Hosts

Wanna host a discussion on the Conference Calendar? Here’s how:

1. Pitch a topic

Got a fun idea for a Conference topic? Email it to topics at confcal dot org, and we’ll get in touch. Topics are curated, but if you’re enthusiastic about something, that goes a long way.

2. Figure out a time and place

If your topic is approved for the next calendar, it’s logistics time. You’ll:

  1. Decide on a date and time for your discussion. Make sure it doesn’t conflict with others by working with other hosts on a planning spreadsheet.
  2. Pick a venue for your discussion, and OK it with them if needed– like, if they also schedule other events.
    1. The spreadsheet has contact info for previous Conference-friendly local venues, but it’s great to try new places.
    2. Good venues include library meeting rooms, cafes, bars, community centers, etc.– anyplace that’s welcoming for a group, not too loud, and preferably transit-accessible.

3. Figure out your topic title and description

Decide on a name and short description for your topic, collaborating with Conference’s editor.

Your final topic title, description, time, and place all need to be nailed down before the calendar is designed and sent to the printer.

4. Spread the word

Congratulations– you’re on the calendar! People from all over are going to gather at a time and place of your choosing, to talk about a topic of your choosing. What could be better? Now, you need to:

  1. Pick up a stack of calendars, once they’re back from the printer. Give some to your venue, hand them out to friends and family, put them in Little Free Libraries, and otherwise get them out there.
  2. Make sure a couple of other folks will join you at your discussion, when it starts. This ensures that a conversation will already be underway when strangers get there– it’s easier to join an existing conversation than to approach someone sitting alone.

5. Host the discussion!

When it’s time for your discussion:

  1. Arrive on time (or early) with your pals.
  2. Take a bunch of calendars to hand out.
  3. Make sure people will be able to identify you, like by putting some calendars out and easily visible, or wearing a leaf.
  4. Welcome everyone who comes to talk about your topic.

The name of the game here is freeflowing, unstructured, unscripted conversation, and seeing how it all unfolds.

That said, things don’t always go as planned. What if no one talks, or someone talks too much? Here are some tips for keeping things flowing smoothly:

  • Introduce yourself and others, including any latecomers
  • Come prepared with a question or two to kickstart things, even if it’s just, “Why are you interested in this topic?” or “What made you want to come to this particular session?”
  • To keep things flowing and make sure everyone gets a chance to participate, here are some practical suggestions:
    • If the group gets too large for a single conversation, consider breaking everyone up into smaller groups, and then reconvening towards the end for groups, to report back.
    • If one person talks too much, or the conversation is lopsided, say something like, “That’s a really interesting point. I’d love to hear what others think about that,” or “I’m going to interject here and see what [name] thinks about [topic].
      • Someone who is “just listening” may have a lot to say, but but be unsure how to insert themselves into the conversation.
    • If the conversation goes wildly off-topic in a way that participants don’t seem to be enjoying, say something like, “That’s really interesting, I’m going to bring the topic back to the subject at hand…”

Have fun!

Venues

Congratulations! Your venue will be listed on the Conference calendar, sparking people from all over to gather there and become paying customers as they talk about something. Here’s what you need to do to make this happen:

  1. Nothing! Just be open at your normal time, and expect some increased patronage.