What Do You Want from a Conference? (Input Requested)
I’m not on Reddit, but I heard there’s a discussion about dissatisfaction with tech conferences, especially in UX. The screenshots I saw of that conversation had many completely valid concerns and complaints about speakers, topics, and sponsors.
A key complaint was that the topics didn’t match reality.
- Nobody is talking about how difficult our work can be.
- Nobody has a session on how to handle the conflict between “being your authentic self” and toxic workplaces that clearly require a mask and some acting skills to make it through a day.
- Nobody’s talking about side hustles or what should we do if we’re laid off or can’t find that next job.
I get it. When I apply to events with spicy topics based on tough realities, I’m rejected because “attendees are gratefully employed” or “I’m not sure we can show their employers that they’re listening to a talk with that title.”
If other conferences are afraid, that’s fine.
I’m not afraid. Let’s GO THERE.
That’s basically my brand! Talking about the tough stuff people are afraid to even ask about. Both the staying in UX/Product/Tech side and the adding side hustles or leaving tech side.
If people want a conference around these and other (spicy) topics, I’ll make one. But the last time I did that — and worked months to get great speakers on the topics people requested — nobody wanted to pay anything to attend. Not even small numbers. They told me they expected these to be free YouTube videos.
So let me rephrase: I will create the conference people claim to want, but will you attend, even remotely? Knowing that you might have to pay out of your pocket, would you pay $57 USD per day for three full days of actionable advice and information? Pick which days you want to attend. Or do you expect this for free on YouTube or $9 on Udemy?
I plan to have no sponsors, which means I have to charge you to attend. My event hasn’t had sponsors and shouldn’t. I like to promote the speakers and their work/businesses.
Profits will be split among speakers.
Without sponsors, I can’t afford to pay speakers. I can only promise to share the money you pay to attend with the speakers. Which means that attending is your chance to directly and financially support speakers.
The event will be hybrid.
It will be live and online, but I’m also considering having it live and in person, basically at or near my house near Olbia, Italy on the island of Sardinia. That’ll cut or reduce costs for renting space. Write off your trip to Sardinia and business. And yes, I’d plan fun things and great meals out for those who make it to Sardinia.
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Speakers can come to Italy or present remotely. We’ll have everything set up for this!
What topics do you want to hear about?
I made a Miro board where you can drop your questions or ideas. What do you wish conferences covered? Which topics are we missing?
Miro board: https://miro.com/app/board/uXjVLEl10og=/?share_link_id=532667653565
Password: conference
If you’re not sure how to categorize things, don’t worry. Just get the idea up there, and I’ll move it around.
Thank you!
The last time I did this, my event was called Concentric.
It’s all about the X. The experience. I shut it down after people requested topics and speakers, and then didn’t sign up or attend.
If people really want a different event, one that is affordable, doesn’t have sponsors, and covers the topics on their minds, I’ll build it. It’ll happen in the last week of May 2025.
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