under industry-specific compliance regimes (HIPAA, SOC 2, GDPR, FedRAMP), our deployment model ensures your security posture isn’t compromised by integration complexity. 2. Security and Compliance-First Architecture Deploy integrations in line with your own IAM policies, access control frameworks, and encryption standards. All executions occur in your trusted compute environment, enabling full auditability and adherence to internal and external governance requirements. 3. Infrastructure-Native Deployment The integration layer is designed to be deployed alongside your core application stack, whether containerized via Kubernetes or integrated into a custom CI/CD pipeline. 4. Performance Without Penalties Since integration flows run at the edge of your application stack, you avoid the latency and variability introduced by centralized middleware or external orchestration layers. 5. Predictable, Scalable Economics No usage-based throttling. No per-flow billing. With a flat pricing model and no API call metering, you can scale integration volume without introducing infrastructure cost uncertainty. This predictability becomes critical as integration use cases grow across customers, tenants, and third-party systems. AI-Augmented, API-Agnostic By decoupling Integration App logic from specific APIs, and using AI to generate contextual, app-specific execution paths, we eliminate the bottlenecks of manual, one-off integrations.

This is especially for the academic conference warriors! Can you believe it's that time of year again? Yep, the #AcademyOfManagement conference season is just around the corner, and I can already smell the coffee and picture the sea of name tags worn by brilliant management scholars and practitioners from across the globe. But before you jump on your plane – are you actually ready for this conference? I mean, really ready? I used to think I was prepared just because I remembered to pack my laptop and a stack of business cards. Oh, how naive I was! 😅. So, let me share my ultimate AOM conference prep checklist. Trust me, this goes way beyond remembering to pack your laptop, an extra phone charger, and your presentation slides (though that's important, too!). 1. Read the program strategically ↳ Identify key sessions, PDWs, and symposia in your research area or the ones you're interested in. Plan your schedule, but leave room for serendipitous discoveries! 2. Craft your research elevator pitch ↳ Prepare a 30-second summary of your current research focus. Keep it short, simple, and engaging - your goal is to spark curiosity and invite further discussion! 3. Update your socials and academic profiles ↳ People will look you up. So, ensure your LinkedIn, university page, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate profiles are current. 4. Prepare thoughtful questions ↳ For each session you plan to attend, prepare at least one insightful question. It's a great way to engage and be remembered. 5. Set strategic networking goals ↳ Identify potential collaborators or mentors you want to connect with. Research their work and plan your approach. It helps if you can email them in advance to set up a meeting 6. Pack your digital toolkit ↳ Have relevant papers, your presentations, and a digital business card on your devices. You never know when you may need them! 7. Plan for self-care ↳ Conferences are intellectually intense, not to mention the socials. Schedule breaks, find quiet spots, and don't forget to hydrate! Bonus point: remember not to drink too much in those socials! 8. Be Authentic ↳You'll find yourself in a room filled with superstars and research idols. Some might even walk past you on the street. Always stay calm, say hello if you want to, smile, and most importantly, be yourself! Remember, you're human first and a scholar or practitioner second. Authenticity can lead to more meaningful connections than any rehearsed pitch or trying to force connections. What's your top AOM conference preparation tip? Share below and let's learn from each other! See you in Chicago! ---------- If you find this helpful, ♻️ share it to help someone. #AOM2024 #ManagementResearch #AcademicNetworking #ConferencePrep #AcademicLife #NetworkingTips #ResearchCommunity

I was recently reached out to in my DMs And asked about legal tips for early-stage SaaS startups. So here's what I suggest to founders. When you’re building something new, Legal always feels like a "later" problem. You’re chasing product-market fit Not policies and clauses. But if you’re building a SaaS platform, especially in India,  There are a few legal foundations you simply can’t ignore. You need legal coverage on two fronts: • Your website • Your product 1 // For the Website Terms of Service (ToS) & Privacy Policy • Make these easy to find and crystal clear • Address DPDPA compliance: how you collect, store, and share data • Include clauses on user data deletion, redressal contacts, and policy updates 2 // For the Product a) SaaS Agreement / Master Services Agreement (MSA) • Covers licensing, payments, SLAs, uptime, and liability limits • Standardize billing, cancellations, and dispute resolution • For Indian clients: follow recurring payment compliance and authentication norms b) IP Protection • Trademark or copyright your software, logo, and branding early • Ensure all employee and contractor-created IP is transferred to the company • Use explicit assignment clauses - not vague "work for hire" language 3 // If You’re Building with Others Co-founder Agreement • Define ownership, equity vesting, and exit scenarios • Clarify who owns code, customer data, and responsibilities • Be clear on exits, dissolutions, and disputes 4 // If You’re Signing Partnership Deals or Integrations Get Your Legal Agreements • For major clients/integrations - go beyond templates. Have a legal advisor. • Review vendor and partnership contracts for compliance, liability, and indemnity • Use NDAs and service agreements before sharing sensitive info 5 // General Legal Essentials for Indian SaaS Startups a) Business Registration • Register with MCA for compliance and legitimacy • Follow the Shops and Establishment Act if you have an office b) Tax Compliance • Register for GST if revenue or transactions cross the threshold • Set up recurring billing in line with Indian tax/payment rules c) Employee & Contractor Agreements • Use flexible agreements with IP assignment, confidentiality, and non-solicit clauses • Update as your team and product scale And here's a quick checklist: • Terms of Service & Privacy Policy (India + global ready) • SaaS Agreement or MSA with SLAs • Registered business + founder agreements • IP assignment clauses across all hires/vendors • NDAs + compliance-ready for partners • Billing and taxes aligned to Indian law • Regular legal reviews as you grow Simple, clean docs. Made for clarity. Built for growth. And that’s all you need to start. --- ✍ Tell me below: What’s one legal document you’ve been putting off - but know you need to sort out?

