In another thread, Chris Smith said "A recurring theme I observed this year with people new to SCALE was that they weren't as aware of SCALE's offerings as one might hope."
Should we make a "new to SCALE" guide on the website and link to it in the registration emails?
Should we take 1-2 pages near the front of the printed program and put the "new to SCALE" guide there?
Did anyone go to the SCALE 101 talk? [1] Was it useful? Should we have held it on Friday, instead or ran a second session on Friday?
[1] https://www.socallinuxexpo.org/scale/15x/presentations/scale-101
Yes, we should definitely have a "new to SCALE" and other SCALE guides available.
Perhaps even have people who are newer to SCALE join the planning list and help us on this.
On Thu, Mar 9, 2017 at 9:37 PM, Lei Zhang leiz@socallinuxexpo.org wrote:
In another thread, Chris Smith said "A recurring theme I observed this year with people new to SCALE was that they weren't as aware of SCALE's offerings as one might hope."
Should we make a "new to SCALE" guide on the website and link to it in the registration emails?
Should we take 1-2 pages near the front of the printed program and put the "new to SCALE" guide there?
Did anyone go to the SCALE 101 talk? [1] Was it useful? Should we have held it on Friday, instead or ran a second session on Friday?
[1] https://www.socallinuxexpo.org/scale/15x/presentations/scale-101 _______________________________________________ Scale-planning mailing list Scale-planning@lists.linuxfests.org https://lists.linuxfests.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/scale-planning
On 03/09/2017 09:37 PM, Lei Zhang wrote:
In another thread, Chris Smith said "A recurring theme I observed this year with people new to SCALE was that they weren't as aware of SCALE's offerings as one might hope."
Should we make a "new to SCALE" guide on the website and link to it in the registration emails?
Should we take 1-2 pages near the front of the printed program and put the "new to SCALE" guide there?
Did anyone go to the SCALE 101 talk? [1] Was it useful? Should we have held it on Friday, instead or ran a second session on Friday?
Gonna answer these in reverse.
The SCALE 101 talk, like last year, was not well attended (about 15 people, including those that filtered in late), but the panel / Q&A portion was incredibly interactive, nearly everyone asked questions or commented, and nearly all of them either stayed late to thank me or found me later to do so.
Ilan had a suggestion that we do this between the keynote and the first session, in the keynote room. It's a good suggestion, but we'd probably have to move the keynote slightly earlier to account for the panel, which I think is the magic of it all (since I think the breaks are only half hour).
This would I think be more useful than stuff in the program which people don't read as it is.
we had talked about having a table next to the Game Night promotions table in the front lobby, just for newbies. there would be a "SCaLE Newbie?" sign and a big FAQ there to read. and the Banks Boys would have ready answers about things like when all the special events occur and where those are. and maybe even keep maps and programs there for quick reference (not handing out). and maybe they can have the hotel and restaurant info too.
...lori
On Fri, Mar 10, 2017 at 12:51 AM, Phil Dibowitz phil@ipom.com wrote:
On 03/09/2017 09:37 PM, Lei Zhang wrote:
In another thread, Chris Smith said "A recurring theme I observed this year with people new to SCALE was that they weren't as aware of SCALE's offerings as one might hope."
Should we make a "new to SCALE" guide on the website and link to it in the registration emails?
Should we take 1-2 pages near the front of the printed program and put the "new to SCALE" guide there?
Did anyone go to the SCALE 101 talk? [1] Was it useful? Should we have held it on Friday, instead or ran a second session on Friday?
Gonna answer these in reverse.
The SCALE 101 talk, like last year, was not well attended (about 15 people, including those that filtered in late), but the panel / Q&A portion was incredibly interactive, nearly everyone asked questions or commented, and nearly all of them either stayed late to thank me or found me later to do so.
Ilan had a suggestion that we do this between the keynote and the first session, in the keynote room. It's a good suggestion, but we'd probably have to move the keynote slightly earlier to account for the panel, which I think is the magic of it all (since I think the breaks are only half hour).
This would I think be more useful than stuff in the program which people don't read as it is.
-- Phil Dibowitz phil@ipom.com Open Source software and tech docs Insanity Palace of Metallica http://www.phildev.net/ http://www.ipom.com/
"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."
- Dr. Seuss
Scale-planning mailing list Scale-planning@lists.linuxfests.org https://lists.linuxfests.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/scale-planning
I attended the New to SCALE talk just to see if I was missing anything 😇 and yes, the panel was very good. Attendance was light (maybe slightly more than 15 people but not much more). I agree to make it earlier, perhaps even before the keynote (9:00?) unless we don't think people will arrive in time to register and get in there... or directly after the keynote. Even though I am a "veteran," I think the talk was useful. Good idea about having a "newbie" table as well with rotating volunteers to staff it. I'd be willing to help with that if needed.
