Looking Forward to FinOps X Europe: Finding My FinOps Tribe
Back in 2018, when I was still at VMware, something happened that sparked my interest in FinOps and has shaped it ever since. VMware acquired CloudHealth, a tool that felt like the missing piece in what I saw as the cloud journey. At the time, I was working with a client who was beginning to pull back on their cloud strategy – all because of spiraling costs. It was a turning point that made me realize effective cloud adoption isn’t just about technology; it’s about clear visibility into costs and true business value. That’s when I recognized FinOps as a critical piece in balancing technology, cost, and impact.
Since then, the FinOps landscape has grown, and while CloudHealth remains a tool in the field, I’ve found Apptio and FinOut to be valuable additions in managing cloud spend effectively. These tools are part of a broader, evolving ecosystem that I leverage to help clients make smarter, cost-conscious cloud decisions. It’s this passion that brings me to FinOps X Europe – a place where I know I’ll find new insights and build connections that matter.
Sessions: Keynotes, Chalk Talks, and the Flexibility to Explore
One of the things I’m looking forward to most at FinOps X Europe is the variety of sessions designed to spark genuine insights – from the big-picture keynotes to the hands-on chalk talks and the valuable recorded sessions. Each format brings something unique to the table. Keynotes provide the vision and direction for where FinOps is headed, offering us a sense of where we as a community should focus next. For me, it’s less about the latest tool updates and more about understanding the foundation’s vision for FinOps, so I can help my clients prepare for what’s on the horizon.
Then there are the chalk talks – closed-door, off-the-record sessions that encourage open discussion and aren’t recorded or shared online. These sessions go beyond the theoretical, diving into real-world challenges and solutions with people who face similar questions every day. It’s a rare opportunity to hear unfiltered experiences and to engage in conversations you simply won’t find elsewhere. I’m especially excited to join these talks and gain practical insights that I can bring back to my clients and apply in real time.
The recorded sessions offer an additional layer of flexibility. Knowing they’ll be available later means I can make the most of my time in person – whether that’s engaging in spontaneous conversations on the exhibitor floor or joining a chalk talk. Having the option to revisit recorded sessions afterward ensures I won’t miss any key insights, letting me focus on maximizing every moment at the event.
The True Highlight: Connecting with the FinOps Community
When I attended FinOps X in San Diego last year, I discovered that, for me, the real power of the event lay in connecting with people who live and breathe FinOps. FinOps X is one of those rare places where you never have to explain what you do – everyone just gets it. These are my FinOps Brothers and Sisters, a community united by our mission to bring cost accountability and value optimization into cloud practices. While the sessions were packed with useful information, it was the candid conversations and genuine exchanges that made the biggest impact. This year in EMEA, I’m looking forward to reconnecting with familiar faces and meeting new ones, especially those who bring perspectives from across the region. We all want FinOps done right, but every country and company brings a unique approach shaped by local practices, which I value greatly as a consultant. This diversity is what helps us grow and create strategies that are relevant and impactful.
An Open Invitation to Connect
I’m heading to FinOps X Europe not only to learn but to connect, share, and get inspired by fresh perspectives. If you’ll be at the event, let’s make sure to cross paths! I’d love to exchange ideas, share best practices, and hear about the unique challenges you’re tackling – maybe even over a beer or two. Events like this are about building real connections, and I’m looking forward to meeting others who are as passionate about FinOps as I am. So if you’re there, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s raise a glass to bringing out the real value in every cloud adoption journey!