Summit Team wrap-up

June 3, 2009 - 2pm

Present: Sherry, Kari, Emily, Caleb, Mary (on phone)

Things to make sure we do again

Lightning talks were a big hit. We could try getting another set of 5 or 6 in. We should build in more time for transition, and some time for Q+A.

We could even invite people to contribute their own longer-than-15-minute talks.

Having someone take on the 'facilities and food' role is good. This person should review the food comments from pervious years.

It was fine to have each person organize a separate panel. There is no need to 'wrangle' speakers - invite good ones and help them do a good job.

Focusing on programming is a good thing. Having the panel organizer do it all the day of was fine..

Good to have other people be in charge of video. Without video, podcasting might be good.

Having a gift or a special thing - we should think about this way in advance this time.

Things to do differently

Microphones were problematic. For a room that big, it would be bettter to get people closer to the front.

People didn't seem to make the connection between some of the theory and their VR work, or even the practical bits. Build in time to discuss "now what do we do with it" : hear a report on something, then learn how to do it.

Get started earlier, especially for keynote and programming content.

Have less sit-down time. Time the breaks so that people can stretch in between sessions.

Petting zoo or mini-petting zoo - people were interested in hands on experience. How do we give that to a big crowd without having a lot of dull time?

A 90-minute panel is too long.

100 people need 2 buffet tables.

Make sure people know that special accomodations include things like 'vegan lunch'. Maybe add to the form?

Make sure programming is mixed up to appeal to everyone.

The tone of the 'schools' session made it unappealing to some people. It would be better to hear what we _can_ do, not what is wrong with the system.

After sessions, facilitators could bring in a group-problem solving activity. "Now what?"

Provide more structure for afternoon discussions.

We could have 'hot topics' - ie, does L-net answer this type of question? Small groups could discuss and one person could report later.

Next time

Sherry volunteered continue with the team.

The program will determine the kind of space we want.

What can we focus on that will help us understand our world?