Marina
On Fri, Mar 10, 2017 at 1:05 AM, Lori Barfield itdirector@gmail.com wrote:
we had talked about having a table next to the Game Night promotions table in the front lobby, just for newbies. there would be a "SCaLE Newbie?" sign and a big FAQ there to read. and the Banks Boys would have ready answers about things like when all the special events occur and where those are. and maybe even keep maps and programs there for quick reference (not handing out). and maybe they can have the hotel and restaurant info too.
...lori
On Fri, Mar 10, 2017 at 12:51 AM, Phil Dibowitz phil@ipom.com wrote:
On 03/09/2017 09:37 PM, Lei Zhang wrote:
In another thread, Chris Smith said "A recurring theme I observed this year with people new to SCALE was that they weren't as aware of SCALE's offerings as one might hope."
Should we make a "new to SCALE" guide on the website and link to it in the registration emails?
Should we take 1-2 pages near the front of the printed program and put the "new to SCALE" guide there?
Did anyone go to the SCALE 101 talk? [1] Was it useful? Should we have held it on Friday, instead or ran a second session on Friday?
Gonna answer these in reverse.
The SCALE 101 talk, like last year, was not well attended (about 15 people, including those that filtered in late), but the panel / Q&A portion was incredibly interactive, nearly everyone asked questions or commented, and nearly all of them either stayed late to thank me or found me later to do so.
Ilan had a suggestion that we do this between the keynote and the first session, in the keynote room. It's a good suggestion, but we'd probably have to move the keynote slightly earlier to account for the panel, which I think is the magic of it all (since I think the breaks are only half hour).
This would I think be more useful than stuff in the program which people don't read as it is.
-- Phil Dibowitz phil@ipom.com Open Source software and tech docs Insanity Palace of Metallica http://www.phildev.net/ http://www.ipom.com/
"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."
- Dr. Seuss
Scale-planning mailing list Scale-planning@lists.linuxfests.org https://lists.linuxfests.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/scale-planning
Scale-planning mailing list Scale-planning@lists.linuxfests.org https://lists.linuxfests.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/scale-planning
On 03/10/2017 08:37 AM, Marina King wrote:
I attended the New to SCALE talk just to see if I was missing anything 😇 and yes, the panel was very good. Attendance was light (maybe slightly more than 15 people but not much more). I agree to make it earlier, perhaps even before the keynote (9:00?) unless we don't think people will arrive in time to register and get in there... or directly after the keynote. Even though I am a "veteran," I think the talk was useful. Good idea about having a "newbie" table as well with rotating volunteers to staff it. I'd be willing to help with that if needed.
Thanks for the kind words about SCALE 101. I'm glad you found it useful. :)
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
On Fri, Mar 10, 2017 at 1:05 AM, Lori Barfield itdirector@gmail.com wrote:
we had talked about having a table next to the Game Night promotions table in the front lobby, just for newbies. there would be a "SCaLE Newbie?" sign and a big FAQ there to read. and the Banks Boys would have ready answers about things like when all the special events occur and where those are. and maybe even keep maps and programs there for quick reference (not handing out). and maybe they can have the hotel and restaurant info too.
...lori
On Fri, Mar 10, 2017 at 12:51 AM, Phil Dibowitz phil@ipom.com wrote:
On 03/09/2017 09:37 PM, Lei Zhang wrote:
In another thread, Chris Smith said "A recurring theme I observed this year with people new to SCALE was that they weren't as aware of SCALE's offerings as one might hope."
Should we make a "new to SCALE" guide on the website and link to it in the registration emails?
Should we take 1-2 pages near the front of the printed program and put the "new to SCALE" guide there?
Did anyone go to the SCALE 101 talk? [1] Was it useful? Should we have held it on Friday, instead or ran a second session on Friday?
Gonna answer these in reverse.
The SCALE 101 talk, like last year, was not well attended (about 15 people, including those that filtered in late), but the panel / Q&A portion was incredibly interactive, nearly everyone asked questions or commented, and nearly all of them either stayed late to thank me or found me later to do so.
Ilan had a suggestion that we do this between the keynote and the first session, in the keynote room. It's a good suggestion, but we'd probably have to move the keynote slightly earlier to account for the panel, which I think is the magic of it all (since I think the breaks are only half hour).
This would I think be more useful than stuff in the program which people don't read as it is.
-- Phil Dibowitz phil@ipom.com Open Source software and tech docs Insanity Palace of Metallica http://www.phildev.net/ http://www.ipom.com/
"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."