Design decisions are clear, design choices are complex. A good design decision comes from talking to people, guiding principles, and project requirements. When the path is straightforward, selecting the most effective solution feels natural—like choosing a responsive layout based on how on-the-go sales team's work. On the other hand, design choices involve diving into creativity, aesthetic preferences, and brand storytelling. When faced with multiple equally viable aesthetic directions, selecting the one that best captures the company's essence and resonates emotionally can be difficult. Imagine choosing a color palette: constrained by brand guidelines, it's a decision to select colors that enhance functionality and accessibility. But with full creative freedom, it's a choice to evoke specific emotions and craft a memorable user experience. If a design challenge feels difficult, try categorizing it as a choice rather than a decision. Decisions guide functionality and strategy, while choices allow for personal and creative expression. Applying this distinction can lead to more thoughtful and impactful designs.

A lot of folks have asked me how I prepare to speak at conferences. Everyone is different, but I have a conference talk lifecycle. It doesn’t matter how many times I speak, I get a lot of anxiety. I only feel comfortable once I have fully immersed myself in the talk materials and I have rehearsed my talk dozens of times. It typically takes me a year from having an idea to delivering a talk at a larger conference. Slow and steady wins the race and going slow also calms my nerves. Taking a slower pace also allows me to modify the material over time to get it where the audience wants it. I have no desire to do talks to prop up my ego and I do speak at conferences to ensure that the community doesn’t make the same mistakes that I have made over the years. My conference talk lifecycle is: 1️⃣  Write a blog post 2️⃣  Go on a podcast 3️⃣  Speak at a local meetup 4️⃣  Speak at a smaller conference 5️⃣  Speak at a larger conference My first step to prepare for a conference talk is to write a blog post. I want to get all of my thoughts down on paper and make sure that it makes sense to me and the community. This is the time to do research and generate actual materials which will be used in your conference talk. You will get feedback from your peers and the community, which will allow you to further refine your thoughts on the subject. My next step is to go on a podcast and to talk about the topic. There are a number of friendly podcast hosts that look for new and interesting topics to discuss. If you have some material ready, share it with them to see if there is any interest in speaking on the podcast and sharing with the community. You will also get direct feedback on the subject and you will know the type of questions that will come from the community. I love OWASP and I mostly speak about topics in the AppSec space. My next step is to convert the blog post and take the learnings from the podcast to speak at my local OWASP chapter. OWASP is a friendly community and it is a good place to get feedback. There will be a number of questions and comments at the meetup, which helps to refine the material some more. If your talk didn’t go as planned, do another meetup. There are lots of opportunities to refine your material. After the meetup, I will submit my talk to smaller conferences and then larger conferences. Similar to speaking at a meetup, smaller conferences are great venues to refine your material and prepare for the larger security community. When I speak at larger conferences, I still get butterflies and I am still modifying my deck up to the last minute, but I am not nearly as anxious because I have a strong grasp of the topic and I know the type of questions that will be asked. Good to go at this point 💪 As mentioned earlier, it takes me about a year to get through all of the above steps, but it ensures that the talk is relevant and useful for the community. Now that you have the template, time to get blogging 🙂

