Dec 29, 2005
Dec 27, 2005
Dec 17, 2005
Dec 11, 2005
Dec 10, 2005
ah....breakfast
The Starbucks in the lobby of the Sheraton Grand LAX airport hotel.
I got a new Kansas state quarter at this shop.
I got a new Kansas state quarter at this shop.
Nov 22, 2005
My new favorite Jay pic
Jay smiling as we were about to enter the Brea Apple Store on its opening day.
Jul 8, 2005
Dr. is “in”/Conference Planning station Summary
This booth is set up to provide three main services: computer troubleshooting, printing and online conference planning. It is staffed by over 18 year old students from local IT support programs. They wear doctor’s scrubs and offer technical support, advice and troubleshooting duties. They are also called upon to support attendees’ needs with regard to wireless access, handheld program informational download issues, as they arise. You will experience technical glitches in this location, so staff with adult monitors with technical expertise to oversee the student workers. Also – have a direct connection to conference IT staff to address systemic issues.
Be aware of the rush to print out boarding passes on the last day. No concern or disclaimer was offered with regard to damage or loss of data. I’d recommend a clear disclaimer for 2006 to protect against the possibility of inadvertent damage or loss to attendees’ equipment by these student or adult workers.
One issue that arose was printer IP addresses. They were set up to be DHCP and would not operate with personal laptops connected via Ethernet, so they had to reset these printers with fixed IP addresses.
Info Booth Summary
The info booth was situated near the registration, ISTE booth, poster sessions and entrance to the conference sessions, exhibit hall and showcase, not too far from the conference headquarters. Affiliate volunteers, convention center staff and other locals staffed the booth. They distribute additional conference materials, guides, timelines and local information. Be prepared to over-staff during rush periods. Positive attitude, patience and a good sense of humor is highly recommended! For next year, we would suggest to coordinate regularly with “Ask me” staff and to offer the luggage storage for more than the last day of the conference.
Also, be prepared to refer technical questions to appropriate experts. Attendees will assume you have access to all answers when working this booth, so this task requires volunteers that are well connected to all teams, and able to think quickly on their feet. You’ll need a radio in this booth, as many issues will come up beyond your scope and responsibility.
Jul 6, 2005
Additional Comments
- Comments: Opening and Closing sessions
Both of these were well attended, in fact the opening keynote overflowed into two additional rooms, outpacing capacity beyond expectations. I’d recommend providing increased space for attendees in 2006.
Closing session – provide the 2007 team with access to the hall prior to their last day. This was helpful to us, as we prepared for our skit. The raffle was done in a pre-drawn, rapid-fire format that was well received. Repeat this as closely as possible.
- Comments: Other events
I attended the president’s reception late Monday night (9-11pm). This was well-attended and provided VIPS, speakers and sponsors to mingle in a casual atmosphere with light refreshments. ISTE managed this event well, despite a rainy evening. I highly recommend continuing this event as it is.
I also attended the affiliate reception Saturday evening (7-8:30pm). This event was great in that affiliate leaders could network in a relaxed atmosphere and put faces to names. We also shared tips, tricks and resources. I highly recommend continuing this event as it is.
- Suggestions and Comments: Volunteers
Local volunteers are highly recommended, as they can provide invaluable assistance in navigation, local flavor and other tips.
Overbook volunteers, since they can drop out last minute. Given that their registration is not waived, these attendees could chose not to participate with little or no penalty.
Daily debriefs are valuable and provide incredible cross-conference information for all involved.
Read the conference blogs to get a solid sense of the “street level” view of the conference and be able to respond to needs brought up through this avenue.
- Suggestions: Local Flavor for San Diego
Info booth: Have maps, restaurant suggestions, transportation tips and schedules of events available.
Dr. is “in”: Have stations for laptop plug-ins, be ready to print boarding passes and assist with palm Bluetooth downloading stations. There was some complaint with these, as they seemed to have less functionality this year. Communicate regularly with IT staff to make sure that the wireless network is up and accessible.
Jun 30, 2005
Podcast: Doctor is "In"
Harry - I interviewed Ed Deydrich and Chanel Lockheart of the Doctor Is "In" booth at NECC 2005. [ mp3 ]
Jun 29, 2005
Info Booth
Large space, included representatives from NECC staff, PAETC volunteers, Convention Center staff. Locals are a benefit to help explain local geography. The booth had a large format printout of events (two large-sized pages) per day.
Other comments – many compliments, coupled with some small defect. Bluetooth download stations’ software is not as good as last years’ – they were missing the capability to zoom in on maps. Last day bag storage (not that this is managed by the Info booth) should be extended to include all conference days, but in the meantime, they are recommending that attendees use the Marriott or their own hotel.
More to come...
The Doctor Is "In", Conference Planning Tech Center
Provides printing, browsing and conference planning assistance. The tools provided were Gateway profile machines and laser printers. They were set up on what is clearly a bar, complete with bar stools. Four desktops are set up with two tall printers. Extra paper is available. Will check on ink.
Other comments - located in out of the way location, but near exhibit hall. Offered during minimal hours. The printers were not correctly set up for day 1 on Tuesday, so they were not functional. Day 2 didn’t start until 10:00am.
More to come....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
