Introduction Session - SoCraTesUK/socrates-uk GitHub Wiki

What is SoCraTes UK?

It’s a safe space to discover and learn about software craft and testing, there are no subjects out of bounds (excepting code of conduct)
It’s an unconference which means its run on self-organising principles with the agenda crowdsourced
- Participants
  1. Set the agenda
  2. Which means anyone one OR group can propose and run a session
  3. Sessions may take many different formats for example but not limited to discussions, workshops, seminars
- Organising group
  - Worked hard to plan all the logistical elements e.g. negotiate the facilities with Milton Mill house, promotion, website etc.
- Facilitation
  1. To make a safe and welcoming space so people are comfortable to participate at whatever level
  2. To make sure all participants understand the concepts
  3. The least amount of structure to help the group organise itself
  4. To help run the agenda setting process (Marketplace) and gather and share and the end of the day (Retrospective)

Unconference - Open Space Technology

We have adopted these ideas from the book Open Space Technology by Harrison Owen

Four Principles

Whoever comes is the right people

To begin with YOU are all the right people
Session size not necc. important.
Whoever comes is the most interested and that’s what matter
In a “normal” conference Speakers are lined up before the event but no restrictions here

Whatever happens is the only thing that could have

“Be prepared to be surprised"
If the session goes is an unexpected direction, embrace it
In a “traditional” conference setting this might be seen as a session go off track and as a negative, but here sometimes brilliant things come from the unexpected

Whenever it starts is the right time

Maybe you expect a session to start right away
But sometimes there are delays and that is fine
Refer to Whoever comes is the right people
- As long as you have critical mass then begin

When it’s over it's over

It can finish earlier than the scheduled slot if the topic comes to a conclusion naturally, no need to waste time - change to something more productive
Or (more likely) keep going - continue to the coffee point, dinner table, or even the following day
Please respect any incoming users of the room

One Law

If, during our time together you find yourself in any situation where you are neither learning not contributing, use your two feet and go to some more productive place

TL;DR The Law of Two feet

People come and leave as they determine
Bumble bees and butterflies
- Bees pollinate ideas
- Butterflies float from sessions to session
- But no expectation to align yourself like this as it doesn’t suit everyone, and there may be a mix
- Both roles gives value to the sessions (embrace this role if this is your preference, don’t fear judgements its a good thing)

How?

Each day we will have a Marketplace where we will set the agenda for the day, we will facilitate the opportunity for anyone and everyone to propose a session
We will wrap up each day with a Retrospective to gather and share what we’ve discovered and enjoyed
If you want to run a session but don’t know how or need some encouragement - We have a session scheduled same evening on how to run a great session

Where?

Conference rooms
- Name the rooms, their sizes and equipment
  - Wisteria 50
  - Rose 25
  - Fushia 25
  - Crimson Birch 50
  - Red Birch 50
- Projector, flip chart, post-its in each room
Outside if the weather is fine
- Italian Gardens
- Grounds
Please be considerate of other users of the hotel particular outside of our assigned meeting rooms

When?

Schedule is published
- Both Friday and Saturday start and end in the same room we are in now, it’s important you try and be here on time
  - 0915 Marketplace
  - 1815 Retrospective
There may be, in fact we expect activities to operate outside of the schedule. These are self-organised and there will be a board for evening activities (location)