𝗜𝗧/𝗢𝗧 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 -- 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝘀𝘂𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 The separation between the #IT and #OT domains is diminishing. IT, traditionally focused on #DataManagement, #analytics, and enterprise-level operations, is converging with OT, which is responsible for physical processes and equipment. The benefit? The breakdown of #data silos for better interoperability and scalability. 𝗘𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀 -#EdgeComputing, thanks to its localized data processing, reduces the reliance on external #cloud connections for critical functions, assuring that operations can continue even during disruptions. -#SCADA systems act as intermediaries, harmonizing data from multiple OT sources before flowing to enterprise systems. -#IIoT platforms streamline data sharing across locations and systems, promoting centralized monitoring. Integrating edge computing with IIoT platforms helps manufacturers scale operations without overloading central systems, ensuring effective data-driven decisions as the volume of operational data grows. 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗦𝗶𝗹𝗼𝘀 One of the direct benefits of IT/OT integration is interoperability across different systems and processes. Legacy OT systems, once isolated, are now capable of communicating with IT infrastructure through protocols like #OPC UA and #MQTT, addressing the problem of data silos, which have historically hindered collaboration between both domains. With the use of analytics and #AI, manufacturers can gather insights from previously inaccessible data streams. For example, combining data from OT systems with AI-driven software opens the door for #PredictiveMaintenance strategies to improve overall #Asset Management. 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗙𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 Scalability is a critical factor. As industries grow, the need for integrated, scalable solutions becomes imperative. Unified network infrastructures, common management platforms, and standardized equipment ensure that IT and OT systems can scale without compromising performance. Cloud platforms and #virtualization technologies are essential to this scaling effort. For instance, virtual controllers offer flexibility by decoupling control software from the underlying hardware, facilitating the remote update and management of systems, and reducing costs associated with hardware dependencies. In addition to scalability, these architectures enable greater flexibility in managing assets and resources; i.e., businesses are able to scale their IT/OT infrastructure in response to production needs while maintaining system reliability and uptime. Source: https://shorturl.at/brwGe ***** ▪ Enjoy this content? Follow me and ring the 🔔 to stay current on #IndustrialAutomation, #IndustrialSoftware, #SmartManufacturing, and #Industry40 Tech Trends & Market Insights!

The SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) is a Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) offering from SAP that provides a comprehensive suite of services and tools for businesses to:   Integrate and extend SAP applications: BTP allows you to seamlessly connect and enhance existing SAP solutions (like S/4HANA) with new functionalities and integrations.   Build new business applications: You can develop custom applications using various programming languages, frameworks, and tools, tailored to specific business needs.   Analyze data and gain insights: BTP provides tools for data warehousing, business intelligence, and advanced analytics, enabling data-driven decision-making.   Automate business processes: You can automate repetitive tasks and workflows using robotic process automation (RPA) and workflow management capabilities.   Implement intelligent technologies: BTP offers access to AI, machine learning, and Internet of Things (IoT) services, enabling you to build intelligent applications and solutions. In essence, SAP BTP acts as a central hub for innovation and digital transformation within an organization's SAP landscape. Here's a breakdown of its key roles:   Integration: BTP facilitates seamless integration between SAP and non-SAP systems, both on-premise and in the cloud. This allows businesses to connect their entire IT landscape and create end-to-end business processes.   Extension: BTP enables you to extend the functionality of existing SAP applications without modifying the core code. This ensures that customizations don't interfere with future updates and upgrades.   Innovation: BTP provides a platform for developing new and innovative applications that address specific business challenges and opportunities. This empowers businesses to create unique solutions that differentiate them from their competitors.   Agility: BTP offers a flexible and scalable environment for developing and deploying applications. This allows businesses to respond quickly to changing market conditions and customer demands. Key components of SAP BTP:   SAP Integration Suite: Connects various systems and applications.   SAP Extension Suite: Enables extending existing SAP solutions.   SAP Analytics Cloud: Provides business intelligence and analytics capabilities.   SAP Data Management Suite: Offers tools for data warehousing and data management.   SAP Intelligent Technologies: Includes AI, machine learning, and IoT services. In simple terms: Imagine your core SAP system as the engine of your business. SAP BTP is like a workshop next to it, providing all the tools and resources you need to:   Tune the engine: Optimize existing processes and functionalities.   Add new parts: Build new applications and integrations.   Monitor performance: Analyze data and gain insights.   Automate tasks: Streamline workflows and improve efficiency.

