RT quote of the week: It was sort of like Disney World for genealogists – the happiest place on earth. -- Thomas MacEntee
I just received the final list of recorded sessions yesterday from our amazing AV crew who worked hard to capture via Camtasia approximately 60 sessions. No details are being announced at this time with these sessions, but know that I am a big advocate of respecting individual ownership of material. Any such release would include a copyright statement that would not allow public viewings of these sessions. We don't pay our presenters, but we do want them to come back next year, so we ask all to honor their hard work, including not copying and distributing their syllabus material.
What's next for 2012? Rather than just feedback on 2011, I want to know how you would design 2012! Who do you want to see again? What new topics should we include? Who is your favorite speaker that you felt we overlooked this year? Would you like to see a giant chess set in the playground? What should the evening event be?
> We don't pay our presenters ...
ReplyDeleteThat really, really surprises me. So many experienced, knowledgeable, inspiring people - not even a small honorarium?
As a speaker I was compensated in the form of hotel accommodations. However, I was willing to not take an honorarium because RootsTech was a new concept and I passionately believe in the topics about which I was speaking.
ReplyDeleteExcellent question, and outstanding speakers, no doubt! While presenter payment at genealogy conferences is standard, payment to speak at a technology conference is unheard of, with very few exceptions. The executive committee weighed the options and the risks, and decided on this model. The beautiful part is that we couldn't be more pleased with our presenters! I have no problem with those who do get paid, so our decision should not be seen as judgement against paid presenters, not in the least! It was a decision that allowed us to successfully offer a substantial value to attendees and presenters. As we mentioned before, this conference has a "Give" mentality for all attendees, and what a high compliment to our amazing presenters who did just that! I hold our presenters in the highest regards, and hope this shines a light on their great individual contributions! Inspiring? Most definitely.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Thomas. Yes, for those coming from out of state, we did offer hotel accommodations if they were selected to present on a certain number of sessions.
ReplyDeleteI'm curious if you are planning to remain in Salt Lake City or if you plan to move to a different city each year? Regardless, I would strongly suggest creating a digital presentation package available to those who cannot attend. I'm sure that many people would be willing to pay for this.
ReplyDeleteAnne,
ReplyDeleteYou and the team are to be complimented for all of the hard work you did to bring Rootstech together. I've attended a lot of conferences (in science, Toastmasters, genealogy) over the years. This was the first time I've seen a standing ovation at a conference. It was well deserved. Kudos!
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as an Official Rootstech Blogger. It was a wonderful experience being able to share Rootstech with my readers. Stay tuned for more Rootstech blog posts from me as there were so many great takeaways from this conference!
Thanks again.
Joan in Canada
How about an app for iPhone/iPad, Windows Phone 7, and Android that is a schedule of the conference sessions and allows the user to plan their own personal schedules? Get the app out early and send updates & teasers to it throughout the year.
ReplyDelete