We've finalized the tech talk agenda and are pretty excited about it.
We will start with a 15 minute intro where we talk about some of the projects we work on, some stuff on methodology & process, some high level technology explanations and some things on community and where we plan to go. These slides will be available afterward.
Then we will break up into groups. There will be a number of breakout sessions: open source, networking, data center, software methodology, family history, interaction design, etc. You will choose which group you want to attend. The director or manager will give a five minute presentation then do 20 minutes or so of Q&A. We'll then switch so you can go to a second breakout session. Repeat.
Finally we'll meet back together in the cultural hall for refreshments and a panel Q&A.
We've received quite a lot of feedback about these sessions. We will be posting notes from the session, however we will not be recording them. We will also be doing these in other areas and this won't be the last time we'll be doing them in Utah. Several have mentioned they may be travelling into town. While I think they're going to be great, I'm not sure they're worth great expense in either time or money to attend.
One final note. I've mentioned this several times, but I want to be clear. This is not a feature feedback session or focus group. If you have great ideas for MLS or any other Church app this is not the venue. We are creating more venues and tools for this kind of feedback, but this isn't it.
Look forward to seeing some of you!
James. We'll be talking about both the core the process we use to create the products.
ReplyDeleteBrother Dehlin,
ReplyDeleteHow many break out sessions will be held?
Is there any more detail on the agendas for each of the sessions?
Is there any security/access/power problem carrying in a laptop to take notes?
Do you have a set of questions you would ask us each to be prepared to respond to?
Is there a map available?
It's been 30 years since I parked in the ZCMI Center and there have been a lot of changes. It's 2+ hour trip just to get into SLC downtown in good weather with smooth light traffic.
thanks
oscar
It would be nice if information and participation in the Tech Talk events were available outside the Salt Lake area. Are there any plans for expansion in the future?
ReplyDeleteWill there be any focus on the physical layer? What I am seeing in these comments is that most of the discussion will be software related issues. As I said in another post, I am interested in physical layer infrastructure. I would be interested in knowingl what the Church is doing in that area and if there have been any standards established.
ReplyDeleteThanks
[Joel: The infrastructure team responsible for this will be there. It is certainly a question you can ask them.]
I noticed that you indicated that while these are going to be great sessions, you're not sure if it is worth traveling in from out of town. I am in Pocatello, ID which is about a 2 1/2 hour drive to SLC. Would it be worth my time to come down? Do you think you may be holding similar sessions in Southern Idaho?
ReplyDelete[Joel: Hello Stephen. We'll consider doing this anywhere there is enough interest. That said, it's a pretty big drain on the team who presents so we'll have to be careful that we don't overdo it. I wouldn't personally drive down. Someone who went to the one in SLC will have to comment as to whether it was worth it for them.]
Great Presentation!
ReplyDeleteYou and your staff were very friendly and helpfull and in the breakout sessions I attended, did a wonderful job. They all seemed so very knowledgable and seemed, like you, to love their job.
Thanks for doing the Tech Talk.
Hey, Stephen. I'm from Idaho Falls and I went down last night. Was it worth it? Well, for me it was. I'm at a point in my career where I need to expand my (people) networking so it was a great opportunity to meet some folks at the Church. The content may not have been enough to drive more than an hour but it was very good nonetheless.
ReplyDeleteJoel, thanks for putting that on. It really was worth it.
Here's my report of the tech talks
ReplyDelete-matt
[...] Several of our directors will be in the bay area April 22 - April 26. We are considering a tech talk there if there is enough interest. [...]
ReplyDelete