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. @OutlierConf was my first conference in over two years and the first virtual.
What stood out for me is how thoughtfully it was planned.
https://twitter.com/abmakulec/status/1359250125508538374
What stood out for me is how thoughtfully it was planned.
https://twitter.com/abmakulec/status/1359250125508538374
Having conferences around the clock, almost, was very considerate for people in different time zones. I might have been interested in talks that were outside of my reasonable time range, but it was a normal consequence of taking into account participants around the world.
The diversity of the speakers was obvious and shows every other conferences that it is possible. There was no drop in quality related to it. The diversity covered races, regions, topics, expertise, topics, even age (sometimes forgotten).
The "networking" function (à la Chatroulette) was a very nice touch for a virtual conference and allowed for a few chance encounters. It was better than in person in some ways because you couldn't just choose the people. It was truly random and blind.
There was considerable interaction with the speakers, thanks to the chat and the question time. No rambling questions/comments, everything was related by a moderator.
The unconference was my first and I found it very inclusive and equally engaging as the main stage. I even got to organize one and felt welcome to it. The participants were engaged, interested, positive.
There was no pressure for anyone to turn on their camera and yet in some sessions a lot of people did. Everyone has their reason, but I do enjoy when we can see the other people, read the room, gather other types of feedback. The balance was well managed.
Generic comment about virtual conferences: My main challenge was reminding focused, while being at home and at work. An upside of going in person is to be "there" (although with our phones...) and I missed this aspect sometimes.
I cannot wrap my head around the fact that this was organized by volunteers. Very impressive and yet I hope that there will be some payment for future organizers! It's a good way to make things sustainable.
Bravo @MollzMP @AmyCesal @abmakulec !
Bravo @MollzMP @AmyCesal @abmakulec !