- Dr. Seuss
Scale-planning mailing list Scale-planning@lists.linuxfests.org https://lists.linuxfests.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/scale-planning
Scale-planning mailing list Scale-planning@lists.linuxfests.org https://lists.linuxfests.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/scale-planning
Am 10. Mar, 2017 schwätzte Mx Siltanen so:
moin moin,
<snippity, snip>
- 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
The cfp asks for beginner, intermediate, etc and also keywords. Do we have any way to search for them? I don't see them in talk descriptions or sign.xml.
- 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 ]
See other thread for my scavenger hunt suggestion.
It would also be nice to keyword search booths for local organizations and companies.
There are lots of other reasons to be able to keyword search for presentations and booths.
- 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 ]
Here I must admit to my own failings. I wanted to write up blog/PR for the tracks I helped with this year, but did not get to it. That lies directly on me.
It would be helpful in the future if we could link to a particular track for PR, e.g. "This year's <a href='https://www.socallinuxexpo.org/scale/16x/schedule?track=MySQL'>MySQL track</a> shall grace upon us presentations about..."
tag=$keyword would also be awesome.
- Perhaps a Thur night BOF for new people would be useful? Give people a
chance to find SCALE buddies, a chance to ask questions,...
I like this idea. I had contemplated a social BoF this year, but didn't get to it.
/me puts on BoF hat
Let's make it happen for next year.
- 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 )
Good idea. I will try to remember to do that next year.
Do we send out a speaker email shortly before the conference?
I received the "I'm speaking at SCaLE" email and at least some speakers get invites to do interviews. My apologies if I missed others.
It would be nice to have a couple of emails go out to speakers. A welcome email and a reminder email. I will gladly help with both.
The welcome email info could be in the talk accepted email, but I think it would be better if it's sent out after the speaker has acked the acceptance and committed to attending.
The reminder email should go out a week before SCaLE.
The welcome email could include things like:
* speaker lounge ( I didn't know about this the first few years I spoke ) * clothing suggestions since the talks are being recorded. For instance, I have been told that some of my fashion choices do not show up well :). * blurb about the track they are in * talk promo suggestions * contact info for PR team * directions for picking up their commemmorative gold coins
The reminder email could include things like:
* reminder that they're supposed to be at the conference :) * thank them for presenting at SCaLE * day, time room info for their talk * URL for live stream for their room if we can have that early * let them know the room will be available approx 1/2 hour before talk for them to prep * let them know A/V person will be available * Matti's suggestion about audience ice breaker * reminder to repeat audience questions for the video
ciao,
der.hans
Thank You
On Fri, Mar 10, 2017 at 1:05 AM, Lori Barfield itdirector@gmail.com wrote:
we had talked about having a table next to the Game Night promotions table in the front lobby, just for newbies. there would be a "SCaLE Newbie?" sign and a big FAQ there to read. and the Banks Boys would have ready answers about things like when all the special events occur and where those are. and maybe even keep maps and programs there for quick reference (not handing out). and maybe they can have the hotel and restaurant info too.
...lori
On Fri, Mar 10, 2017 at 12:51 AM, Phil Dibowitz phil@ipom.com wrote:
On 03/09/2017 09:37 PM, Lei Zhang wrote:
In another thread, Chris Smith said "A recurring theme I observed this year with people new to SCALE was that they weren't as aware of SCALE's offerings as one might hope."
Should we make a "new to SCALE" guide on the website and link to it in the registration emails?
Should we take 1-2 pages near the front of the printed program and put the "new to SCALE" guide there?
Did anyone go to the SCALE 101 talk? [1] Was it useful? Should we have held it on Friday, instead or ran a second session on Friday?
Gonna answer these in reverse.
The SCALE 101 talk, like last year, was not well attended (about 15 people, including those that filtered in late), but the panel / Q&A portion was incredibly interactive, nearly everyone asked questions or commented, and nearly all of them either stayed late to thank me or found me later to do so.
Ilan had a suggestion that we do this between the keynote and the first session, in the keynote room. It's a good suggestion, but we'd probably have to move the keynote slightly earlier to account for the panel, which I think is the magic of it all (since I think the breaks are only half hour).
This would I think be more useful than stuff in the program which people don't read as it is.
-- Phil Dibowitz phil@ipom.com Open Source software and tech docs Insanity Palace of Metallica http://www.phildev.net/ http://www.ipom.com/
"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."
- Dr. Seuss
Scale-planning mailing list Scale-planning@lists.linuxfests.org https://lists.linuxfests.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/scale-planning
Scale-planning mailing list Scale-planning@lists.linuxfests.org https://lists.linuxfests.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/scale-planning
Hi...
Along with all these great suggestions, how about including a blank schedule as an insert in the program. Put it on easy to write on paper (not the slick glossy brochure paper) that folks can fill in each day to plan what they want to attend? Sort of a special "Day Timer" for each day of SCaLE. If it were in 2 colors, the breaks could be a different color (say light blue maybe?). The rest of the schedule would be white. Maybe there could be a welcome table to help people choose what they want to see.
