As usual, there will be drop-in tech support for folks who want to troubleshoot Python. An idea discussed at the latest board meeting: what if the drop-in room had a rotating schedule of topics?
Topics
We’ll aim to hit the popular topics, things like:
python
arcade
arcgis dashboards
experience builder
Maybe some other things, too?
How it works
To make this work, we need some content experts who are willing to commit to different time slots.
Slots will align with the conference agenda, sessions, breaks, etc. Experts can sign up for any slots they would like.
Signups will look like:
Slot
Name
Topic
09:00 - 09:30
John Doe
Python
09:30 - 10:00
Jane Doe
SQL
Two sheets for each room?
Start with printed, but let folks write-in as interested?
Knowing the final agenda will help with this, as our experts can pick and choose what slots they’d like to fill; what sessions they’re missing out on will probably be a big factor in that decision.
Content Experts
We’ll aim to have at least one “generalist” available at any given time.
Prospective (need to confirm)
Let’s reach out to folks we know, or who have given workshops, etc., in the past. Feel free to list them here.
Sounds like we might have two rooms available for drop-in support? This will give us plenty of flexibility, in case we’ve got multiple experts who sign up for a single slot.
We may want to consider limiting it to 4 per time slot, no more than two per room?
PS - The main post is a wiki. That means you can edit it!
Having a thought here. Initially the thought was to have a sort of “office hours” style sheet on the door. I like that idea, but if the sheet’s in one physical location, it’s a little hard for attendees to plan around it.
If we had a digital agenda that could be changed on the fly, get these things in the same place, that would be different. But that’s not the situation.
I also want this to be pretty flexible, so if an expert decides they would rather sit in on a session or they can’t make it, or they want to stay longer, we’re not dealing with a schedule that isn’t accurate.
Instead
Instead, I am thinking of printing off a variety subjects in a huge font size and bringing some sticky tack. We could get a giant sticky note poster, then stick subjects onto it. When someone wants to sit in as an expert, they can just tack it onto the paper, take it off when they leave.
The big paper could say “Need help? Come ask me about…”
Then as folks walk by, they’ll see “SQL”, “Python”, or whatever someone wants to put up there. Also one for “general GIS help”.
We’ll have to make sure sticky easel pads are on hand, and that we’re allowed to stick things to the walls. I know some event spaces don’t let you potentially mess up their paint. Probably something @mgaleher could answer?
@jcarlson Typically venues don’t like us sticking things to their walls - but let me check with the Sheraton to see what their policy is. If I’m understanding this correctly - would we just be sticking things to the door of the room, rather than the wall? Or are you envisioning sticking things to walls?
Just something outside the room that would be easy to see, whether the door’s open or not. If it doesn’t impede foot traffic, maybe an easel would work best.
I want to have some flyers printed up for the room. FWIW, it’s officially being called “Consult the Expert”. I thought a kind of flowchart style might convey the essentials of how the room works. Thoughts?
Looks great to me, I personally like the snark, but there’s quite the range of personalities to cater to, so maybe on the lighter side of snarkiness…snarkyness…snarkisms.
I like the trivia sticker, but could see a different word other than useful on the other one, or something along the lines of “LinkedIn but in person” Or “Real live forum” “Bring your own problems, but I’d be willing to share mine if you really want to know”
