ConFusion Programming Timeline and thoughts

[jeffreyab]

April, May, June - recruit staff and plan main structure, research GOH's

July and August - brainstorm ideas for big items, use research to create panel topics, decide room usage

September after Labour Day - contact past and new panelists about returning, canvass mailing lists for fan panels

October - put grid together and return info to attending panelists for overview, refine grid

November - results to program book and webpage, proof results and get independent reviewer to do so too.

Note: reviewing program book easily took three hours this year and ideally could use more time.

Brainstorming meetings should run 2 to 3 hours with breaks, its better to have everyone involved with this as they might pick up details you missed.

If possible Programming should be able to talk to GOH's directly, going through liasons adds to time lag and can cause communication of ideas/concepts problems.

Comments

[tlatoani.livejournal.com]

3 hours is too long for an effective brainstorming meeting UNLESS you do more than just have short breaks. Say, break it for an hour for lunch, and don't have formal discussions during that time.

[jeffreyab.livejournal.com]

When I say meeting I should really say gathering as meeting implies too much formality.

Yes snacks and beverages and bathroom breaks should be a part of this.

If we don't get together very often we need to make the most of the time we do have together.

We are not running an event, we are trying to create one.

So you don't expect to create a painting in hour, you should not expect to create a con in a series of one hour meetings.

[tlatoani.livejournal.com]

I understand. Studies show that 2 hours is about the maximum length you can hold a meeting and still have people focused.

[jeffreyab.livejournal.com]

I agree with that.

I think you have to mix it up, stretching exercises, maybe creating subgroups and then mixing them up, then having a synthesis session.

I remember in grad school 3 hours with a brief break was about as long as we went, but personally I found it easier if there was interaction as opposed to sitting and listening to someone talk.