Let's start by looking at what a conference is...
Conferences
Definition: "a formal meeting of people with a shared interest, typically one that takes place over several days." The features:
- Topics shape the audience
- Rigid program
- You know what you are getting
- Often high profile expert speakers
- Accessible for old-school thinkers
- Can be expensive for participants
Unconferences
Definition: "A loosely structured conference emphasizing the informal exchange of information and ideas between participants, rather than following a conventionally structured programme of events." The features:
- Audience shape the topics
- Flexible (unknown) program
- Lean
- Not so much preparation for speakers
- Law of two feet: If a session is not useful to someone they will leave, which is less wasteful
- Variable quality speakers
- Everyone participates, which is more effective for learning
- Often cheap/free for participants
Which is more agile?
I will now attempt to show that agile conferences are a paradox. I know it may seem odd applying agile (for software development) to something like a group of people communicating, but let's give it a go. Perhaps we can compare some traits of Conferences and Unconferences to the Agile Manifesto:
- Individuals and interactions over processes and tools
- Unconference is more agile, since unconferences are attendee-led
- Working software over comprehensive documentation
- Arguably both styles similar with an Unconference perhaps slightly better, since conferences often document lots in their preparation
- Customer collaboration over contract negotiation
- Unconference is certainly better here, since unconferences are attendee-led (and the law-of-two feet means that "customers" don't get what they don't want)
- Responding to change over following a plan
- Unconference is massively better here
I put it to you that as agile evangelists, we shouldn't be encouraging traditional conferences, which are prescriptive, irresponsive, contractual and process-driven. Instead, we should support unconferences , perhaps by organising, participating or sponsoring them.
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