22 August 2025 - SSG25 Patrick Montague
SSG PlusOne Blog
“Hey Jude” That’s one of my favourite songs and seeing a 1968 single as a prize on the table was the perfect way to start SSG25. The event kicked off with “She Loves You” and I was on the Ringo team; things felt fittingly Beatles-themed from the very start.
Appointed to a new role last September, I was especially eager to come to SSG25 with a fresh perspective and new responsibilities. I was particularly interested to find out who else had implemented or was about to implement Problem Management, hoping to connect with colleagues at a similar stage of the journey.
The conference layout was brilliantly organised, with exhibitors positioned right next to the main events. This created fantastic opportunities for spontaneous conversations and was easy to shift between talks and vendor discussions, which kept the atmosphere lively and engaging throughout.
What really makes SSG special, and why I look forward to it, as often as I can get, is the incredible camaraderie, the sense of community, with people genuinely interested in sharing information and experiences. As someone who has attended several times over the last 18 years, it’s both comforting and inspiring to see familiar faces, catch up with old friends, and recognise that despite the changes and challenges, we’re all navigating the same IT support waters. To be honest, I always get by with a little help from my friends at SSG events. This year’s theme, “Getting Better All the Time: Sharing Journeys to Excellence in IT Support,” couldn’t have been more appropriate.
So, what did I take away?
- Password Change Review: Inspired by one session, reviewing our password change process was one of the very first things we did back at Lancaster.
- Neurodiversity: Faith’s session on neurodiversity really resonated with me. From “Helpers High” to working iteratively, breaking tasks down, refining the backlog, and remembering to take breaks. These were actionable insights that will help shape how I work.
- The Value of Starting Small: Across multiple sessions it was mentioned. Start small, iterate quickly, and don’t let the need for perfection hold you back. Action now, refine as you go.
For anyone thinking of attending SSG for the first time, I can only recommend leaping in. Be curious, ask questions, get involved with conversations, and don’t hesitate to introduce yourself to someone new. The exhibitors are a valuable resource, even if you’re not ready to buy. Their stories and experiences can plant the seed of your next great idea, and their support keeps the event thriving.
SSG’s community is overflowing with knowledge and generosity. Each year I leave with new motivation, tangible takeaways, and a sense of renewed friendships. And yes, I did win the single. So, “Hello, Goodbye” until next year!