Caryl
"My other computer is a pencil"... Wayne Ayers (my computer guru from long ago)
________________________________ From: Scale-planning scale-planning-bounces@lists.linuxfests.org on behalf of der.hans Verteiler+SCaLE-planning@LuftHans.com Sent: Friday, March 10, 2017 11:29:32 AM To: SCALE Planning List Subject: Re: [Scale-planning] SCALE 101 / helping new attendees
Am 10. Mar, 2017 schwätzte Mx Siltanen so:
moin moin,
<snippity, snip>
- 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
The cfp asks for beginner, intermediate, etc and also keywords. Do we have any way to search for them? I don't see them in talk descriptions or sign.xml.
- 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 ]
See other thread for my scavenger hunt suggestion.
It would also be nice to keyword search booths for local organizations and companies.
There are lots of other reasons to be able to keyword search for presentations and booths.
- 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 ]
Here I must admit to my own failings. I wanted to write up blog/PR for the tracks I helped with this year, but did not get to it. That lies directly on me.
It would be helpful in the future if we could link to a particular track for PR, e.g. "This year's <a href='https://www.socallinuxexpo.org/scale/16x/schedule?track=MySQL'>MySQL track</a> shall grace upon us presentations about..."
tag=$keyword would also be awesome.
- Perhaps a Thur night BOF for new people would be useful? Give people a
chance to find SCALE buddies, a chance to ask questions,...
I like this idea. I had contemplated a social BoF this year, but didn't get to it.
/me puts on BoF hat
Let's make it happen for next year.
- 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 )
Good idea. I will try to remember to do that next year.
Do we send out a speaker email shortly before the conference?
I received the "I'm speaking at SCaLE" email and at least some speakers get invites to do interviews. My apologies if I missed others.
It would be nice to have a couple of emails go out to speakers. A welcome email and a reminder email. I will gladly help with both.
The welcome email info could be in the talk accepted email, but I think it would be better if it's sent out after the speaker has acked the acceptance and committed to attending.
The reminder email should go out a week before SCaLE.
The welcome email could include things like:
* speaker lounge ( I didn't know about this the first few years I spoke ) * clothing suggestions since the talks are being recorded. For instance, I have been told that some of my fashion choices do not show up well :). * blurb about the track they are in * talk promo suggestions * contact info for PR team * directions for picking up their commemmorative gold coins
The reminder email could include things like:
* reminder that they're supposed to be at the conference :) * thank them for presenting at SCaLE * day, time room info for their talk * URL for live stream for their room if we can have that early * let them know the room will be available approx 1/2 hour before talk for them to prep * let them know A/V person will be available * Matti's suggestion about audience ice breaker * reminder to repeat audience questions for the video
ciao,
der.hans
Thank You
On Fri, Mar 10, 2017 at 1:05 AM, Lori Barfield itdirector@gmail.com wrote:
we had talked about having a table next to the Game Night promotions table in the front lobby, just for newbies. there would be a "SCaLE Newbie?" sign and a big FAQ there to read. and the Banks Boys would have ready answers about things like when all the special events occur and where those are. and maybe even keep maps and programs there for quick reference (not handing out). and maybe they can have the hotel and restaurant info too.
...lori
On Fri, Mar 10, 2017 at 12:51 AM, Phil Dibowitz phil@ipom.com wrote:
On 03/09/2017 09:37 PM, Lei Zhang wrote:
In another thread, Chris Smith said "A recurring theme I observed this year with people new to SCALE was that they weren't as aware of SCALE's offerings as one might hope."
Should we make a "new to SCALE" guide on the website and link to it in the registration emails?
Should we take 1-2 pages near the front of the printed program and put the "new to SCALE" guide there?
Did anyone go to the SCALE 101 talk? [1] Was it useful? Should we have held it on Friday, instead or ran a second session on Friday?
Gonna answer these in reverse.
The SCALE 101 talk, like last year, was not well attended (about 15 people, including those that filtered in late), but the panel / Q&A portion was incredibly interactive, nearly everyone asked questions or commented, and nearly all of them either stayed late to thank me or found me later to do so.
Ilan had a suggestion that we do this between the keynote and the first session, in the keynote room. It's a good suggestion, but we'd probably have to move the keynote slightly earlier to account for the panel, which I think is the magic of it all (since I think the breaks are only half hour).
This would I think be more useful than stuff in the program which people don't read as it is.
-- Phil Dibowitz phil@ipom.com Open Source software and tech docs Insanity Palace of Metallica http://www.phildev.net/ http://www.ipom.com/
"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."
