Call for Speakers
Speaking at CodeStock
What is the difference between a speaker at CodeStock and an attendee? The
speaker is at the front of the room, with a projector.
That may seem obvious, but too often speakers are thought of as a special group
of people, with supernatural powers. Speakers are simply attendees who are
ready to lead a session. This year at CodeStock we want to encourage more
attendees to become speakers.
I'd like to speak, but don't think I have an interesting topic.
First, topics are voted on by attendees, so don't worry if there is any interest
- just submit the talk and let the voting decide. Second, if you've been working
as a developer, IT pro, or DBA for a year or more you probably have some methods
you like to use. Maybe you have a favorite tool, or are really happy with
the way a project turned out. Each one of these can be the basis of a talk.
I'm not an expert.
Sharing your experience is as helpful as deep technical expertise. You should
research into the your topic area, but do not need to be an expert to lead a session.
Sometimes real-world experience with a technology is worth more than hundreds of
"experts" telling you what it should be like.
I'm not comfortable speaking in public (but I want to be!).
Very few people are comfortable speaking in public the first time. Fortunately
there is a good bit of time before CodeStock 2012 to work on this. Joining
your local Toastmasters can help you
prepare, and you can also ask to speak at your local users group. Speaking
to a group at your company and even speaking in front of a mirror can help.
The point is you can overcome a fear of speaking by speaking.
There is no reason however you need to go it alone. If you have a coworker
or friend who is also willing to speak at CodeStock you can submit a joint session
(just put this in the notes when submitting the session).
We can help, but the first step is yours.
Soon we'll have CodeStock forums setup so new speakers can connect with veteran
speakers and share advice. We can leverage social networks like Twitter to
put in contact with someone who can help you prepare your session. Speaking
at a community conference is a rewarding experience. You are helping others
while enhancing soft skills that will be useful in your career. Speaking can
grow your professional network and lead to new opportunities.
You have to take the first step however, by answering the call for speakers at CodeStock
2012.
CodeStock 2012 Tracks
This year we are looking for sessions in the following tracks:
- Developer – These are sessions for software developers, testers,
architects, or project managers.
- IT Professional – These are sessions for server, database, or network
administrators.
- Entrepreneurs – These are sessions around founding a technology
startup or running a technology company.
- Panel Discussion – These are panel discussions that you will be
organizing to discuss one of the areas above.
- Podcast – Do you have a podcast and often go to conferences, snag
a speaker, find a closet, and record an interview? Well we want you out of
the closet! Submit a podcast session and we’ll get you a live audience.
All sessions should be 1 hour in length, but when submitting a session you may request
a "double length" session if you believe the topic best fits a longer format.
Selection Process
The tracks Developer, IT Professional, and Entrepreneur will be selected based upon
early registered attendee vote. The votes do not choose the sessions 100%,
but strongly influence the final schedule. You are allowed and encouraged
to promote voting for your sessions. The available Panel and Podcast sessions
are limited in number due to space, and not will be listed with other sessions for
voting.
If your session is not selected, you will be asked if you would like to have your
session kept as an alternate should a speaker need to cancel a session (which is
a given).
It is possible to bribe pay Michael C. Neel, the CodeStock Lead
Organizer, to guarantee session selection. In the interest of fairness, the
requirements are listed here: Simply agree to pay for one of Michael’s daughters
college tuition in full, at the college of their choice, in the field of their choice,
for all years required to achieve a degree. 80% of the estimated total must
be transferred into Michael’s personal bank account before selections are announced.
Session selections will be announced on or near March 25th, 2012. All selections
are subject to change.
Other Information
CodeStock has traditionally not had a speakers lounge. Between sessions speakers
are encouraged to attend other sessions or join in Open Spaces.
Internet access cannot be guaranteed for speakers, please have plans if it is unavailable.
We are making every effort to have internet access available for speakers during
their session, but understand 500 geeks in one place is the wifi version of a plague
of locusts.
Feedback collected at CodeStock from attendees is anonymous, unless the attendee
wishes to identify themselves. All feedback, including feedback on the conference
itself, is shared with all speakers.
CodeStock is an all-volunteer conference. No one is paid for their role in
helping put on this community conference.
How to submit sessions
To submit sessions to CodeStock 2012, enter your email address below and click “Get
Started”. An email will be sent to your account with a link allowing you to
complete your profile, and submit sessions. All sessions must be submitted
online. If you have any questions on speaking at codestock, send
them in an email to speakers@codestock.org
Your Email:
