PTC 2025: What's on the horizon?

PTC '25 is just around the corner, and it’s the ultimate blend of business and paradise. This year’s conference promises to deliver everything from impactful meetings and insightful discussions to great networking opportunities.

From a packed schedule of important meetings to some well-deserved downtime, Global Brand Director, Del Connolly shares his thoughts on what’s to come and how he plans to balance it all:

What’s the first thing you’re excited about for the conference?

I can’t lie, the meeting lineup is epic. But with that comes a huge amount of work! So, on Day 1 after landing, my focus is on acclimatising, beating the jet lag, and relaxing by the pool.

What meetings are you most looking forward to?

They’re all going to be hugely valuable. However, one very good client of ours has requested a few hours of our time to watch the College Football Championship game over a beer or two. That can’t be a bad way to spend an afternoon, can it?

 

Will you be attending any fun social events while you’re there?

Where do I start?! There are plenty of drinks receptions generously laid on. One of the most wholesome events, though, is the famous STACK Infrastructure hike up Diamond Head Crater to watch the sunrise. The views are absolutely spectacular—a real pinch-yourself moment.

 

How many new people do you hope to meet at the conference?

We’ve got 15 meetings booked, but we’ll meet so many more people at informal gatherings—around the hotel, at the conference itself, and during the evening events.

 

What’s your secret weapon for surviving long conference days?

Good planning is essential to avoid being late and to allow for short breaks to refresh and refuel. Coffee is a must, as are extra phone battery packs, a couple of healthy snacks, and decent shoes!

What content will you be sharing while at the conference?

We’ve got a lot planned! We’ll be taking over the Harper Harrison Instagram account, sharing daily video content about what we’ve been up to, and recording a podcast. In between, I’m sure we’ll sneak in a few shots of the Pacific Ocean, the beach, the surf, and maybe even a Piña Colada.

What’s the first thing you’re going to do once you arrive in Hawaii?

Once at the hotel, I always iron and unpack—boring, I know, but I like to be organised. Since I usually arrive earlier than my colleagues, I’ll stick to my routine: a light gym session, a swim, a visit to my favourite noodle bar in Waikiki, and a nap until Matt and Mark arrive.

Do you have any fun pre-conference rituals?

I always have dinner with my family the night before I leave. I’ll be away for just under two weeks, and saying goodbye is always the hardest part.

 

How long will your journey take?

Cheshire to Heathrow: 3 hours
Heathrow to LAX: 11 hours
LAX to Hawaii: 6 hours

That’s 20 hours of travel time without including layovers. Door-to-door, the journey will take about 26 hours.

How will you celebrate after a successful conference?

That’s easy—spending time with my family. I’ll get back late on a Saturday this year, so I plan to wake up on Sunday, have a chilled day with my loved ones, enjoy a nice dinner, and treat myself to a glass of red wine.

What’s your conference fashion strategy (comfort vs. style)?

You can’t go wrong with a Hawaiian shirt—when in Rome, right? I usually opt for tailored shorts or chinos paired with a polo or casual shirt. Since our hotel is beachfront on Waikiki, and temperatures will be around 25–30 degrees, dressing for comfort is key.