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Lessons Learned from AM#1?

hal bidlack

Unregistered
H
While I think the AM was generally a success, I also think we should take a moment and think (while the memories are fresh) about what might improve next year's meeting.

Some initial thoughts that came out of my dinner Sunday night with Linda and Karl:

-fewer speakers, especially Saturday. End by 3 pm, and have big break before 7pm evening entertainment

-seek more gender/ethnic diversity in speakers

-hotel concerns-- the facilities were, I think, very nice, but:
--hotel is a tad remote from other food places, bars (for those of you who do that:) ), and the bar (I am told) was a tad pricey
--more thorough sound and temp checks in big meeting room
--camera on speaker, with video on screen, so those in back can see more clearly (e.g., magic tricks)

-have daily "end of day" prize drawings, rather than doing it all at once on the last day

-breakout sesssions? on the evaluations, about the same number of folks said that they wanted breakout sessions as said it was great that it was all together so folks didn't have to miss anything....?

-same deal with the evening entertainment. The evaluations of General Hamilton were mostly positive for providing an intellectual break, but others complained that it had nothing to do with the conference topic. (GH won't be back next year, so I'm just talking about the concept in general of having a 'non-skeptic' type of entertainment Saturday night.

-Do we want to have this in January? If we did it in August. the rooms and airfare would be much less, so more folks could come, but in January it's a very nice break for folks from the north...?

-Ideas?
 
Hal, it was much better than "generally a success."

Maybe a couple fewer speakers, but I really enjoyed the variety. Diversity is always a good thing.

I thought the hotel was great. Who cares how far it is from restaurants?

I didn't want to miss anything, so I'm not sure about breakout sessions.

Your Hamilton presentation was great! Some of the talks didn't have much to do with the topic, either, but it's refreshing to have a few off-topic presentations.

How about in May or September?

~~ Paul
 
Hi Hal,
Some comments on TAM#1.

* "seek more gender/ethnic diversity in speakers"
I don't care what a speaker looks like, as long as the topic is interesting and the speaker is good. Please don't replace an excellent blue-skinned speaker with a purple-skinned one just because all the other speakers have blue skin.

* "camera on speaker, with video on screen, so those in back can see more clearly (e.g., magic tricks)"
Yes! It's tough to watch a close-up trick from the back of a ballroom.

* I enjoyed the 70-degree weather in January!

* The merchandise tables need to be arranged better, both so one person could easily watch everything, and so we can find specific T-shirt sizes faster. I would help during the breaks, but abandon Linda whenever the break ended.

* Since a number of people are on PST, perhaps we could have the breakfasts at 0900 and start at 1000, instead of 0800 and 0900.

* I like having only one conference track. You don't miss anything.

* Expect even more people at the Internet show next year. We had fun!
 
The meeting was much more than a general success... hands down, it was the _best_ conference I've attended. As for the hotel, it was stellar. Yes, a tad pricey in the bar and food (especially) but I've been at conferences that were much, MUCH, more pricey. So, with that in mind, here are my suggestions:

--NOT fewer speakers, but longer meeting. Consider opening the meeting on Friday _morning_ instead of Friday night. Frankly, I could have used an extra day of this kind of mental stimulation. It would also be hard to justify the expense of attending the AM to my administration (which paid for this trip) with fewer speakers. By opening earlier in the day on Friday, the number of speakers could be maintained (if not increased slightly), while still giving us more evening hours for socializing.

--As much as I loved the Renaissance Plantation, it can't accommodate a larger group, and I suspect that next year we will have more people (Girl 6 is prediciting double, and I don't doubt her for a minute. It's entirely feasible.) A larger space will be needed (and it _was_ a tad on the cramped side for my taste.)

--Breakout sessions may also become necessary as numbers increase. I know I will be submitting a proposal next year, and I heard several others talking about doing the same. I can see the number of "academic" presentations increasing, and I'd hate to see the JREF turning down good presentations just for the sake of keeping everything in one room. Yes, it was nice--but so is increasing the amount of participation. So, keep it to one session if you can, but make participation the ultimate goal--even if it means breakout sessions are required.

--Increased diversity among the speakers? Absolutely. (And breakout sessions is one way to do it.)

