What does a "would & could attend" IT conference look like?

Somewhere, on an index card, I made a note asking "what does a must-attend event for enterprise architects look like?".   The idea being that once identified, I could engage with the community to make that happen.  Of course, I jotted this down in early 2008 when folks were actually attending conferences.  It would be fair to say that as a result of budget cuts conference attendance dropped off a cliff in late 2008, and 2009 isn't looking any better, with many organizations scaling down or canceling events.

However, the lack of travel & training budget doesn't equate to a lack of need.  And sure, when done right, online webinars and conferences provide a good way to receive information and to some extent, interact with speakers and other attendees, but they don't provide for opportunistic connections and exchanges -- hallway conversations and such.

A recent "random thought" from James McGovern reminded me of my index card and got me wondering not just about the future, but also the near term.  What does a "would & could attend" IT conference (event) look like? 

Of the elements I've included in the blue circle above, which are most important to you? 

And how do you define them?  For instance, does a "credible speaker" have to be high-profile?  Or, could it be a lesser known, but experienced practitioner? 

Would you be interested in a highly participatory, un-conference type format? 

Can a program be short and yet immersive? 

How about topics?  What's of interest?  Would you rather go broad or deep?

Then, on the red constraints circle, what are you willing to put up with for a low cost, high value event?  A 30-45 minute sponsor talk (pitch)?  Follow-on conversation with said sponsor?

Or, perhaps a no-frills approach?  Bring your own lunch?  Hosting a small gathering at your organization?  Other ideas?

Is there a need to create a "would & could attend" event for enterprise architects and/or other constituencies in 2009?  If so, what does it look like? 

Curious to hear your thoughts...

Comments

[Mike Kavis]

Location is key for me. If I can't drive to it or attend it on the web than I am most likely not able to attend,

[Rich Petersen]

Hi Brenda. I find that the two things I value the most are the connections with peers and the "new things" I hear. If a conference is for an established community, it's critically important that the presenters have something new to say - something more substantial than just a commentary on current events or the most recent semantic argument. At the risk of over-generalizing, customers and practitioners may be more likely to present fresh insights, perspectives and sources of practical information; while vendors, analysts and pundits often stick to their dogmas, catchphrases or (worst of all) the theme of their most recent book. The latter group are usually the more practiced speakers, the "names" that draw the crowds, and the people whose ideas are considered significant. However, if someone's been speaking at 10 to 20 events over the past year, it's a challenge for him/her to have the time to develop something new and compelling that I haven't already read in their blog, their column or their book. Oh, and the materials should be posted online - slides and video if at all possible.

[brenda]

Hi Rich, thanks for stopping by. Great thoughts. Completely agree on both the value of peer interactions and the insights provided by "real-people". -brenda