Mashable’s Social Media Day is a day to join fellow digital enthusiasts and celebrate the digital revolution of social media!
We think it is the perfect time to put the focus on the amazing and diverse people that make up the #socialmelb community. This is why on June 30 we are hosting our inaugural unconference!
***
What is an unconference?
Wikipedia defines it as ‘a participant-driven meeting’, wherein sessions are like conversations and all attendees are expected to present a talk, give a demo, or participate in a roundtable. It needn’t be scary, though! All sessions are planned on the spot and there will be simultaneous sessions running, which means we’re sure to be talking about topics the group find interesting.
The guiding principle of an unconference is the Law of Two Feet: if at any time you find yourself neither learning nor contributing, it is your responsibility to get up and find a place where you can contribute or learn. If no one is asking the question you want answered, write it up as a roundtable discussion.
You can read more about the unconference format here: http://bit.ly/hkD7y1
***
Proceedings
On-site registration will be a lot like any other conference: you’ll pick up a name badge and note paper at the front desk. This will also be where housekeeping for food and drinks will occur throughout the day.
The only way to keep up with all of the sessions for the day is the session grid, a giant board with all of the available sessions listed on it. The session grid starts out empty and fills up quickly as sessions are proposed by writing a synopsis on your note paper and sticking it in one of the slots on the grid. A session can take any format: a presentation with Q&A, a demo, a panel of experts, or a roundtable. If you find yourself having a fascinating conversation over snacks or drinks, think about adding that topic to the session grid so other people can join in.
Don’t worry if you don’t have time to prepare anything, just be there in time for the opening session. If you want to prepare a talk beforehand, write it up as a set of notes or questions instead of a formal PowerPoint presentation. Do bring props, posters, or diagrams if you have it; just don’t assume that there will be audiovisual equipment to use.
If you have a session idea, definitely talk to other attendees you know and get them involved.
***
Join in!
We will meet at Inspire9, L1 41 Stewart St, Richmond (behind Richmond Station) at 3pm on Saturday, June 30. Each session will run for approximately 20 minutes with all sessions to finish by 7pm. We will then finish the day with drinks thanks to Travellerspoint.
As a community-sourced event we kindly ask you to bring a plate or snacks to share. Dinner will be by arrangement on the day.
Please RSVP on Meetup and bring your ideas, passions, colleagues, friends, and followers!
The hashtags for the day are #smday and #socialmelb.
***
Schedule
3.00pm Arrivals
3.20pm Welcome
3.30pm First block begins
5.00pm Break
5.15pm Second block begins
~6.30pm Wrap-up
7.00pm Dinner/drinks
8.00pm Event close
***
Connect with us
Twitter: @socialmelb #socialmelb #smday
If you blog, photograph, or tweet your unconference experience, please share the link with us in the comments.
[...] Social Media Melbourne HomeCoffee Mornings & BreakfastDinnerDrinks#SMDay Unconference 2012FAQsContact [...]
[...] conference. I recently had the pleasure of participating in my first un conference at the Mashable Social Media Day, Melbourne 2012. If you are wondering what is an un conference is or are thinking of attending or organising one [...]
Hi guys – just published a blog post about the #socialmelbs #smday. this as there has been a bit of interest in what an un conference is. Thanks for a great day :) http://wp.me/p1WRpS-bb
Great post, Melanie. Thank you also for your feedback. Hopefully we can do it again soon!