The ManageEngine CIO Meet 2023: An ode to remember

Hey there, readers! Can you believe that it’s already been a hot minute since we were all living it up at the ManageEngine CIO Meet 2023? If you’re like me and were a part of the event, you’ve probably been nursing your post-event blues with copious amounts of coffee and endless scrolls through those memories we captured.

The ManageEngine CIO Meet wasn’t just a date circled on the calendar—it had us ticking every box on the epic events list. I’m talking belly laughs, thought-provoking dialogues, fun activities, and of course, the perfect excuse to swap our office attires for something a tad more comfortable.

Gracing the occasion were members of the esteemed CIO Klub from four chapters— Chennai, Coimbatore, Kerala, and Hyderabad—representing different verticals including healthcare, banking and finance, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals.

Oh, and can we take a moment to appreciate the impeccable timing? Slotted perfectly into our calendars, it turned the weekend into an eventful one filled with networking.

The event was arranged at ITC Grand Chola, Chennai with beautiful interiors that people feasted their eyes on.

Day 1: July 21, 2023 – Friday

We kick-started the event with a sumptuous breakfast and everyone settled in to enjoy our much-anticipated “Zoho family video.” It featured a nostalgic montage of our shared milestones, and served as a hearty reminder of our shared journey: one of growth, resilience, and innovation.

Now that everybody was pumped up, our very own co-founder and vice president, Shailesh Davey, took the stage to render the welcome address. You could literally feel the excitement in the room ramp up. Trust me, when Shailesh speaks, it’s like having a personal welcome parade with a ton of laughter and cheer.

Then, it was time for the main session. The moment we’d all been waiting for: Sridhar Vembu, stepping up to the stage. The room fell silent, you could almost hear the proverbial pin drop. And to everyone’s surprise, instead of living up to the palpable seriousness in the room, he opened the keynote with a joke that elicited chuckles around the room!

Sridhar’s keynote session was very insightful about topics highly relevant in the tech space today: enterprise digital transformation, generative AI implementation, cloud services, and the role of IT teams post-pandemic. It left the audience in rapt attention, hanging onto every word like a suspenseful thriller novel.

The much-anticipated CIO Connect – a QnA session between the audience and the Zoho leadership team followed. Questions flew in like hyperactive fireflies blinking with curiosity and excitement. The leadership volleyed back with answers that were equal parts enlightening and entertaining. The session capped off the morning session in the most engaging way possible.

Here are some key takeaways, all provided by Sridhar Vembu, from his keynote and CIO Connect sessions:

• “At Zoho, we believe that AI can only replace roles, but people will still matter.”

• “A team is also working on some data center hardware projects that will help us to do more with less, and help reduce the percentage of revenue spent in data centers.”

• “In 10 years, I want to see Zoho as a holistic technology company with both software and hardware integrated together along with a data center, cloud, and everything.”

• “By 2030, we want Zoho to be among the top five technology companies in the world. For all of our Indian talent, we haven’t produced an Indian champion company (at the global level).”

• “The usage of GPTs is waning and the hype cycle around AI has peaked…While AI can benefit areas like programming, low-code and no-code applications, it is still humans that matter more.”

• “The usability of the OS will be the key, and Zoho is investing heavily on offering a fresh new take on customer usability.”

With our curiosity whetted and minds brimming from the QnA session, we turned our attention to hunger. One needs to feed oneself to survive, right? Post-lunch, we embarked on a journey to the heart of Zoho Corporation, our prestigious headquarters.

Two insightful sessions ensued here: one on Zoho Schools of Learning and another on Zoho Labs. They unfolded like a gripping book, each page revealing our commitment to continuous learning and technological experimentation.

Might I add here, that Zoho Schools of Learning are often referred to as “too good to be true”. This session explained exactly why, and touched upon everything that is right about the Zoho Schools way. Zoho also prides itself on its investments in R&D, and the session on Zoho Labs left the delegates understanding more about this focus.

Just as absorbing was the campus tour that followed. An architectural marvel blended with environmentally conscious design, it was a sight to behold. Walking around, we soaked up its vibrant energy, from the green expanses to the buzzing workspaces, each corner narrating a tale of our journey.

We gathered again post evening, this time for a networking dinner. A soothing ambiance, mouth-watering delicacies, and the chatter of excited delegates come to mind when I recall that exhausting but beautiful night. A stand-up comedy act spiced up the night further, turning it into an unforgettable gala. And just like that, amidst laughter and conversations, Day 1 of the ManageEngine CIO Meet 2023 drew to a close.

Day 2: July 22, 2023 – Saturday

If Day 1 was an orchestration of knowledge and networking, Day 2 was an anthem of entertainment. A day devoted purely to leisure, Day 2 promised an array of exciting activities that would let the delegates unwind and bond over shared experiences, providing a perfect counterpoint to the intensity of Day 1.

Our first stop was Dakshin Chitra, a vibrant tapestry of living traditions, where we indulged in a plethora of fun activities.

Delegates enthusiastically participated in Uriyadi, the game of smashing pots that brought back childhood memories for many.

Others enjoyed having their futures told by the on-site astrologer. The sweet scent of henna wafted through the air as artists adorned hands with intricate Mehendi designs.

Amid laughter and shared stories, the day was punctuated by generous merchandise giveaways, bringing joy to the faces of our delegates.

The day’s journey led us to the historic town of Mahabalipuram, a place where stones whisper ancient stories and time stands still. The Shore Temple awaited us, a standing testament to its architectural grandeur. Under the setting sun, we marveled at its intricate carvings, each one a piece of history etched in stone.

As the evening began to end, Day 2, and with it the ManageEngine CIO Meet 2023, drew to a close. Hearts filled with cherished memories and minds buzzed with newfound knowledge. We bid adieu to an event that was much more than a meet; it was a blend of tradition, technology, and togetherness. And while the gathering may have ended, the echoes of its success will resonate long within our hearts, fostering stronger bonds with the dear members of the CIO Klub.

The expressions of delight from the delegates speak volumes about this ideal event. See for yourself.