Raincity Studios' China vision is taking shape with the inaugural meet-up of the Shanghai Drupal User's Group.

The Raincity Studios Shanghai squad and friends at Shanghai PHP user group rallied together to sponsor the "SDUG" event. This afternoon-long event, at The Net Circle's hip office, featured experienced speakers and peer interaction for over 60 people this past Saturday, January 26th, 2008.

While we toiled here on eastern edge of the ocean, our new colleague Charlotte took studious notes to recreate an agenda of learning and interactions.

Scales took some snaps as well so check out Shanghai Drupal Users Groups.

Opening Introduction by Robert Scales, CEO of Raincity Studios

Presentation by Alex Rollin, Raincity Studios Drupalist - with translation assistance by Raincity Studios Shanghai employee, Xiong

Topics:

• Introduction to the Drupal CMS
• Drupal Users and Web Applications
• Drupal development history
• Drupal in China

Break Attendees ate pizza together while getting to know each other and talking about interesting topics

Presentation by Makara Wang, Developer at Raincity Studios,Shanghai

Topics:

• The coding of CCK and Views
• Why do we use CCK and Views
• Application cases
• How to solve problems
• Coding skills

Presentation by Wen Feng, Member of Standing Committee in PEA "The Strategic Mode in PHP Application"

Topics:

• Advantages and disadvantages of coding
• Cases of Electronic Business Development
• Application of Multiple Modes

Charlotte comments that the turn out was better than expected considering a rare snowstorm ("I haven't seen snow in over 10 years! =)" she exclaims) in Shanghai.

The aim is to host a similar event in Beijing and find ways to encourage communication within the local Drupal community. Doing so will create ways for "birds of a feather" to meet others of a similar level of expertise.

With presentations in both English and Chinese, this rookie event was likely a real challenge. After attending many "grassroots" events, I know that keeping the group on track and of "one mind" can be like herding cats!

Despite any linguistic confusion, I am optimistic these relationships will bear fruit as technical synergies are discovered.

Congrats to our Sino-contemporaries and "Cheers!" to the Shanghai Drupal Users Group!

PS Bon Voyage to Drupal superhero and showshoeing gazelle Francis Pilon who is bound across the sea tomorrow.