[PLUG] Advanced Topics

[Michael Dexter]

On 7/27/17 12:57 PM, Russell Senior wrote:
> Alan> You think I don't know that?  I spent 8 years scheduling speakers
> Alan> before hitting burnout.

Just responding to Wes. I am aware of and appreciate your work with AT.

> I'm in favor of investigating a change of venue.  I love Free Geek, and
> it's quiet, and there is a network and a display surface, but I find the
> meeting room kind of blah, aesthetically, and of course there isn't any
> food and drink.

I got a sense at one point that any venue with food and a room had a 
flaw in their business model, having blown through Jax, Club 915, what 
is now a wine bar near Free Geek...

Moving to Free Geek resolved that issue and at worst they had a board 
meeting that ran a few minutes late and we had to wait. Otherwise it was 
great to work there. As a community center, they do see value in 
partnering with PLUG. The Clinic is obviously doing well and Wes, does 
someone from Free Geek need to be present? If not, I am not aware of any 
pressing issues short of my finding time to work out all details with 
them and being available to organize AT.

Note that I did bring food and drinks to a few AT meetings.

> Alan> How advanced do people want to go with the talks?  Graduate level?
> Alan> Not beginner? Something inbetween?
> 
> Almost doesn't matter.  I wouldn't feel constrained, either way.  I think
> usually the speaker will have an idea of who they are aiming at and can
> choose advanced topics or general.

Calagator is a HUGE win here given that people can determine if they 
want to see a talk on "talking to recruiters" or "Advanced Valgrind" or 
"FPGA programming". The burden will always be on finding a steady flow 
of speakers, announcing, optionally streaming... etc.

Michael Dexter
PLUG Volunteer