What's an "Unconference"?

PyData NYC draws open source scientific computing enthusiasts from across industries and experience levels. Often the most valuable parts of a conference are the informal conversations that happen between people in different teams or roles or industries who don’t normally work together. People get to know each other, exchange knowledge, and build trust.

The Unconference format encourages and prioritizes these interpersonal interactions this by providing just enough structure to communicate what is happening and where (encouraging broad participation), however, the agenda is driven by participant interest and topic relevance.

What are the four principles of Unconferencing?

• Whoever comes are the right people.
• Whatever happens is the only thing that could.
• Whenever it starts is the right time.
• When it is over it is over.

What is the format of an Unconference session?

The format is whatever you want it to be! Presumably it should be about the topic you chose, but other than that, you have 40 to 50 minutes (depending on time slot) to do as you please. You're free to rope in other people for a panel discussion, give a demo, give a traditional presentation, whatever. You're encouraged to include the audience through Q&A, open discussions, interactive demos, or other means.

How do I sign up to lead an Unconference session?

Anyone can lead (or co-lead) a session, and there is no deadline (except the end of the conference) for signing up.

There are two ways to nominate a topic: You can head over to the #unconference Slack channel, and post the topic you want to lead a session on as a message. A PyData volunteer will reach out to you about scheduling, and others may reach out about participating as well or react to show interest. Alternatively, when you get on-site at the conference, there will be an easel posted outside of the Unconference room where you can write down your ideas as they come to you (along with your name). As in the other case, a volunteer will reach out to you about scheduling.

Do I have to choose between attending the conference or the Unconference?

No, these are parallel tracks that are intended to supplement one another. You have access to both as part of your PyData NYC ticket. Feel free to move back and forth between the two.

What is the Law of 2 Feet?

“If you aren’t contributing or learning or having fun where you are now, use your two feet.”

Is this recorded?

No. Feel free to write up and share key discussion points with the conference volunteers who will be documenting this event in other ways.