--General Hamilton was, I think, an extremely important addition to the meeting, not just because it was entertaining, but because it was intellectually stimulating and, in my case, challenged some of my views about history. Skepticism need not be completely relegated to the woo-woo paranormal and pseudoscientific stuff, but should, I think, be an attitude applied in all arenas. How can we challenge the beliefs of others if we are unwilling to challenge our own? I think we should question _everything_ and question it continually... the Hamilton presentation did that for me, so I (personally) fail to see how this isn't relevant to a conference on the subject of critical thinking. Besides, if the conference was about critical thinking, I'd argue that Hamilton WAS a critical thinker and the chance to experience his brand of skepticism was a rare opportunity that should have been included as part of the conference. Indeed, I would wholeheartedly support any plans to make such encounters with a historic critical thinker part of every year's AM. (Okay, I'll shut up, but I do think having such a presentation from a historic personage known for his or her critical thinking _should_ be part of any AM. How about a rebuttal from Jefferson next year? :)

--January? I loved it. But then again, I'm from 400 miles north of everywhere, so maybe I'm biased. August is NOT good for me, and I suspect it's not good for other academics either (getting ready to start the semester, just wrapping up summer classes, etc.) Whatever date is chosen, I'll make every effort to be there, of course, but whatever you do, try to schedule it so that it doesn't fall over a scheduled break! :)

--Ideas? One. I'd like to see more speakers from disciplines outside of the sciences. Critical thinking and skepticism have a role beyond the science classroom, and I think the argument can be made that it may actually be more desparately needed non-scientific areas (the Sokal Hoax springs to mind as an example). This is why I liked the Hamilton presentation, and why I'd like to see a presentation or two from disciplines in the Arts and Letters, the Social Sciences, or Education (where the need is, IMHO greatest).

Just my two cents (okay, more like $5.00 given the length of this post, but there you are).

Seraph9k
 
What I learned:

1. Clear your schedule a YEAR in advance.

2. Be ahead of your schedule so that no one will be able to take the time slot in question.

3. Attend the 2004 meeting!
 
1. If you mean by "breakout sessions", a number of sessions schedules simultaneously, that would be fine for the "academic" presentations. That would give more people a chance to con their bosses into springing for expenses, especially if a more rigorous peer review screening procedure was employed.
2. Early January, during winter break for the academics, would be more convenient.
3. Friday sessions, starting at 1300 or so, might be a good idea for the "academic" presentations.
4. Posters sessions are a very efficient way of allowing more people to present information simultaneously. I can help with that, since I've arranged some in the past.

I've been to a slew of conferences and conventions. This was the best.
And I am looking forward to seeing Theo Burr in her Inaugural Ball gown(circa 1792) at the next one.
 
I think it would be important for select participants on the JREF forums (and you know who I am talking about ;) ), who might otherwise have financial issues regarding attending such a meeting, be given free travel and room so that their smiling face could be part of the mass -- and, of course, improve the general intelectual quality (though not spelling capability) of the entire group. Just a thought from someone who had financial issues that prohibited him from attending....
 
hal bidlack said:
-hotel concerns-- the facilities were, I think, very nice, but:
--hotel is a tad remote from other food places, bars (for those of you who do that:) ), and the bar (I am told) was a tad pricey
Click to expand...


Normally, if the conference weren't there, I wouldn't have been within 100 miles of the place. And yes, it would have helped that we could've been in a hotel closer to the bars and clubs in the area instead of driving across town or down to Miami to find any place to party. Also, could we try not to do it on the weekend that there's a big event elsewhere in town? This past weekend there was the NHL All-Star Weekend at the National Car Rental Center not even 15 minutes from the hotel.

-Do we want to have this in January? If we did it in August. the rooms and airfare would be much less, so more folks could come, but in January it's a very nice break for folks from the north...?
Click to expand...

From what I've heard of summer weather in Florida from April or May to mid-October, it's muggy and hot and all of the above all at once. December to February is fine with me.(I leave Minnesota and it gets pounded with snow and I don't have to shovel :D )
 
The issue of ethnic diversity came up during my panel on starting a local skeptics group, and this is what I wish I had said: I was expecting the conference to be overwhelmingly old white guys (no offense to all you old white guys out there!). It was a most pleasant surprise to see the number of women, younger people, and a smattering of other ethnicities represented at the meeting. While attempting to include more women and ethnic minorities at the conference is laudable and probably necessary, I would guess that the attendance at the meeting was more diverse than at conferences ten years ago. I think we're doing pretty well.

