Improvements to Next ASCI Conferences

Another late post.  But we all heard it, better late than never, right? :p (I wanted to scare you all with a lllllonnnnggg post!!)

 

Couple of things I scribbled down during the presentations at the recent Mumbai conference.  I am posting them for the group’s discussion.

 

1. Mike / sound systems:  We should have professional mike system.  It was too informal, and some speakers were not audible enough for the entire audience.  I think we must consider services of some professionals next time.
2. Podcast:  It is linked to the above.  If we have an audio system in place, we could record these sessions and post them online.
3. Video:  Can we think of capturing these presentations on video for further reference/use?  May be reused at local ASCI UG meets (for the benefit of people who could not attend)?
4. Banners:  It was chaos this time with banners.  I suggest we have one single banner with all participant logos.  What do you think?
5. Publicity:  Should we try inexpensive methods of publicizing the event (“What’s Up today?” section of news papers, channels, FM etc)?
6. Notepads:  The notepads we gave in the kit are rarely used.  Is it because of the quality?  Or we don’t need them?  Are we including them in the kit “just for the sake of doing it – as a ritual”?
7. Timers:  Almost all speakers over run their time limits.  Some even ate into next sessions’ time.  I saw those next session speakers waiting patiently for these guys to complete!  I think we need time-keepers.
8. Speaker Introduction:  We should have the brief introduction of the speaker at the beginning of the session.  And when it ends, we should thank the speaker, and say some nice words (can be done when we give them mementos)!
9. Better Auditoriums:  We definitely need better auditoriums
10. Book Counters:  Many were asking where they can buy agile-related books.  Can we talk to publishers and arrange book counters?  I am sure there will be lots of sales.
11. Key note timing:  I don’t think the experiment of change in time of key note session really worked out.  I rather prefer it to be at the beginning of the day.
12. Theme:  How about coming up with a theme for the conference?  And keep all presentations in line with the theme?
13. Markers etc:  We must definitely make sure that the markers/dusters/white boards are usable and visible.
14. Learn from other UG meets:  Globally there are many agile conferences happening.  How doe we learn from their experiences and customize it to our situation?
15. What are other suggestions from the users in this group on running such conferences more effectively?