The CompIntelligence Team and I attended the 2024 OneStream WAVE conference in Orlando, Florida, and it was an incredible three days filled with innovation, creation and collaboration. 

There were countless opportunities to connect with OneStream experts and leaders, engage in hands-on learning, and participate in insightful collaboration that will, no doubt, shape the future of the OneStream platform. It was a perfect mix of technical learning and hands-on labs, along with plenty of opportunities to catch up with colleagues and industry experts. I took some notes while I was there – let's get into it!

A Hybrid Approach to Learning

The structure of the conference was a hybrid setup. Roughly half of the time was dedicated to keynotes and breakout sessions, which were fantastic for diving into new topics and gaining insights into OneStream’s evolving capabilities. The remaining time was spent in hands-on labs, allowing me to get my hands dirty and apply what I’d learned in real-time. I really appreciated this balance.

One thing I did notice was that the labs were a hot commodity – they filled up quickly, and unfortunately, I wasn’t able to participate in all the sessions I wanted to. For next year, I’d highly recommend registering early if you want to secure a spot in the labs.

Key Sessions and Takeaways

There were several sessions that really stood out for me. 

• Sensible ML: We explored the time series forecasting tool with dozens of built-in models. These models are built to take in defined targets, features and events, and optimize forecasting against a baseline forecast. This also measures model health throughout the life of a project and advises when to rebuild the model through a re-optimization process. This was a session I did not want to miss, as I had just attended a week-long “bootcamp” specifically for Sensible ML.
  
  
• Workspaces: This session took dashboards even further with Workspaces. We were able to originate cube views, data management routines, and assemblies/business rules from the dashboard maintenance unit (DMU). Additionally, we were able to share artifacts across DMU's.
  
  
• Database Maintenance using SQL: I was happy to learn more on the updates to the SQL command library to create more effective database environments and data tables. The information from this session is going to prove useful, as these updates increase efficiency for users.
  
  
• Architecture Best Practices: This session focused on guidelines when implementing OneStream. The use of extensibility and cube property dimension assignments, and controlling the size of the data units and workflow structures, were important topics covered under best practices.
  
  
• Business Rules Do’s and Don’ts: I found this session to be incredibly practical, too. It covered optimizing application performance by following best practices for business rule writing. This included how to utilize data buffers, use Api's instead of BRApi's where available, and leverage System Diagnostics.
  
  
• Introduction to Generative AI: This session was a real eye-opener – it’s clear that AI is going to play a role in the future of OneStream. The new ChatGPT style command center imported into OneStream allows end users to ask questions and receive pointed, AI-generated answers in real time. This was a reminder that as technology continues to evolve, OneStream is following closely behind.

The Wave Night Out

Of course, no conference would be complete without a social event, and the Wave Night Out didn’t disappoint! Dinner at Planet Hollywood in Disney Springs was a blast. The atmosphere was great, and the highlight of the evening was definitely the performance by comedian Don McMillan, a fantastic way to unwind after a day full of sessions.

Reconnecting with the CI Team

One of the personal highlights for me was the chance to reconnect with the CompIntelligence team. Being able to catch up face-to-face for a few days was a great opportunity to share ideas, discuss challenges, and brainstorm solutions. It really made the whole experience that much more rewarding.

Wrapping Up

All in all, the OneStream conference was an incredible experience. Between the technical sessions, hands-on labs, and networking opportunities, I left feeling both inspired and equipped with new knowledge. The most notable, hot topics for me were definitely: Narrative Reporting, Dynamic Dashboards, Sensible ML, OneStream Power BI Connector, and Modern Browser Experience.

If you’re planning to attend next year, I highly recommend making the most of the labs and signing up early to ensure you don’t miss out. I’m already looking forward to the next conference, to see what new technologies and best practices will be on the agenda next time!