Java Posse Roundup 2008 An OpenSpace Conference with the Java Posse and Bruce Eckel March 4-7, 2008 Crested Butte, Colorado Attendance limited to 70 Price Payment by January 15, 2008 $600 Payment by Feb 10, 2008 $750 Payment by March 3, 2008 $900 At the door (if space is available) $1050

Theme: Don't Repeat Yourself

This year, we'll be exploring that most-ignored concept in computing, DRY (Don't Repeat Yourself). The instances of repetition and wasted effort are many and obvious: duplicated code, duplicated JSRs, duplicated open-source projects, even duplicated teams within a company. More subtle, however, are situations where we are trying to prevent duplication and may end up making things worse. For example, the reason there are many frameworks is probably that the existing ones didn't quite do the job, so we build another. Occasionally the newer frameworks are a positive move, but the process of proliferation can cause excess confusion and drive people away -- or drive them to create yet another framework. And consider the "not invented here" syndrome. It's usually harmful, but sometimes it's the right choice. What about "make one to throw away?" Does practice count as duplication? Other potential topics might be open source and the reuse landscape, and the design of libraries for reuse.

Although the theme sets the general tone of the conference, it doesn't prevent session topics that might be considered "off theme." The goal of the theme is to stimulate ideas, not to prevent discussion.

What Is An OpenSpace Conference?

What's the best thing that happened at the last conference you attended? It's very likely that you'll remember one or more "hallway conversations," or perhaps a "Birds-Of-A-Feather" session. An OpenSpace conference creates that experience for the entire conference, by ensuring that you are always having the most interesting conversation possible. The emphasis is on discussion, instead of listening to eyes-forward presentations.

(OpenSpace conferences have also been called "Unconferences." Here's a Business Week Article).

OpenSpace is a simple methodology for self-organizing conference tracks. It relies on participation by people who have a passion for the topics to be discussed. There is no preplanned list of topics, only time slots and a space in the main meeting room where interested participants propose topics and pick time slots.

OpenSpace has been used for conferences and as a facilitation technique for company meetings, community organizations, and other groups that wish to explore the emergent ideas and agendas of their members. I have organized a number of OpenSpace events which have been far and away the best meeting experiences I've ever had (I think I'd put on OpenSpaces all the time if I could).

Prepare to be surprised by the depth and breadth of topics that are discussed in OpenSpace. Each OpenSpace experience is unique in some way. Quite often topics are raised in OpenSpace that are off the radar of the original meeting — this spontaneity is part of the benefit.

Some people have found this concept to be intimidating. In particular, questions like the following may arise:

• Can I contribute anything of value?
• Do I need to come with some kind of prepared presentation?

It doesn't matter if you contribute a little or a lot. And you'll probably be surprised that you may know something that others may not. Everyone has something to give, whether they know it or not -- even if it's the "beginner's mind" that asks the right questions.

One of the greatest things about an OpenSpace is that it's spontaneous. It's not about traditional "eyes-forward" presentations, so if you go to the trouble of creating such a thing, it's likely it won't get used. On the other hand, if you are familiar with some technology that others might like to learn about, we might end up asking you to show us. But not in a formal way. So all you really need to bring is your brain.

How OpenSpace Works

OpenSpace is a small set of rules that allow groups of people to interact in a simple, productive, organized way to create valuable dialogs that address the participants' most important issues.

The Fundamental "Rules" of the sessions that happen during OpenSpace conferences are:

• Whoever shows up is the right group
• Whatever happens is the only thing that could have
• Whenever it starts is the right time
• When it's over, it's over.

To lead an OpenSpace Talk:

• Come up with an interesting topic and title for your discussion.
  • You don't need to develop these before the conference; most of the ideas will come to you during the event.
• Fill out a schedule Post-It for your topic.
• Place the topic on the schedule.
• If you see topics that have something in common, consider combining them into a single time slot.
• If a significant number of people want to attend your discussion and another discussion in the same time slot, try to trade into another time slot to ensure maximum dialog and participation.