Others on the panel made the excellent point that African American and Hispanic activists probably don't make skepticism a priority because they work with more pressing social and political issues. To be honest, if I were more of a "people person" I would probably choose to work on issues of hunger or homelessness instead of skepticism.

It was really great meeting all of you from the Forum.

Lisa G (still in Florida)
female, ethnic minority, eternal newbie
 
There is no such thing as a weekend between November and Easter when nothing is going on in South Florida! And I could book the event at a hotel near or on the beach and within walking distance of entertainment and food, but the rooms would be between $189-209 and that would be a special rate! May and September are hot and steamy. September is actually the most wretched month down here and also the most likely for hurricanes. We don't get the first cold snap until usually sometime in November and the heat returns in April. So plan on this conference being the same weekend as this one was....Jan. 30th-Feb. 1, 2004.
 
Next Meeting

I really enjoyed the meeting, and with it being the first I really applaud the people involved in putting it together. I'll have to admit this was the first non-computer conference I have been to. And having been to many of those I will share what I've seen at some of these very successful gatherings.

First, extend the time of the conference, have events Thursday Friday and Monday. Although many people will not be able to make these, they are a good place to put events and speakers with a very specific goal or audience in mind. Keep the big speakers and events on Saturday and Sunday and by themselves.

Second, mornings are great for breakout sessions. You will always have people who will want to see it all, however in a large gathering compromises have to be made. In a breakout session the topics have to be very specific, like the discussion panel on starting a new skeptic group. That discussion is great for a breakout session, it is a great topic but targeted on a very specific audience. Yes I'm glad I heard it, but no it doesn't apply to me and if given a choice would have rather seen something that applied to me.

Third, add social events. I believe that there needs to be events centered on getting to know one another. After spending the entire day in a conference room, and what time I had out of it looking for a place to eat, I found very minimal time to meet new people.
 
hotel was nice

I would like to be near the beach, but then again it would be too pricey! I think keeping the meeting affordable is very important for poor teachers like myself (hey, I don't have a union teaching in a private school!). It was an easy drive to the beach which I enjoyed on Monday. I will say I think I spooked the staff by sitting out by the pool until 9:30 on Sunday in my shorts and a tshirt. They kept coming out to ask if I was cold....HA!
The hotel staff was very friendly and well trained. They always said hello, and when someone came to fix my airconditioning he was SO nice and told me all the good places to find seafood.
The bar staff was very nice also, though the waiter asked me why I looked like I was seeing Brad Pitt whenever Mr.Randi walked by (I said he was better than Brad Pitt!). Oh, some other guests got up the nerve to ask what "The Amazing Metting" was! When I explained they were so relieved! They thought it was a CULT!!!! When I asked why, they said, "well, look at the man on the big poster, and tshirts! He has hypnotic eyes!"
Keeping things affordable is important.
 
hal bidlack said:
-fewer speakers, especially Saturday. End by 3 pm, and have big break before 7pm evening entertainment
Click to expand...
I thought Saturday was fine - although perhaps that is why Sunday seemed a little too much for me. Could the academic papers at the end be spread out over the weekend (or put in an "optional" Saturday afternoon slot).

--more thorough sound and temp checks in big meeting room
Click to expand...
 I think the hotel sound system was inadequate - or at least not turned up enough. Perhaps a dedicated PA would be better.

Also, it wouldn't be much of a stretch to have a lighting board next to the sound mixer. I'm sure that'd be a big help.

-same deal with the evening entertainment. The evaluations of General Hamilton were mostly positive for providing an intellectual break, but others complained that it had nothing to do with the conference topic.
Click to expand...
 The same could be said of a number of presentations. I thought Hamilton was great. Not at all out of place.

Oh... what was the conference topic?

-Ideas?
Click to expand...
 A more formal meet-and-greet plan for the speakers, so that people who want autographed items don't have to hunt 'em down. Line 'em all up and/or make them available at appropriate times (maybe if you're having a Saturday afternoon break, it could be then).

