Unless you live under a rock, you already know that the past three days J and Beyond 2010 was taking place in Wiesbaden, Germany. The fact that it was the first international Joomla! event was further stressed as it was organized (impeccably!) by the community, for the community. It has been an amazing experience and – certainly – the best three days of my Joomla! life.

Unless you live under a rock, you already know that the past three days J and Beyond 2010 was taking place in Wiesbaden, Germany. The fact that it was the first international Joomla! event was further stressed as it was organized (impeccably!) by the community, for the community. It has been an amazing experience and – certainly – the best three days of my Joomla! life.

I have nothing but good memories to carry back home with me. I finally got to personally know a lot of the folks I have been discussing with on forums, Skype chats and Twitter. Putting a flesh and blood figure to the avatar picture and the name is an experience which can not be described in words. It also convinced me that what I already knew is a solid fact: there is a lot of positive energy in this community. Witnessing developers of competitive extensions having a friendly chat and discussing how to help the Joomla! project move forward, each one with his own ideas and capabilities, has been rejuvenating and exciting in its own right.

For me, attendning J and Beyond 2010 had also been a bonus double joy. First, because the “All Together As A Whole” site was awarded. That was hardly a surprise for most of us, as ATAAW has been the birthplace of some of the most aspiring initiatives in the Joomla! world: the revival of the Joomla! Community Magazine, Joomla Forward and, of course, J and Beyond itself. I am grateful to have recently joined its administration team together with Amy, Robert, Hils, Wilco and Mustaq. Thank you for all the hard work!

The other bonus joy was realizing that my peers appreciate my work. This is the biggest honour a professional can wish for. I am grateful and humbled by your appreciation and I would like to sincerely thank each and every one of you for voting for Akeeba Backup. Receiving this award was the proudest moment of my life (really!) and made me even more determined to doing what I know best: writing innovative software and helping out any way I possibly can. I don't like blowing my own horn, so I think I should stop right now, before any venerable arrogance kicks in.

Now that this event is over and I'm packing my things and memories for my way back home, there is only one thought in my mind: I'll see all of you again, in J and Beyond 2011.