Here’s where most businesses go wrong with branding: They focus on: → Random logo design → Generic color schemes → Template websites But real branding goes much deeper. It’s about building a lasting identity that connects with your audience. 1. Brand Strategy – Your Foundation → Purpose – Why you exist → Vision – Where you’re going → Values – What you believe 2. Brand Voice – How You Communicate → Personality – The character of your brand → Tone – The way you express yourself → Language – Your choice of words and style 3. Visual Identity – How You Look → Logo design – A symbol of your brand → Color psychology – Evoking the right emotions → Typography – The way your words appear → Imagery – The style that represents you 4. Brand Experience – How People Interact with You → Customer service – The way you treat clients → Product quality – The standard you uphold → User experience – How people engage with your brand → Marketing message – The story you tell 5. Brand Consistency – Staying Memorable → A unified voice across all platforms → Cohesive visuals that reinforce your identity → A clear, consistent message that sticks Branding isn’t just about design—it’s about shaping perception. It’s the emotional connection, trust, and recognition that set you apart. "A brand is a person's gut feeling about a product, service, or organization." – Marty Neumeier

Dear Speakers - a few tips. I may not be the one standing on the podium speaking, but I am the pro in making sure a speaker stands at the podium. In my career, I have worked directly with over 1,000 speakers. I have also listened to hundreds of speakers, and I am convinced I have a few tips that can help renowned speakers and upcoming speakers to improve their craft. Here we go. Prepare well for your topics - it's painful to watch a speaker struggle to deliver a topic they claim to be an expert in. It's okay to say no to a speaking opportunity - If you are busy, don't force issues. Send a regret; otherwise, point one will humble you. Stick to the time allocated - If you have been given 20 minutes, don't talk for 30 minutes. Take your key points that fit into 20 minutes. Be mindful of the other speakers - If you speak more than the allocated time, imagine you have eaten into the next speaker's time, and you have messed up the whole program. Like you, the other speaker would like to do a good job. Arrive on time - Programs are usually sent out to speakers early. So you know your slot is at 10 am. Why do you arrive at 10:10 with a million excuses? In case you are late, request for the next speaker to start. Imagine a program starting 3 hours later because of you? Engage the audience - please stop being too academic. Don't read slides word by word. Make your presentations captivating by focusing on the people learning from you. If presenting for 2 hours and the room is silent, my friend! Please don't be too big to ignore the organizers - respond to their emails. Pick up their calls. They are just there to ensure your presentation is smooth. If you have a PA or team that manages your presentation and speeches, please link them up with the organizers from day one. Have mercy on your communication team - I see a new trend of speakers saying, "I have a beautiful speech written by my team, but I won't use it; instead, I will freelance my way." It's okay to change your delivery approach, but be sensitive to those who spent one month writing your speech. We take it to mean the speech content is off the audience's expectations. If you have to leave for your next appointment - please do so during tea breaks or lunchtime. Why? If you come with a team of 5, and the 6 of you have to walk out in the middle of a program, that show is unsuitable for your brand. Reduce your introduction - signpost people to your company website and your socials. Don't spend 10 minutes of your 20 minutes telling the audience about the history of your company from 1946. Interact with the audience - network with the people you have blessed. For those with security details, alert them that it's okay to allow at least two people to tell you how great your presentation was or to seek clarification. Don't be too big for those you presented to. Bonus point. In a pool of 50 speakers, stop assuming you are the best. Feedback will shock you. Life of a project manager.

When your CRM becomes the linchpin of your entire tech stack, it’s like building a Jenga tower on a single block—it’s only a matter of time before it all comes tumbling down.  Ever had that moment of dread when one CRM update sends ripples through your entire tech stack, causing chaos in Marketing, Sales, and Support? 🫠 The problem lies in over-reliance on a single tool to manage every aspect, turning minor issues into major disruptions. The negative impact of CRM over reliance is clear: ❌ Major Data Silo: Information is trapped within the CRM, making cross-functional collaboration a nightmare. ❌ Scalability Issues: As your business grows, so does the tech debt, making future updates & integrations more complex and costly. So, what’s the solution?  ⚙️ Architect a Distributed Tech Ecosystem: Design your tech stack with specialized tools for different functions. Your CRM should be one of many interconnected tools, not the central hub for everything. Understand that your CRM isn’t a data warehouse or a CDP, so dont architect your system to treat it as such. ⚙️ Implement Data Flow Strategies: Integrate a customer data platform (CDP) to establish a single, unified customer view, and/or use a reverse ETL tool like Hightouch with a data warehouse to distribute that single source of truth data across your tech stack. This ensures your data is not only organized but also activated in a way that supports GTM Strategies. ⚙️ Focus on System Orchestration: Build your tech stack with integration platforms (like Workato, Tray, Cargo, Zapier, Make) to help ensure data flow and interoperability between systems, reducing friction and enhancing efficiency. ⚙️ Design for Modularity and Scalability: Choose scalable, modular solutions for business functions that can evolve as your organization grows, ensuring that your tech stack remains agile and adaptable & you arent over engineering your crm to do things it was never meant to do.  Don’t let your CRM tower wobble—build a tech stack that stands strong! 💪 #RevOps #TechStack #CRM #BusinessGrowth #Integration #Efficiency #Scalability #DigitalTransformation