Agile Development Practices - Agile Conference Special Events

	Special Events at Agile Development Practices 2008

	Welcome Reception Tuesday, November 11, 4:30-6:00 p.m. Kick off the Agile Development Practices conference with a Welcome Reception sponsored by Rally Software. Mingle with experts and colleagues, and enjoy complimentary food and beverages.

	Open Space Wednesday and Thursday, November 12 – 13, During the EXPO Want to discuss a topic in greater depth? Examine a topic that is not on the program? Meet with others who are also interested? Great! You’re looking for Open Space. We supply an open space—a room, tables, chairs, and flipcharts...you supply the ideas and the leadership. Choose a topic you’d like to discuss, pick a time slot, promote your topic at the conference, enroll others, and have an Open Space discussion. That’s what Open Space is all about—you are in charge of your own learning. Everyone who comes to an Open Space session should be passionate about the topic and willing to take some responsibility for creating learning out of that passion. Key principles of Open Space meetings are: 1. Whoever attends is the right person. 2. Whatever happens is the only thing that could have happened. 3. Whenever it starts is the right time. 4. When it is over, it is over. 5. The Law of Two Feet—if you find yourself in a situation where you aren’t learning or contributing, go somewhere else. Don’t be passive—create your own conference session on a topic of interest to you. If you’ve never tried Open Space, do it now. You’ll teach and you’ll learn. An Open Space wiki will be available before the conference for delegates to sign up and propose topics. Check back for updates to come.

	EXPO Reception Wednesday, November 12, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Socialize with others and enjoy complimentary food and beverages in the EXPO hall Wednesday evening. Look for answers to your pressing issues and meet other attendees with the same challenges. Also be sure to take part in the fun and games held at the EXPO for a chance to win fabulous prizes.

	Meet the Speakers Thursday, November 13, During Lunch Meet with industry experts for an open discussion in key areas of agile software development and practices. Pose your toughest questions, address specific project needs, gather details on the latest research and cutting-edge testing practices, or just come by to say hello.

	Bookstore and Speaker Book Signings During EXPO hours, purchase popular industry books—many authored by Agile Development Practices speakers—from BreakPoint Books. Authors are available for questions and book signings during session breaks and EXPO hours.

	Live Aid Agile Development Lab Apply the skills you’re learning at the conference towards a good cause! The Live Aid Agile Development Lab provides the opportunity to participate in a live agile development project, which benefits the non-profit organization "Mano a Mano." Contribute to a cause with real impact. This lab allows participants to experience an agile project with a real customer. All you have to do is contribute your specific talents!

	Do your part to help others by working on this Ruby on Rails application. Ways to participate: • Donate your time (as little as minutes, or as much as a day) • Donate your money- any funds collected will go directly to Mano a Mano • Observe and learn Agile Development skills