2016 Schedule – Here’s What You Can Expect
Each year we begin the planning process with a simple goal in mind – to deliver the most value possible to our attendees. It has been our guiding principle from the time we started in 2013 and it continues today.
As we look ahead to October, and in conjunction with the release of the v 1.0 schedule, we’d like to take just a moment and explain what you can expect, and in some cases, why.
While we’re still approximately three (3) months out, and the schedule is guaranteed to change, here’s a quick overview…
By the numbers:
Total number of tracks: 37
Wednesday, October 26 – 19
Thursday, October 27 – 18
Total number of sessions: 180+
Wednesday, October 26 – 95
Thursday, October 27 – 90
Total number of keynote talks over both days – 10
Total number of speakers for both days – 150+
Expected attendance – 2,000 – 2,500+
What’s new?
- Two tracks each day for Hardware/IoT – We’re partnering with NCRIoT to make the content absolutely amazing – top experts from all over will be featured.
- The annual NCRIoT Hardware/IoT Showcase will take place on Wednesday evening, October 26 at the Convention Center following the day’s programming. More than 500 are expected to attend along with 50 exhibitors. All Things Open attendees are welcome to attend.
- More 101/Intro content – We’ll host two 101 tracks on Wednesday, October 26 and another on Thursday, October 27. If one thing has been made clear to us it is that more people want an introduction to “open” – the demand is tremendous.
- A new Machine Learning track will be featured on Wednesday, October 26.
- A new focus on open source start-ups. We’ll host a Start-Up track on Wednesday, October 26 as well as the first-ever Open Source Start-Up Pitch Competition from the Main Stage during lunch that same Wednesday. More details to come soon!
- A new Education track on Thursday, October 27. “Open” is impacting education in a significant way – find out why.
- A new track on Blockchain technology will be featured on both days of the event. As Blockchain migrates into the enterprise the content will look at how and why, as well as best practices.
What’s better?
Reduced check-in times and wait lines
We’re enhancing our ability to check-people in faster and we’re hosting early check-in at the Welcome Social on Tuesday, October 25.
A better variety of socials
We’re working hard to create more options for attendees when it comes to socials. Some people like networking at Jimmy Vs, some people like live music, some people like a good 5k race/run around the city, some are ok with a bar environment and others are not – we get it. After programming we want to provide everyone a great way to relax and network.
More seating for keynotes
Yes, we heard our attendees last year loud and clear – more seating for keynotes! We are responding by using not ONE but TWO ballrooms upstairs as the Main Stage area. The result will be much more seating, but still plan to arrive early!
General Observations
We have made every effort possible to cover the majority of relevant “open” topics being discussed today. While not entirely comprehensive we think everyone will find applicable and excellent content they can immediately apply.
Developer related content will be excellent on both the 26th and 27th. However, the 27th will be the heavier developer day with more content being offered.
The vast majority of speakers featured this year will be brand new to All Things Open, and they are truly excellent. A few speakers have been featured before in prior year(s), but they will deliver new material.
Only one speaker and talk will be repeated this year – Andrew Watson’s “Basic cryptographic fundamentals every app should use”. Our review committees overwhelmingly agree this talk should be featured every year, at every event we host. We agree.
We will again offer limited sessions over lunch on Wednesday, October 26. These will be BOF type sessions and will include Community/Diversity, Business, Infrastructure/Operations, and perhaps a few others.
Lightning Talks will again be featured on Thursday, October 27 during lunch on the main stage. These are incredibly popular and entertaining and will feature a world-class lineup.
The event will once again be accessible to nearly everyone. Registration costs are extremely low and the value delivered is extremely high. Access remains a top priority.