Following some fun brainstorming both at the Annual Conference and at the last PD Committee meeting, we’re going to move forward on this idea: The GeoLounge.
(@mgaleher said there may be a sign somewhere that already says this on it?)
Why
The tech help / consult the expert rooms are okay, but there are problems:
- it’s often out of the way
- it’s not really on the agenda with everything else
Things that get listed at the top of the conference agenda as “all day” items get glossed over.
What
The GeoLounge would be, like the tech rooms, a less-formal space that people can enter and leave as they like. But this would aim to be more fun, too. A space that could facilitate networking, hanging out as peers, and give members (and sponsors) a different format for interacting.
We’ll be limited a bit by the space, but if we can make it comfortable and inviting, somehow.
Where
This part is tricky. In its own room means we have space for lots of people, but then it’s out of the way.
Out in the vendor space means we’ll get some good foot traffic, but I don’t know if there will be enough space for things.
Maybe we can have our own room but then have a table outside of it? Just use the room for scheduled things, but hang out at the table otherwise?
Activities
I’ve been to other conferences where there was, no joke, a crafting table. Also a puzzle table. And I kid you not, some of the best networking happened around those tables! Having something to work on and a good excuse not to make eye contact can really help conversation happen for folks who aren’t extroverts.
I’m personally leaning towards the puzzle option, because:
- easy setup / teardown
- could easily have GIS tie-in (just get a map puzzle)
- requires no particular skill set or someone to teach
State of the Map US also had a button-making station. But you’d need a button-making machine, so there’s additional costs there.
Sponsor tie-in: maybe someone could sponsor a custom puzzle and raffle it off, in exchange for a little sign next to the puzzle?
An Agenda
The GeoLounge will be informal, but it should have its own column on the agenda! This helps keep it in view of the attendees as they look at the day’s sessions. We may not have something going on in every time slot, but it will be important to get it on the agenda.
Fun and Games
@BritneyWest had the amazing idea of hosting some rounds of GeoGuessr. Maybe we could get five bucks to create a paid account on there and create custom quizzes or host tournaments? That would be amazing. GeoGuessr - Let’s explore the world!
Maybe Worldle, too? They have a “leagues” mode where we could compete with each other. Some friendly competition! Worldle - Guess the Country
Sponsor tie-in: maybe a sponsor could spot us for the unlimited GeoGuessr account? Or they could be the person hosting the contest. Or they could contribute some kind of prize for the winner!
We could do one of these each day, too.
Special Interest Groups
Maybe the GeoLounge could be the space where SIGs can meet up? “Want to talk about [subject]? Meet in the GeoLounge at 1:00 PM!”
Session Spillover
Speakers can hang out in the lounge after their session to answer more questions or discuss things further. We can make sure that moderators know about this, to remind folks in the session that it’s available, and we could also try to get the messaging out to speakers that it’s an option if they want.
Possible agenda
Just listing things out for now. Actual order / times depend on the actual agenda. Lightning talk Q&A should be right after the lightning talks, obviously.
We could even have the lightning talks in the geolounge?? The lightning talk Q&A should probably happen in the same space…
| Time Slot | Day 1 | Day 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 - 11:00 | Experts in the GeoLounge | Experts in the GeoLounge |
| 11:00 - 11:30 | GeoGuessr Tournament | GeoGuessr Tournament |
| 13:00 - 14:00 | Mappy Hour (live mapping in OSM) | Mappy Hour (live mapping in OSM) |
| 14:00 - 15:00 | Birds of a Feather - Women in ILGIS | Poster Submissions |
| 15:00 - 16:00 | Session Overflow: Extended Q&A | Session Overflow: Extended Q&A |
Worldle is fun, too, but not for “live” stuff. We can create a League on there and encourage folks to join.
Tournament Prizes?
Doesn’t have to be anything big, but it would be really fun to offer a prize to the GeoGuessr / Worldle winners. Maybe some old ILGISA merch? Something else?
I welcome any and all thoughts on this. We’ve got plenty of time to iron out the details, but I really think it could be a good addition to the Annual Conference.
