Hey everybody,
I'd like to get some feedback about what we learned about organizing Florida DrupalCamp 2010. Rather than scheduling a conference call (you're welcome), I'm hoping we can get some valuable feedback here.
I'll get us started by saying that we definitely learned that having CFCS as our 501(c)3 sponsor organization made a HUGE difference in how we were able to handle the finances for the event. I don't think we could have pulled off such a big event without their help.
Along those same lines, CFCS's volunteers were awesome. Having a small group of non-Drupal volunteers to handle things like registration and everything else they did was extremely helpful.
For Coding for a Cause, the big lesson we can take from our initial effort was that we need a dedicated volunteer(s?) to work with the client prior to the event to come up with complete functionality documents as well as wireframes and mockups. Also, initial setup of the development site and source code repository prior to the event would be a huge timesaver.
So - what else did we learn that we can put into action next year?
Thanks,
-mike
Comments
Venue
I think we learned that charging a small amount didn't deter people from coming to the event. As great as MindComet is -- next year will require a larger space so the fees charged can be allocated to that.
Joe Moraca
WebDevGeeks.com
Developer and Designer Tracks
I loved the sessions on Theming. Maybe next year there could be a Sessions Track that focus on Drupal for Web Designers as well as one for Developers / Coders.
Design people have a very different mentality when it comes to the web (at least I do...). We tend to think along different lines than our Developer / Coder counterparts.
The Even More Theming session was a real eye opener for me. It made me really take a look at how I have been approaching my design work and exposed me to 960gs which is taking some getting used to. But the truth is I am already reaping the benefits of this approach.
I think a look at Drupal from the perspective of designers is really helpful.
I don't think anyone would be
I don't think anyone would be opposed to paying more. $20 or even more would not be out of the question. I thought the sessions were really great, but the big problem for the intermediate sessions were that not everyone could get in close and hear everything (although I was able to snag a great seat). So, a location change would be appropriate, IMHO.
My thoughts on the coding for a cause were a bit mixed- It seemed that there were a few doing the actual work, and everyone else was jocking for position to look over their shoulders. I think this setup could have been a bit different...
1) Do what you suggested above (wireframes, mockups, dev, acquiring photography, etc)
2) Set up dedicated rooms with projectors, so those that are there for the learning experience can watch a bit easier.
3) Also make sure the people who are doing the actual work narrate themselves..
4) Maybe have a place where people could put on or request ad hoc sessions to continue from the previous day.
I think this would maximize the learning potential of this. In addition to getting the website live, this would really maximize the learning for all of us newbies and intermediaribies.
Overall this even was freakin' awesome!
Premium Drupal Commercial themes
If it meant that we could
If it meant that we could have a larger facility, then yeah, $20 isn't too big a price to pay. I was in the intermediate track and yeah, the Donkey Kong conference room was a little small. It's great for the Monthly Central Florida meetups but people were packed out to the hallway.
Which is a great thing!
I am sorry I missed out on the Coding for a Cause this year. It's on my list of things to do for next year.
Charge and start signup now...
$20 is a bargain for this event. Start signups now. Bigger space.
Aside from that I thought Drupal Camp was awesome!
Sign ups
I think the planning should start earlier as well as the signups.
I also agree that sign up fee should be more. If there was an "early signup discount" ("early bird registration") that could cover the cost of a bigger facility, and then a "regular" price after a certain date, we could have a bigger budget as well have a longer time to plan for 2011.
I think now may be a bit too early, but based on this year, I think we should start looking for a new venue now and get prices for next February. I think we should plan for at least double the 2010 attendance if not more.
Dividing the session for "coders" and "themers" and ad-hoc sessions on day 2 are also a great ideas.
-C