Also, I'm sure many people would be happy to volunteer to help out in any way shape or form. Get a volunteer sign-up sheet, knock a few $$ of their registration fee, and that would be a big help.
 
Before I say anything else, let me say that I had a spectacular time. My fellow attendees were a delight to meet and speak with, and many of the presenters, when they weren't presenting, were attendees themselves! I loved meeting some of my skeptical heroes, and I found them to be approachable, personable and courteous. And, of course, they all have a sense of humor!

Now for my three cents:

There should definitely be "breakout sessions" (that phrase always makes me think of sessions where a former unknown skeptic becomes a superstar) for pieces that would be categorized as "special interest". If you're not a teacher, you might not want to see a piece about teaching skepticism in school (though you might!). If you're an evolutionary biologist, you might not attend a "Crash Introductory Course on Evolutionary Biology", though that might certainly be useful to attending students or other neophytes to that subject. If the selections are done properly, the problem of generally-popular subjects being unavailable for general attendance (because it's in a breakout session) can be minimized. On the flip side, having breakout sessions also allows for increased specialization. I met Dr. "Slick" this weekend, and he's working on technology for growing plants in space. He was a splendid fellow that I'm glad I met (among many others), and his work, though positively fascinating, was highly specialized. I imagine he could deliver an engrossing piece about his work to the particular percentage of the audience who have the background and the particular interests appropriate to the talk. Just a thought...

Oh, and perhaps, in a perfect world (who will fund and organize THIS?), all breakout sessions would be taped and available for viewing each evening (like our late-night P&T/SouthPark mini-marathon!) for those who missed them because they were attending another? As for more or fewer speakers, I think I speak for a lot of people when I say that we wanted to hear more from Dan Garvin. The time constraints, sadly, got in the way. To that end, more breakout sessions would allow each speaker more time. (Actually, now that I think about it, speakers who wished could tailor their presentations to perhaps have multiple sections, so that people could wander between breakout sessions? Ah, maybe that won't work...)

This may sound crazy, but if we're going to have food served on the premises, might it be possible to eat while we listen? I saw a number of people eating at their tables in the main room... perhaps the lighter presentations -- the ones where the presenter wouldn't be offended by attendees with food in their mouths -- could present material during these periods? I do know that those breaks, important as they were, did really cut the days into pieces.

Jeez, this is a lot more than three cents, isn't it? :p

I agree 100% with the idea of a close-up video image for the cheap seats. I was wondering about that myself, during the conference. I wish I'd thought to suggest it, but I would've felt awkward volunteering my technical expertise to actually make it happen. (Plus that projector was pretty temperamental!)

As for diversity, we can't force it. Besides, we do ourselves a disservice when we look at the list of presenters -- people from all ages, walks of life and countless places of origin -- and think of it as not being diverse because much of the skin was approximately the same color to the casual viewer. I think we can expect that, as the word gets out about the success of this conference, and as we increase the scope, diversity and profundity of its content, we will naturally find that the
presenters will come to represent a broader spectrum of humanity... though I don't think we're doing too badly!

I think Hamilton was a great guest. It was not only an enlightening and entertaining presentation, but it fit with many of the ideas of science and skepticism. First, it concerned the discrepancies between American "legends" like Hamilton and Washington and the often-shocking realities about them. It lent us perspective. It reminded us that, throughout history, man has struggled with the same passions, tensions, ambiguities and torments that pain us today. I think it strangely appropriate (and I hope everyone understands where I'm coming from) that the man who shared with us the tragic news of Columbia was also the man who shared with us his perspective of American strife from an earlier era.

Frankly, having more guests of educational, historical, political and academic interest who aren't directly related to the skeptical movement might help increase the profile of the meeting and our collective work. If these presenters tailor their presentations to address issues of skepticism and critical thinking, so much the better. What if Hamilton (not that I'm suggesting this specifically) specifically gave a presentation, as if to fellow academics (as opposed to this weekend? ;) ) specifically on his experiences dealing with religion and science?

The daily drawing is a good idea -- especially if you're only allowed to buy tickets for one night (this suggestion is just for the guy who bought a jillion tickets and won 75% of the prizes!!!)