- Dr. Seuss
Scale-planning mailing list Scale-planning@lists.linuxfests.org https://lists.linuxfests.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/scale-planning
Scale-planning mailing list Scale-planning@lists.linuxfests.org https://lists.linuxfests.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/scale-planning
-- # http://www.LuftHans.com/ http://www.PhxLinux.org/ # Intelligence without compassion is a waste. -- der.hans
if whatever phone app we're using allows attendees to choose talks, we can also provide tech support for that at the FAQ desk.
...lori
On Fri, Mar 10, 2017 at 11:42 AM, Caryl Bigenho cbigenho@hotmail.com wrote:
Hi...
Along with all these great suggestions, how about including a blank schedule as an insert in the program. Put it on easy to write on paper (not the slick glossy brochure paper) that folks can fill in each day to plan what they want to attend? Sort of a special "Day Timer" for each day of SCaLE. If it were in 2 colors, the breaks could be a different color (say light blue maybe?). The rest of the schedule would be white. Maybe there could be a welcome table to help people choose what they want to see.
Caryl
*"My other computer is a pencil"... Wayne Ayers (my computer guru from long ago)*
*From:* Scale-planning scale-planning-bounces@lists.linuxfests.org on behalf of der.hans Verteiler+SCaLE-planning@LuftHans.com *Sent:* Friday, March 10, 2017 11:29:32 AM *To:* SCALE Planning List *Subject:* Re: [Scale-planning] SCALE 101 / helping new attendees
Am 10. Mar, 2017 schwätzte Mx Siltanen so:
moin moin,
<snippity, snip>
- 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
The cfp asks for beginner, intermediate, etc and also keywords. Do we have any way to search for them? I don't see them in talk descriptions or sign.xml.
- 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 ]
See other thread for my scavenger hunt suggestion.
It would also be nice to keyword search booths for local organizations and companies.
There are lots of other reasons to be able to keyword search for presentations and booths.
- 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 ]
Here I must admit to my own failings. I wanted to write up blog/PR for the tracks I helped with this year, but did not get to it. That lies directly on me.
It would be helpful in the future if we could link to a particular track for PR, e.g. "This year's <a href='https://www.socallinuxexpo.org/scale/16x/schedule?track=MySQL'>MySQL track</a> shall grace upon us presentations about..."
tag=$keyword would also be awesome.
- Perhaps a Thur night BOF for new people would be useful? Give people a
chance to find SCALE buddies, a chance to ask questions,...
I like this idea. I had contemplated a social BoF this year, but didn't get to it.
/me puts on BoF hat
Let's make it happen for next year.
- 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 )
Good idea. I will try to remember to do that next year.
Do we send out a speaker email shortly before the conference?
I received the "I'm speaking at SCaLE" email and at least some speakers get invites to do interviews. My apologies if I missed others.
It would be nice to have a couple of emails go out to speakers. A welcome email and a reminder email. I will gladly help with both.
The welcome email info could be in the talk accepted email, but I think it would be better if it's sent out after the speaker has acked the acceptance and committed to attending.
The reminder email should go out a week before SCaLE.
The welcome email could include things like:
- speaker lounge ( I didn't know about this the first few years I spoke )
- clothing suggestions since the talks are being recorded. For instance, I
have been told that some of my fashion choices do not show up well :).
- blurb about the track they are in
- talk promo suggestions
- contact info for PR team
- directions for picking up their commemmorative gold coins
The reminder email could include things like:
- reminder that they're supposed to be at the conference :)
- thank them for presenting at SCaLE
- day, time room info for their talk
- URL for live stream for their room if we can have that early
- let them know the room will be available approx 1/2 hour before talk for
them to prep
- let them know A/V person will be available
- Matti's suggestion about audience ice breaker
- reminder to repeat audience questions for the video
ciao,
der.hans
Thank You
On Fri, Mar 10, 2017 at 1:05 AM, Lori Barfield itdirector@gmail.com
wrote:
we had talked about having a table next to the Game Night promotions
table
in the front lobby, just for newbies. there would be a "SCaLE Newbie?" sign and a big FAQ there to read. and the Banks Boys would have ready answers about things like when all the special events occur and where
those
are. and maybe even keep maps and programs there for quick reference
(not
handing out). and maybe they can have the hotel and restaurant info
too.
...lori
On Fri, Mar 10, 2017 at 12:51 AM, Phil Dibowitz phil@ipom.com wrote:
On 03/09/2017 09:37 PM, Lei Zhang wrote:
In another thread, Chris Smith said "A recurring theme I observed this year with people new to SCALE was that they weren't as aware of SCALE's offerings as one might hope."
Should we make a "new to SCALE" guide on the website and link to it in the registration emails?
Should we take 1-2 pages near the front of the printed program and put the "new to SCALE" guide there?
Did anyone go to the SCALE 101 talk? [1] Was it useful? Should we have held it on Friday, instead or ran a second session on Friday?
