There was little of that in Orlando this year, however. Attendance was good, and engagement levels were very high. Controlling IT spending and using collaboration to lower operating costs or increase revenue were certainly important concerns, but not the only ones as I had feared. Most clients I spoke to were willing and able to spend money if they could create enough justification.

There was more focus on financial justification than I’ve seen in years’ past, but not to an overwhelming extent; certainly not like in 2002 when it seemed like the only new projects that could be started were ones that replaced existing implementations, on a reduced scale. I had many discussions both in 1on1 sessions and informally how how to implement these technologies effectively and exploring how they can help the business.

Operating in harsh macroeconomic times is tough, and tougher for some than others. I realize that many people could not make it to the conference, and are indeed having to contend with slashed budgets and reduced staff. Overall though, I found the attitude at PCC Orlando definitely encouraging, both for collaboration and social software activities and the IT industry as a whole.

Rather than draconian and panicky cuts, most companies were showing a heightened sense of responsibility, paying more attention to the things which always were important like business value and balancing risks with benefits. They also seemed to be preparing their organizations for when the downturn will eventually slacken with judicious investments and preparatory work now. All of these indicators are encouraging and even gratifying. I expect that the audience at PCC London in September and when Symposium season starts in October will show even more signs of recovery and ambition.