We hope everyone has had a great holiday, and wish you all a happy new year! 2007 was an exciting time for us -- as you know, we kicked off the two user groups (.NET and SQL Server) mid-year, and we were able to pull off our first community code camp.
I think we could have an even better 2008. We've discussed some of the following and would appreciate any input everyone else may have about these:
I'd like to start planning the next event for the May timeframe. Initially, we thought about it being another code camp, but we may want to make that an annual event, and try something new for May. If anyone wants to see any specific topics covered in 2008, please let us know. With the release of Visual Studio 2008 and SQL Server 2008, there won't be any shortage of new topics to discuss. If anyone wants to see any specific topics covered in 2008, please let us know. With the release of Visual Studio 2008 and SQL Server 2008, there won't be any shortage of new topics to discuss.
We're looking for presenters for the user groups. We already have a few months committed, but most of the year is still wide open. In February, Michael de la Maza is doing an encore presentation of his very popular Scrum code camp session.
I'd love to try different formats this year, which has worked rather well in other groups. I think a couple of panel sessions would be great. We could have two or three guests debating a technology or methodology, and invite plenty of audience participation.
In addition to more code camps and the user group meetings, we could host "open space" events. I've heard some great things about these, but I may want to attend one or two of these before trying to host them ourselves, just to get a feel for it. Have you ever participated in such an event? Please let us know.
These are just a few ideas for 2008, and there are others bubbling under.
Please let us know if you're interested in becoming involved, or if you have any other thoughts about this. You can reach us via email at our names (Mark, Leo, or Louis) at the domain of this site.
Thanks!
Happy New Year!
= Mark Freedman