Gonna answer these in reverse.
The SCALE 101 talk, like last year, was not well attended (about 15 people, including those that filtered in late), but the panel / Q&A portion was incredibly interactive, nearly everyone asked questions or commented,
and
nearly all of them either stayed late to thank me or found me later to
do
so.
Ilan had a suggestion that we do this between the keynote and the first session, in the keynote room. It's a good suggestion, but we'd probably have to move the keynote slightly earlier to account for the panel, which I think is the magic of it all (since I think the breaks are only half hour).
This would I think be more useful than stuff in the program which
people
don't read as it is.
-- Phil Dibowitz phil@ipom.com Open Source software and tech docs Insanity Palace of Metallica http://www.phildev.net/ http://www.ipom.com/
"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't
matter
and those who matter don't mind."
- Dr. Seuss
Scale-planning mailing list Scale-planning@lists.linuxfests.org https://lists.linuxfests.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/scale-planning
Scale-planning mailing list Scale-planning@lists.linuxfests.org https://lists.linuxfests.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/scale-planning
-- # http://www.LuftHans.com/ http://www.PhxLinux.org/ # Intelligence without compassion is a waste. -- der.hans
Scale-planning mailing list Scale-planning@lists.linuxfests.org https://lists.linuxfests.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/scale-planning
I found it very convenient having the ability to save my schedule in Guidebook on my phone... so I hope that continues to be a feature with whatever app we use next year.
Marina
On Fri, Mar 10, 2017 at 11:42 AM, Caryl Bigenho cbigenho@hotmail.com wrote:
Hi...
Along with all these great suggestions, how about including a blank schedule as an insert in the program. Put it on easy to write on paper (not the slick glossy brochure paper) that folks can fill in each day to plan what they want to attend? Sort of a special "Day Timer" for each day of SCaLE. If it were in 2 colors, the breaks could be a different color (say light blue maybe?). The rest of the schedule would be white. Maybe there could be a welcome table to help people choose what they want to see.
Caryl
*"My other computer is a pencil"... Wayne Ayers (my computer guru from long ago)*
*From:* Scale-planning scale-planning-bounces@lists.linuxfests.org on behalf of der.hans Verteiler+SCaLE-planning@LuftHans.com *Sent:* Friday, March 10, 2017 11:29:32 AM *To:* SCALE Planning List *Subject:* Re: [Scale-planning] SCALE 101 / helping new attendees
Am 10. Mar, 2017 schwätzte Mx Siltanen so:
moin moin,
<snippity, snip>
- 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
The cfp asks for beginner, intermediate, etc and also keywords. Do we have any way to search for them? I don't see them in talk descriptions or sign.xml.
- 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 ]
See other thread for my scavenger hunt suggestion.
It would also be nice to keyword search booths for local organizations and companies.
There are lots of other reasons to be able to keyword search for presentations and booths.
- 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 ]
Here I must admit to my own failings. I wanted to write up blog/PR for the tracks I helped with this year, but did not get to it. That lies directly on me.
It would be helpful in the future if we could link to a particular track for PR, e.g. "This year's <a href='https://www.socallinuxexpo.org/scale/16x/schedule?track=MySQL'>MySQL track</a> shall grace upon us presentations about..."
tag=$keyword would also be awesome.
- Perhaps a Thur night BOF for new people would be useful? Give people a
chance to find SCALE buddies, a chance to ask questions,...
I like this idea. I had contemplated a social BoF this year, but didn't get to it.
/me puts on BoF hat
Let's make it happen for next year.
- 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 )
Good idea. I will try to remember to do that next year.
Do we send out a speaker email shortly before the conference?
I received the "I'm speaking at SCaLE" email and at least some speakers get invites to do interviews. My apologies if I missed others.
It would be nice to have a couple of emails go out to speakers. A welcome email and a reminder email. I will gladly help with both.
The welcome email info could be in the talk accepted email, but I think it would be better if it's sent out after the speaker has acked the acceptance and committed to attending.
The reminder email should go out a week before SCaLE.
The welcome email could include things like:
- speaker lounge ( I didn't know about this the first few years I spoke )
- clothing suggestions since the talks are being recorded. For instance, I
have been told that some of my fashion choices do not show up well :).
- blurb about the track they are in
- talk promo suggestions
- contact info for PR team
- directions for picking up their commemmorative gold coins
The reminder email could include things like:
- reminder that they're supposed to be at the conference :)
- thank them for presenting at SCaLE
- day, time room info for their talk
- URL for live stream for their room if we can have that early
- let them know the room will be available approx 1/2 hour before talk for
them to prep
- let them know A/V person will be available
- Matti's suggestion about audience ice breaker
- reminder to repeat audience questions for the video
ciao,
der.hans
Thank You
On Fri, Mar 10, 2017 at 1:05 AM, Lori Barfield itdirector@gmail.com
wrote:
we had talked about having a table next to the Game Night promotions
table
in the front lobby, just for newbies. there would be a "SCaLE Newbie?" sign and a big FAQ there to read. and the Banks Boys would have ready answers about things like when all the special events occur and where
those
are. and maybe even keep maps and programs there for quick reference
(not
handing out). and maybe they can have the hotel and restaurant info
too.
