Community at .conf25: SplunkTrust Stories Series (Part 2)

When Clara Merriman walked into her very first Splunk .conf back in 2015, she didn’t fully realize how much it would change her career and her life. She hasn’t missed one since. 

At the time, Clara had been working with Splunk for about two years, having started using the platform in 2013. “I dove headfirst into the product,” Clara recalls. “I wanted to learn everything I could, and .conf seemed like the perfect place to see what other people were doing and how we could improve our own work.”

This year marks Clara’s 11th .conf and thinking back over that journey, it was amazing for her to see how far things have come, both for herself and for the incredible Splunk community.

Her company sent her to .conf2015, and what she found there was more than just technical sessions, “That first year was transformational for me,” Clara says. She met so many brilliant, welcoming people, attended session after session packed with valuable information, and discovered a vibrant, supportive community that she didn’t even know existed.

2015 was also the year she learnt about the SplunkTrust. Clara still remembers the moment vividly, “I noticed Charlie Huggard wearing a fez and jokingly wondered aloud to a coworker what it was for.” Charlie overheard her and happily explained the story behind the hat and, more importantly, the purpose of SplunkTrust — a group dedicated to sharing knowledge, fostering community, and helping others make the most of Splunk.That single conversation set her on a path she has been walking ever since. She decided right then and there that by the next .conf, she would be a member.

That same year also saw the first-ever SPL-ing Bee, which she was lucky enough to win — an experience that came full circle when she eventually became its host in future years.

Since then, Clara’s connection to the Splunk community has only grown deeper. She has met lifelong friends at .conf, people who have become like family. Between events, they stay connected on the Splunk Community Slack, where the generosity and problem-solving spirit never seem to wane. The sheer depth of creativity, skill, and experience in this group is something truly special.

She admits. conf has become a fixed point in her calendar,“I’ve told myself that if there’s ever a year where I’m not a presenter, I’ll still pay my own way to attend,” Clara shares. “This community is like family to me. I don’t just go for the content, I go for the people.”

As a proud member of SplunkTrust, Clara considers the role an important part of her professional identity, “It’s a source of pride for me,” she says. “I love helping people solve problems and brainstorm new ideas.”During .conf, she tries to be an evangelist for the SplunkTrust — helping people understand what it is and how they can be a part of it. She also loves talking to attendees about what SplunkTrust is and encouraging them to get involved. Whether she’s hanging out at the community booth, chatting at the Builder Bar, or running into people in the Pavilion, she is always up for swapping stories, solving problems, and brainstorming ideas.

Clara also makes a point to submit presentation abstracts every year. Being a speaker not only lets her share what she has learnt, but also gives her the chance to connect with people in a fun, engaging way.

One of Clara’s favorite pieces of advice might seem surprising: “Don’t be afraid to miss a session if you’re in the middle of a great conversation,” she says. While the sessions at .conf are always stellar (and many are recorded for later viewing), sometimes the most valuable moments come from those spontaneous hallway discussions or deep dives with someone who understands exactly what you’re working on, she explains.

Clara advises that if you really want to grow your skills and be part of something special, jump in with both feet — whether that’s at .conf, in User Groups, or online through Slack and the Splunk Community site. Put yourself out there, ask questions, share your knowledge, and you’ll quickly see why so many describe this community as family.

After 11 years, the thrill hasn’t faded. As Clara heads into her 11th conference, she says,“Every year feels like a family reunion with new additions to the family…It’s one of my favorite times of the year, and I can’t wait to see what ideas, discussions, and friendships this year will bring.” She is immensely grateful for what Splunk, SplunkTrust, and this community have given her — and she is committed to giving back in every way that she can.

Because at the end of the day, this isn’t just about software. It’s about people helping people, learning together, and making the most of what they can do — both with technology and with each other.

For Clara, the .conf experience is the heartbeat of a community that has shaped her career, her identity, and her closest professional relationships.

Thank you Clara for being a pillar for the Splunk Community, we are so glad to have you as a part of the SplunkTrust and this amazing Community!

Here’s to another amazing .conf25, See you there! 🎉

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