Seven days from now, the VON show kicks off in Boston, and with it, the first VON unconference. Over the weekend, the Wiki went up, and Alec and Brough have already started to add their value. I expect to see a lot of people there, but honestly, just having the chance to spend some quality time with these two visionaries is enough for me. I know that Jon Arnold and Jay Phillips are showing up, and Erik Lagerway promised that he’d be hanging around with us, travel schedule permitting.
Unfamiliar with un-conferences? Brough did a good job at describing how we’re doing it at VON :
The Innovators Forum is a series of sessions that show case companies in our more traditional format. However dialogue in these sessions is encouraged. The VONCamp Unconference is harder to describe, because it gives people a chance to self identify as a speaker. At the present time there are 12 speaking slots. If you’ve got something you want to discuss that’s outside the formal program, VONCamp Unconference is the place to do it. We also have a SpeedDating session.
Here are the rules:
There are no rules.
Everyone is equal. Everyone is a rockstar.
Give back to the conference by participating actively. “Active participation” might mean giving a presentation, helping with a presentation, blogging or podcasting the event, or whatever other creative ways. While everyone is encouraged to lead a session, there are only twelve slots available.
All sessions must obey the Law of 2 Feet - if you’re not getting what you want out of the session, you can and should walk out and do something else. Hopefully you will walk the show floor!
Although I have the pleasure of leading the agenda bashing at the start, and will be there for the entire unconference to participate, it’s the audience that really brings this part of the show to life. If you’re going to VON, the unconference should be a place where you should spend some time.
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