2015 Lessons Learned

Conference Planning

Program & Keynotes

• Set consistent proposal opening/closing, voting opening/closing dates and times. At the very least, we should be able to agree across keynote/presentation/tshirt committees on a common time to close submissions (this year, we had closing times at 5pm, 8pm, and 11:59pm PT).

• If a podium computer is provided, make it available at the registration desk during the preconference day.

Signage

• Print out a listing of the preconferences and their locations and give to a few volunteers to help attendees get to their destinations on time.
• Make sure there is a sign identifying the talk being given outside each room.

Registration

When a lot of people show up at once, it's best to split registration into lines based on last name.

Infrastructure

Power cords. More than you think.

Video

Must set up and have a run-through the day before.