I'm not that much into conferences, but the Java Land 2018 in Phantasialand near Brühl tempted me after all. Since my employer, diconium digital solutions, gave me the opportunity to participate for one day, I packed my backpack last Monday and took the train to Cologne. The actual program started on Tuesday - but already at 8:30 in the morning. Therefore it was obvious to stay overnight from Monday to Tuesday in the hotel, in order to attend the first lecture about TDD with Java EE. Unfortunately the plan didn't work out because I couldn't find the shuttle bus from Cologne-Bonn-Airport to Phantasialand. In addition, the bus journey from the airport took a good hour. So I didn't arrive at Java Land before about 10 o'clock. So to see it is a good idea to book a hotel in the vicinity of Phantasialand.
Of course there were many other interesting presentations, for example about "Continuous Documentation", the "Java 9 Module System beyond the basics" or a discussion about Java on the client (regarding the future of AWT, Swing and JavaFX). In between I could have a look at the "Java Pinball Machines" of JUG Goldstadt.
The overall supply of food and beverages was good. Since there were several food stands one didn't have to wait in line for too long anywhere.
In the evening, visitors of the conference can also enjoy a variety of rides in the park. But I was already on my way back to Stuttgart. I hope that next year I'll be able to participate in both days of the conference.
Here are a few impressions. Unfortunately, the weather on Tuesday was not really good, and so there are not a lot people visible outside.