...lori
On Fri, Mar 10, 2017 at 12:51 AM, Phil Dibowitz phil@ipom.com wrote:
On 03/09/2017 09:37 PM, Lei Zhang wrote:
In another thread, Chris Smith said "A recurring theme I observed this year with people new to SCALE was that they weren't as aware of SCALE's offerings as one might hope."
Should we make a "new to SCALE" guide on the website and link to it in the registration emails?
Should we take 1-2 pages near the front of the printed program and put the "new to SCALE" guide there?
Did anyone go to the SCALE 101 talk? [1] Was it useful? Should we have held it on Friday, instead or ran a second session on Friday?
Gonna answer these in reverse.
The SCALE 101 talk, like last year, was not well attended (about 15 people, including those that filtered in late), but the panel / Q&A portion was incredibly interactive, nearly everyone asked questions or commented,
and
nearly all of them either stayed late to thank me or found me later to
do
so.
Ilan had a suggestion that we do this between the keynote and the first session, in the keynote room. It's a good suggestion, but we'd probably have to move the keynote slightly earlier to account for the panel, which I think is the magic of it all (since I think the breaks are only half hour).
This would I think be more useful than stuff in the program which
people
don't read as it is.
-- Phil Dibowitz phil@ipom.com Open Source software and tech docs Insanity Palace of Metallica http://www.phildev.net/ http://www.ipom.com/
"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't
matter
and those who matter don't mind."
- Dr. Seuss
Scale-planning mailing list Scale-planning@lists.linuxfests.org https://lists.linuxfests.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/scale-planning
Scale-planning mailing list Scale-planning@lists.linuxfests.org https://lists.linuxfests.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/scale-planning
-- # http://www.LuftHans.com/ http://www.PhxLinux.org/ # Intelligence without compassion is a waste. -- der.hans
Scale-planning mailing list Scale-planning@lists.linuxfests.org https://lists.linuxfests.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/scale-planning
The one thing I really wanted to go to but couldn't figure out when it was, is UpScale. This activity had been moved from its traditional time of Friday night and I could never figure out when or where it was. It needed more publicity this year. It's always been one of my highlights and can be such an enjoyable experience. I hope next year we put it back in the limelight...
Marina
On Fri, Mar 10, 2017 at 12:51 AM, Phil Dibowitz phil@ipom.com wrote:
On 03/09/2017 09:37 PM, Lei Zhang wrote:
In another thread, Chris Smith said "A recurring theme I observed this year with people new to SCALE was that they weren't as aware of SCALE's offerings as one might hope."
Should we make a "new to SCALE" guide on the website and link to it in the registration emails?
Should we take 1-2 pages near the front of the printed program and put the "new to SCALE" guide there?
Did anyone go to the SCALE 101 talk? [1] Was it useful? Should we have held it on Friday, instead or ran a second session on Friday?
Gonna answer these in reverse.
The SCALE 101 talk, like last year, was not well attended (about 15 people, including those that filtered in late), but the panel / Q&A portion was incredibly interactive, nearly everyone asked questions or commented, and nearly all of them either stayed late to thank me or found me later to do so.
Ilan had a suggestion that we do this between the keynote and the first session, in the keynote room. It's a good suggestion, but we'd probably have to move the keynote slightly earlier to account for the panel, which I think is the magic of it all (since I think the breaks are only half hour).
This would I think be more useful than stuff in the program which people don't read as it is.
-- Phil Dibowitz phil@ipom.com Open Source software and tech docs Insanity Palace of Metallica http://www.phildev.net/ http://www.ipom.com/
"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."
- Dr. Seuss
Scale-planning mailing list Scale-planning@lists.linuxfests.org https://lists.linuxfests.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/scale-planning
Am 10. Mar, 2017 schwätzte Phil Dibowitz so:
<snip to Phil's response>
The SCALE 101 talk, like last year, was not well attended (about 15 people, including those that filtered in late), but the panel / Q&A portion was incredibly interactive, nearly everyone asked questions or commented, and nearly all of them either stayed late to thank me or found me later to do so.
Good to know what the turnout is and learn about the participation.
Ilan had a suggestion that we do this between the keynote and the first session, in the keynote room. It's a good suggestion, but we'd probably have
I was going to make the same suggestion. You're up against a lot of great content :).
to move the keynote slightly earlier to account for the panel, which I think is the magic of it all (since I think the breaks are only half hour).
