What’s New at All Things Open in 2019?
Every year we conduct a post-event survey following the conference, and every year we read the responses and do our best to incorporate changes people want to see. We feel it is our obligation and part of the commitment we made to our community so many years ago.
That said, here are a few of the changes / additions you’ll see at the conference this year in October. There are more, which we’ll cover in the coming weeks and months, but these are especially noteworthy.
2-for-1 time slots and talks added
While 15 minute talk slots have traditionally been reserved for the keynote block, we’ve received more than a few requests to feature them as part of the “regular” schedule. So in response, we did just that.
You’ll notice three (3) time blocks on the schedule this year that will feature two (2) 15 minute talks in a traditional 45 minute slot. Not all slots will feature two talks (some will still feature one) but the ones that do will allow attendees to learn more about two great topics from two world-class speakers, all in 45 minutes. The 2-for-1 blocks on this year’s schedule will take place on the following days and times:
11:45 am ET – Monday, Oct 14
3:15 pm ET – Monday, Oct 14
3:15 pm ET – Tuesday, Oct 15
More Extended Sessions & Workshops – Marriott Added as Location
The post-event survey also confirmed what we already knew – attendees really benefit from longer sessions allowing a deeper dive on a particular topic. So in response, we will feature more this year than in 2018.
The extended sessions / workshops won’t cost more and will be included with registration. In addition, they’ll be available on a first-come first-served basis the day they’re featured. So, we advise anyone interested to show up early and grab a seat. We also ask anyone attending an extended session to attend for the duration of the workshop, so plan accordingly.
One final item.. the majority of extended sessions will be hosted in the adjoining Marriott meeting space. The Marriott space is beautiful, spacious, and within very easy walking distance from the Convention Center (the two spaces are connected). We feel this was an easy expansion and one attendees will really benefit from.
A complete list of extended sessions and workshops can be found here, along with additional information.
Sunday, October 13 Inclusion & Diversity Programming Extended
The inaugural Inclusion & Diversity event was a tremendous success in 2018 with more than 400 attending from all over the U.S. and the world. We have decided to expand programming in 2019 by about 1.5 hours to allow more conversation and networking around this vital topic.
Check-In and registration for the 2019 event will open at 12 noon ET at the Raleigh Convention Center, and programming will begin at 1:00 pm ET sharp. Sessions will once again feature stand-alone talks and group discussions, and we’ll change things up a bit by screening Episode 2 in the Chasing Grace Project called Progress, which is focused on community.
Attendance is limited to 500 and it is once again entirely free, but registrations is required. The schedule and the registration link can be found here.
Many more changes and new features will be announced in the coming weeks and months, so we encourage everyone to sign up for our mailing list to ensure you don’t miss out.