Liz Krane organized a Learn Teach Code meetup BoF which connected those learning programming with those more senior in the field.
It was well attended and very interactive.
We should invite her to help us keep enough beginner friendly sessions.
1) Issue: New people to the venue - often in a hurry to find registration and where the rooms are.
Suggested solution: Larger signage outside indicating location of Registration, as well as Ballrooms vs 100s/200s, and expo hall
Perhaps 3 stand up direction signs outside - one by each main entrance to the buildings and one in the middle to catch those walking from the Mall
< Rooms 100-200s || Registration >
< Press Rooms || Expo Hall >
< Ham Radio || Ballrooms >
||
||
++++
2) Issue: Finding guidance when onsite
Suggested solution: Info Booth - The Game night table by the ballrooms can also be an info booth
We can put up a poster for recommended beginner friendlier events/sessions there....
maybe a "NEW TO SCALE? Check this out... "
3) Issue: We can be a very scary bunch using language which isn't understood by others.
I found in running numerous social events that some people need a lot of courage to go by themselves to something...
Suggested solution: Find ways to better enable community groups ( like Liz Krane is doing with Learn Teach Code ) to encourage participation
Find ways to assist and/or in allowing people to "buddy" up
4) Issue: hard to determine beginner friendly talks at SCALE.
Some conferences label talks as 100, 200, 300 level.. not certain if we want to go completely that way, but we should always find ways to have an welcoming door for new people to join us, thus
Suggested solution: add a tag or other identifying info to the sessions which are definitely beginner friendly.
With an appropriate tag we can generate a special schedule for those new to SCALE
5) Issue: Beginners looking for User Groups to participate in.
We have some great user groups on the show floor, would be nice to find a way to better connect beginners with the various groups which are welcoming of new members.
Suggestion: ... [ still thinking of options on this one, feel free to suggest some ]
6) Issue: SCALE appears to have less social media news than other events.
Suggestion: Find ways to engage and invite more with groups which are invested in social media activities... [ feel free to suggest ideas ]
7) Perhaps a Thur night BOF for new people would be useful? Give people a chance to find SCALE buddies, a chance to ask questions,...
8) Encourage people to introduce themselves to others before the sessions start.
A simple introduction to those next to you can mean another friendly face you notice during the week.
( I would sometimes ask people to introduce themselves to the person next to them when I have a good crowd and have time before the session starts when MCing )
Thank You