Re: the sound, there will always be technical glitches. I would be happy to volunteer as a technical assistant for next year -- I can get there earlier than 7:30pm on Friday night next time!

I hate to say it, but I think some of the presenters had excellent academic credentials, but simply weren't up to the task of keeping us entertained enough. I won't name any names, and I don't wish to besmirch their hard work and contributions, but if we're going to have loonies like Drs. Plait and Bidlack running around the stage and generally being amusing as well as amazing, they're a hard act to follow. In a sense, I suppose the meeting is also a show. That means you need acts that can entertain as well as inform. Perhaps the drier routines belong in those breakout sessions we keep talking about...

Oh, and my own good fortune in gaining a "scholarship" to the A!M makes me think of one more thing: high-school (and college?) student scholarship packages to attend A!M/2004. If Jordan Good Weasel were there (check past Commentaries if you have no idea who I'm talking about), he probably would have gotten a round of applause and a bunch of free stuff! :D

Okay, I'll stop now. It was fantastic! It was wonderful! It was... Amaz!ng!


John Clavis
 
I think the important thing to remember re: suggestions is what the JREF is doing/trying to accomplish with the Amazing Meeting, versus other skeptic conventions. In that light, I'll make a few suggestions that I think might improve the vision of what JREF is aiming for.

- Location: Had I bothered to look up the address, I wouldn't have been surprised by the remoteness of the local. Yes, I did expect a nearby beach! And the ability to walk to a nearby restraunt/coffee place/diner. I've been to Fort Lauderdale a few times, but I had no idea where Plantation was located.

- Food: Was I the only vegetarian there? Good thing the lunch had cheese ravioli, but unfortunately the Buffet dinner was pretty much all meat. Of course, with more centrally located location, this becomes immaterial, as I can walk over to a different eating venue.

- Chat time: We need more time in-between presentations to chat! And a place to chat in! With lots of tables and chairs, and more importantly, 24/7 coffee, soda, and beer! (well, coffee & soda for me anyway). I just didn't have enough time to chat with people.

- AmazingCam: a PC with an Internet camera, so that people on the Randi site can see what's going on at any given moment (and what they're missing!).

- Hotel: gosh, I'm not used to such swell joints ("just like the reform school!" - Larry Fine). I did expect the usual rent-a-car section that I find in most, but unfortunately there wasn't. So if you didn't make up your mind on renting a car at the airport, you were gonna be without one. See point 1 about location. A bit pricey on the food. See point 1 again.

- Multiple Presentations: Maybe 2 at a time occasionally. And if neither topic interests you, then see point 3.
 
Originally posted by hal bidlack

-fewer speakers, especially Saturday. End by 3 pm, and have big break before 7pm evening entertainment

I would prefer more speakers, not less. If that means more days, that's good too.

-seek more gender/ethnic diversity in speakers

Non-issue in my opinion. Invite people who have something to say, that people want to hear.

-hotel concerns-- the facilities were, I think, very nice, but:
--hotel is a tad remote from other food places, bars (for those of you who do that:) ), and the bar (I am told) was a tad pricey

I quite agree. The hotel and the rooms were beautiful and the service was excellent. No complaints. But restaurant options were too few and too far away. (Or too expensive)

--more thorough sound and temp checks in big meeting room
--camera on speaker, with video on screen, so those in back can see more clearly (e.g., magic tricks)

Good ideas. Tho the sound problems were few as I recall. Seemed to be more snafus with lap-tops and power-point.

-have daily "end of day" prize drawings, rather than doing it all at once on the last day

Also a good idea. Will encourage people to buy more raffle tickets if they see the goodies being passed out.

-breakout sesssions? on the evaluations, about the same number of folks said that they wanted breakout sessions as said it was great that it was all together so folks didn't have to miss anything....?

I wouldn't want to miss anything personally. But there's nothing preventing a few to meet elsewhere if they're not interested in a particular topic.

-same deal with the evening entertainment. The evaluations of General Hamilton were mostly positive for providing an intellectual break, but others complained that it had nothing to do with the conference topic.

I thought the General was great. It really inspired me to read up on some of the writings of early American speakers and statesmen. Nothing to do with the conference topic? It's hard to imagine someone that better epitomizes the phrase, "free thinker".

