10 rules - How to attend an O’Reilly Web 2.0 Expo conference
- Think positive!
- Don’t go to the sessions on topics that you are interested in. I know, it’s tempting, because you want to learn, but trust me, don’t.
- If you did go there anyway, do not ask the speaker an interesting question. He/She does not know the answer anyway, or otherwise it would have been included in the talk.
- Don’t expect something other than lightweight talk, which is outdated roughly two years. No or maybe low expectations increase the subjective value of the conference.
- Accept cultural differences. Wanting a balanced view is sooo European. Instead think about what you can learn from seeing only chances and opportunities.
- If you go to a session that you have absolutely no clue on => number four is not a problem and you will get new ideas.
- Socialize! Most people don’t know about the quality of those speakers, because O’Reilly has a good name. Capitalize on that! It means, that lots of interesting people will attend. So you have great guys (and even girls) to meet.
- If you want dialog on things in sessions, check if there is a Barcamp the weekend before. The open-minded speakers of the Conference will already be in town and hold a session there for free.
- Bring your own food, coffeine (and probably chair and table).
- Think positive! It really makes all the difference! Sometimes you stumble into an inspiring session by accident.
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