Unconference: Lessons Learned

Lessons learned from the first Unconference 2015:

Things that went well…

  • Observation: 5 rules for Unconference made a lot of sense
  • Intro to the session seemed useful
  • Good range of topics, though many were solicited
  • Sufficient space available, good location (near main venue)
  • Feedback: Unconference gives sense of IT personal development that they currently do not have
  • Feedback form was useful

Things that didn’t …

  • Knowing what was where in a timely manner was needed
  • 30 mins was too short for an in-depth conversation
  • Insufficient repetition / advertising of Unconference
  • Information (talk / location) did not get out in a timely manner
  • Debriefing at wrap up session did not really happen

Suggestions:

  • Video or audio recordings of unconference sesions
  • Transcripts of unconference sessions

Next year:

  • Advertise earlier and more frequently
  • Have 1-hour sessions instead of 30-minute ones
  • Book our own rooms where possible
  • Have TKF not have concurrent talks during Unconference
  • Use SurveyMonkey for topics for organization beforehand?
  • Topics (NOT TALKS) / times / locations can be worked out beforehand and posted