Session: Creating a Family-Friendly Vibe
Overview
How to build community and make people feel welcome at a conference.
Before the event starts
- Speaker dinners - Get people together before the conference. Speakers meet organizers, then they all know each other during the event.
- Community days - Have a smaller event the day before. Low pressure, people can get to know each other.
- Group travel - Carpooling works. Buses with all the speakers works. Just watch out for privacy issues.
During the conference
- Single track - Everyone in the same talks means more mingling and less FOMO.
- Extra time - Add a half day with no sessions, just time for people to talk.
- Breaks - Lots of them. Make sure there are places to sit and chat. Lunch should be relaxed.
- Designated connectors - Pick some experienced people to help newcomers meet others.
- Show up - Let organizers and speakers be visible, joking around. Don’t make it us vs. them.
- Keep it real - Let conversations happen naturally.
On diversity
- Diverse review panels - If your speaker lineup isn’t diverse, look at who’s reviewing proposals and how you’re promoting the call. Not the submissions.
- Regular people as reviewers - You don’t need only experts. Attendees give good feedback too.
- Track numbers - Some conferences track who’s submitting. Useful to see where you’re weak.
- Language - Decide if you’re multilingual or local. Both are valid, but plan accordingly.
- Treat staff well - Caterers, volunteers, cleaners. How they’re treated sets the tone for everyone.