Do you mean increase the time between the keynote to the start of the talks to an hour?
This would I think be more useful than stuff in the program which people don't read as it is.
If the information is available online and in the program, would you be able to almost go straight to the panel?
I'm thinking we could announce where to find new attendee information and the new attendee session before the keynote, then have a reminder after the keynote.
What is the attendee difference for Fri - Sun vs just the weekend?
Maybe have a Friday session during the lunch break since there's no Friday keynote?
Also, I was going to suggest some sort of scavenger hunt for exploring the expo floor, but not exclusively limited to expo floor. Perhaps we could do something similar for new attendee orientation.
Some sample items:
* visit two local user group booths * find the game night entrance * attend two talks * find ballroom GH * get your SCaLE t-shirt * visit two vendor booths * participate in the new attendee water balloon fight
Well, OK, we don't do the latter, but perhaps we could have some fun activity for them to try.
Overall I find SCaLE to be accessible with great signage. But, I've been going to conferences for a long time, so my view is more about "compared to other conferences" than about "wow, how many people are here?" :)
ciao,
der.hans
On 03/10/2017 10:14 AM, der.hans wrote:
Do you mean increase the time between the keynote to the start of the talks to an hour?
Yup.
This would I think be more useful than stuff in the program which people don't read as it is.
If the information is available online and in the program, would you be able to almost go straight to the panel?
From my experience, you need to tell these things to people. Also, DEFCON (who I cribbed the talk from) found the same thing.
What is the attendee difference for Fri - Sun vs just the weekend?
We have (now) high attendance now on Thurs/Fri, but it's very focused on specific sub-events as opposed to general attendance, afaict.
Maybe have a Friday session during the lunch break since there's no Friday keynote?
I wouldn't be opposed to this. Or just before the Friday keynote?
I say we email out the video of the talk to at least new attendees.
On Mar 10, 2017 12:51 AM, "Phil Dibowitz" phil@ipom.com wrote:
On 03/09/2017 09:37 PM, Lei Zhang wrote:
In another thread, Chris Smith said "A recurring theme I observed this year with people new to SCALE was that they weren't as aware of SCALE's offerings as one might hope."
Should we make a "new to SCALE" guide on the website and link to it in the registration emails?
Should we take 1-2 pages near the front of the printed program and put the "new to SCALE" guide there?
Did anyone go to the SCALE 101 talk? [1] Was it useful? Should we have held it on Friday, instead or ran a second session on Friday?
Gonna answer these in reverse.
The SCALE 101 talk, like last year, was not well attended (about 15 people, including those that filtered in late), but the panel / Q&A portion was incredibly interactive, nearly everyone asked questions or commented, and nearly all of them either stayed late to thank me or found me later to do so.
Ilan had a suggestion that we do this between the keynote and the first session, in the keynote room. It's a good suggestion, but we'd probably have to move the keynote slightly earlier to account for the panel, which I think is the magic of it all (since I think the breaks are only half hour).
This would I think be more useful than stuff in the program which people don't read as it is.
-- Phil Dibowitz phil@ipom.com Open Source software and tech docs Insanity Palace of Metallica http://www.phildev.net/ http://www.ipom.com/
"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."
- Dr. Seuss
Scale-planning mailing list Scale-planning@lists.linuxfests.org https://lists.linuxfests.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/scale-planning
More front pages for new Scalers might be good. More video bill board, newbie news every 15 minutes, might help. Newbie help links identified on some spare badge border space might help. ...
R/ Everett Batey / Skype: wa6cre-10 / efbatey@gmail.com (805) 616-2471 / G-Talk/Twitter: efbatey / CrisisLinks http://bit.ly/cw95Um Please visit So Calif Linux Expo http://www.socallinuxexpo.org NEED NEW 2018 DATE FOR MY SIG.
On Thu, Mar 9, 2017 at 9:37 PM, Lei Zhang leiz@socallinuxexpo.org wrote:
In another thread, Chris Smith said "A recurring theme I observed this year with people new to SCALE was that they weren't as aware of SCALE's offerings as one might hope."
Should we make a "new to SCALE" guide on the website and link to it in the registration emails?
Should we take 1-2 pages near the front of the printed program and put the "new to SCALE" guide there?
Did anyone go to the SCALE 101 talk? [1] Was it useful? Should we have held it on Friday, instead or ran a second session on Friday?
Went to no events .. did wire and PR.
[1] https://www.socallinuxexpo.org/scale/15x/presentations/scale-101
scale-planning@lists.linuxfests.org
-
Caryl Bigenho -
Christopher Smith -
der.hans -
Everett Batey -
Lei Zhang -
Lori Barfield -
Marina King -
Mx Siltanen -
Phil Dibowitz