Re: Launching a Conference

Brian, You'll be happy to know, every one of your points was discussed in that first planning meeting! Nothing resolved, yet, but all your concerns are already on the table. Tim Stiles, Co-Organizer, DallasPHP WatchMaker, Icomex.com On Dec 4, 2007, at 2:03 PM, Brian Moon wrote:

What would it take to convince you to come to Dallas next April/May?

Well, FWIW, the MySQL Conference is in April. So, I would say #1 don't put it against or right after/before an established event. As an attendee, the main draw is the speakers. If you have good talks, people will come.

What conference features would you desire?

What non-conference features would you desire? Wifi is a must. If you do not provide lunch, be sure there is a lot to chose from in walking distance of the event. If you are going to have sessions that are advertisements, be sure and put them in a track to themselves labeed "Products and Services" or something. O'Reilly does this and it works well. Try if you can to after hours parties so that the attendees will remember the good times they had. You know, basically, go to OS Con in Portland and make it just like that. =) But with better wifi and more power bricks.

What hurdles, surprises and horror stories should I brace myself against?

While I have not run a conference, I have run user groups. Don't be upset if the turn out is low to start with. -- Brian Moon Senior Developer ------------------------------ http://dealnews.com/ It's good to be cheap =)