-Do we want to have this in January? If we did it in August. the rooms and airfare would be much less, so more folks could come, but in January it's a very nice break for folks from the north...?

Not a concern of mine. I don't care about the heat as I'll be inside most of the time. Don't care about the beach, I'm not coming to swim or work on my tan either. I think priorities after selecting speakers and content should be to reduce costs and increase convenience.

I particularly enjoyed the panel discussions, and if time allowed could have listened to that for hours. At least one organized "social event" would be good as others have suggested.

And can we get that moderator back again next year?
 
SAVE GENERAL HAMILTON!

Hal, your presentation was one of my two favorite presentations, with Bad Astronomer's being the other.

You two made the conference a smashing success, instead of a success, in my humble opinion.

If any speaker needs to be eliminated next year, it's "Carlos."

Somebody needs to help Linda with collecting the money for the concessions. She sat at the cash box during the entire conference. Over 12 hours each day. That is grossly unsatisfactory!

An hour needs to be put in the schedule for JREF Forum members to gather and meet. We had to find each other in the crowd over the course of the conference, and I still didn't meet everyone. It wasn't until the group photo on the last day that I finally "saw" everyone. That was the one and only disappointment of the conference for me.

I cannot afford a more expensive hotel. As it is, I had to use some Marriott rewards points in order to be able to afford to attend this one.

Being a distance from the party areas of Ft. Lauderdale may not be a bad thing. The risk of someone getting into trouble goes up, and some folks might get too hungover to actually attend morning events. :)

All it would take is one JREF member to get into trouble and Randi's critics would be all over it.

Hal, you and Linda were the glue that held the conference together. I can't express my appreciation enough for all you two did. Thank you so much.
 
LukeT said:
SAVE GENERAL HAMILTON!



Being a distance from the party areas of Ft. Lauderdale may not be a bad thing. The risk of someone getting into trouble goes up, and some folks might get too hungover to actually attend morning events. :)All it would take is one JREF member to get into trouble and Randi's critics would be all over it.
Click to expand...

Hell, Hal Bidlack an I went to Big Tiny's Biker Bar with Hal dressed as Alexander Hamilton and we had no problem at all. Well, Aaron "Speed Demon" Burr wanted to challenge Hal to a duel when Hal implied that Speed Demon had an incestuous relationship with his daughter.
 
I thought the content of the speeches at the Meeting were excellent and generally would like more of the same next year. What I would like to see is more opportunities to get to know the attendees. For example, for lunch on Saturday there were large tables where people could sit with others they didn’t know and talk. My friends and I sat with Jerry Andrus, Paul Anagnostopolous and others whose names I didn’t know and discussed methods of travelling to Mars and bad scifi movies. It was good to meet people and hear their ideas in a discusion rather from a podium. I’d like to see all the meals arranged like this next year and perhaps some other venues to meet and discuss.

Also on the subject of the meals, I thought the hotel handled them poorly. Friday night there were tables with no chairs and chairs with no tables. I and other attendees ending up eating standing up with little chance to relax or mingle. They did get it right with the big tables at lunch on Saturday but there weren’t nearly enough.

As a diabetic I would also have liked to see a greater selection of food; dinner on Friday consisted of rolls, pasta, and fried chicken, all food high in carbohydrates which cause high blood sugar. Lunch the next day was better as I could take the cold cuts for sandwiched which are fine without the bread. Foods that would be good for me are nuts, salad, any kind of meat or cheese dish that doesn’t involve bread (so fried chicken is out), and vegetables either raw or cooked.

Regarding the speakers, with 400-500 people having all the speeches in one auditorium will be more difficult. It would be nice if instead of the occasional breakout session there were always two things going on. I’m not sure if that will be feasible in terms of cost, though.

One thing I’ve seen at the techical conferences I’ve attended are workshops limited to fifty people or less that focus on a specific topic or skill and take a more hands on approach. It would be nice to have some of the scientists like Phil Plait or Chip Denman show us cool science stuff in a setting like this.

Not sure if this happened this year but how about putting forum ids on the name tags along with the person’s real name? I wasn’t on the forum until today so if this was done I missed it.
 
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