To attend an OpenSpace Talk:

• Check the schedule and sign up for a talk or just drop in if you wish.
• Use the 'Law of two feet.' If you feel that you are not contributing or benefiting from a presentation, please feel free to move on to something else.
• Allow the discussion convener to steer his or her topic. If you have an opposing opinion that needs a full time slot you should feel free to add your own OpenSpace slot to discuss the topic.

A Note to Lecturers

As someone who often presents to groups, I find it easy to slip into lecturing mode. I resist this impulse, because that's not what OpenSpaces are about. General things to remember:

• This is a discussion, and you learn more in an OpenSpace from listening than by talking.
• If you're used to lecturing, pretend you're in the audience.
• Let go and let it happen. It will.
• Try not to control the conversation (if you've convened the session, "steering" is OK).
• When you do talk, know your audience and don't talk down to them. If people need clarification, they will ask for it.
• Just say it; try not to use the entertaining embellishments that you do for public speaking. Attendees are smart enough to get it unadorned.
• If you find yourself writing notes or flipcharts beforehand, step back and take a breath. You're probably preparing a lecture.
• If you absolutely must give an introduction, make it no longer than 5 minutes, and note it on the session announcement so that people can choose not to come until the discussion starts. If it's longer than 5 minutes, this probably isn't the right forum.

If you're in a session and a lecturer needs help stopping, raise your hand and say "I'd like to hear what everyone else has to say about this."

Schedule

• Tuesday 8:30am:
       Conference Overview
       Introduction to OpenSpaces
       Initial talk topics and organization
       Session 1
  10:30am-12:00pm: Session 2
  Afternoon: lunch/skiing/free time
  Evening: Groups go to dinner or informal barbeque & discussion
  
  
  
• Wednesday 8:30-9:30 am: Session 3
  10:00-11:00am: Session 4
  11:30-12:30pm: Session 5
  Afternoon: lunch/skiing/free time
  Evening: Groups go to dinner or informal barbeque & discussion
  
  
  
• Thursday 8:30-9:30 am: Session 6
  10:00-11:00am: Session 7
  11:30-12:30pm: Session 8
  Afternoon: lunch/skiing/free time
  Evening: Groups go to dinner or informal barbeque & discussion
  
  
  
• Friday 8:30-9:30 am: Session 9
  10:00-11:00am: Session 10
  11:30-12:30pm: Closing Session/Final Thoughts/Feedback
  Afternoon: lunch/skiing/free time
  Evening: Groups go to dinner or informal barbeque & discussion
  

The time slots allotted for skiing allow you to purchase a 1/2 day afternoon pass. You may also organize alternative activities during the mid-day break. Skiing is completely optional, and is your responsibility, although groups are likely to form. See www.skicb.com for more information.

For beginners, there will be a dedicated JavaPosse ski instructor available for an extra fee.

High-speed internet is available at several locations within easy walking distance of the conference location.

Often people stay the day after the conference or for the weekend; informal gatherings have been known to happen.

Location and Lodging

Crested Butte is a small resort town located at about 9000 feet, near the continental divide. It is known for its skiing in the winter and hiking and mountain biking in the summer.

We will be holding the conference in town, and free buses run up to the ski mountain every 15 minutes.

Here are details about lodging and how to get to Crested Butte (note that this was written for summer seminars, so come prepared for snow!). Check here for weather.

I recommend that you look at the URL above before making a reservation, but if you're in a hurry you can just call the Crested Butte Chamber of Commerce at (800) 545-4505 and they can help you make a reservation. Remember to ask for a reservation in the town of Crested Butte, and not on the mountain, in order to be close to the conference location. However, there are always more rooms available on the mountain than in town, and the bus is very convenient to get from the mountain to town.

Registration You must agree to sign and turn in the Release Form before registering This form is necessary so that we can release the recordings under a Creative Commons license. We must have full rights so we can transfer those rights to the CC license. Click Here to continue registration by viewing the Release Form Price does not include skiing, which is optional. For beginners, ski instruction can be arranged.

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