I’ve decided that Newport needs a bit of web tech chin wag, therefore I’ve drawn a line in the sand and am saying the following:

“There will be a free/low cost(*) web design, day long event in Newport on Friday the 25th of May.”

There, I’ve said.

***update! please visit the port80 website for full information***

I’ll do the organising but if anyone wants to help out, speak, sponsor etc then cool

What is the general aim?

The overall aim is to offer a talking shop for web focussed individuals/professionals/students to delve into cutting edge topics a bit deeper and mingle with like minded individuals. I want to help promote best practices and help provide a bit more community to what can be an isolated profession.

What topics will be covered?

I’d love speakers to talk about the latest development with web technologies & how they can be used; with an eye on the following (non-exhaustive) list:

• HTML5; an overview of this mixed bag of technologies
• CSS3 (a drill down)
• HTML5 frameworks (& CSS frameworks?)
• Responsive Web Design techniques, lessons learned
• Jquery/jquery mobile
• Mobile (but not really IOS apps/keep this web centric)
• Content Strategy?
• Serverside (perhaps a mini chat on node.js?)
• …you get the picture. Please shout out if there is a topic you really want

Who is it aimed at?

Anyone working (or wanting to work in) the web industry. If you know nothing about web technology then, be warned, you may feel some topics a little overwhelming. Some topics may be more high level/accessible though.

How much will this cost?

I’m aiming for the event to be free. Or, failing that, not for profit at least. There are no speakers fees (as there is no fee for organising) but I want travel expenses  for speakers etc covered where possible etc, this is not a gravy train with biscuit flavoured wheels for me or anyone else. Teas & coffee/WIFI needs to be paid for. And if there is any money left over, that’ll be some beers behind the bar for the after show party then. Job done.

Who will the speakers be?

Currently, all the speakers will be me. If that fills you with dread then so it should – I have zero fricking intention of speaking all day long! I would much prefer to have a wide array of speakers. If I get booted out into an MC role then so be it – ultimately I want good speakers talking about interesting topics.

Update: luckily, within hours of announcing this event I’d pencilled in some cracking speakers. Rest assured that you do NOT have to listen to me drown on all day

Ideally I’m looking for some local(ish) web heads who want to speak on one of the topics I’ve mentioned or can suggest related ones (note: if the thought of speaking in front of people panics you then don’t let it – I can help you with that and this would be a great opportunity for you to spread your wings).

If you really know your subject, are passionate about it then I’ll help you with the rest.  Don’t panic!

How will the day pan out?

I’m guessing it’ll be something like this:

• 09:00 – tea & cofee
• 09:15 SESSION #1
• 10:00 SESSION #2
• 10:45 break
• 11:00 SESSION #3
• 11:45 SESSION #4
• 12:30 lunch
• 13:30 SESSION #5
• 14:15 SESSION #6
• 15:00 break
• 15:45 SESSION #7
• 16:30 SESSION #8
• 17:15 …booze o’clock

(Obviously all of this is completely finger in the air at the mo)

Where will the event be?

Newport, South Wales. International City of Culture runner up on 23 occasions (joke). For those of you who don’t know, Newport is easily accessible from from Bristol & Cardiff.

I know of one place I can use for free and this will take about 25 people. If we have more people and money/sponsorship allows then a bigger venue will be found. Smaller numbers will mean a friendlier, more question based atmosphere though.

What do I need from you?

Well, I’m going to need speakers so if you are passionate about a subject (or know someone who is) then please shout out.

If you just fancy attending the event then please let me know so I can give you more details as this pans out. If you don’t get along with the Google Form, please contact me another way.

Why Friday the 25th of May?

I plucked it out of thin air – seemed far enough away to get this off the ground. If it clashes with some global event then it may have to be shifted but let’s go on the premise that it won’t.

Why a day?

Sure this may exclude some folks but, hey, what can you do? I want something a bit more substantial than an evening event (but perhaps this will lead off onto such events).

Are you sure this is going ahead?

Yep. This is going ahead in some shape or form. If you want to listen to some bright people talking about some fantastic technology then put your name down.

Ultimately this event is being run for the benefit for the profession so I’m guessing that if we all pull together, it’ll be pretty cool with a decent piss up in the evening to boot.

See you in May

Joel

(ps I’ll keep a running log of updates below…)

Updates

3rd Feb 2012 

Things are moving quickly now and I’m loving all the great speakers coming forward – about 5 are confirmed – we have some great topics lined up. Also, a proper name for the event has bubbled up and it is now called “port80” (geddit?) – next week there will be a website and a twitter account.

I’m also hoping that by the end of next week, tickets will be on sale. Best not hang around I suppose!

Nice

1st Feb 2012 

Wow! What an amazing response! It seems that lots of other web folks are really excited about such an event as well. I’ve already pencilled in some top drawer speakers. Pretty bloody good going  after 1 day! Please shout out though if you fancy speaking, especially if you’re local.

As I guessed, it looks like the event will have to be charged  for (there are too waaay many hard costs) but this will be kept to an absolute minimum – no-one is getting rich here…FOWD this aint

Venue will be announced shortly, two options are already available but I’m looking at a third.  

Don’t forget to put your name down to receive first dibs on tickets etc

Shout out if you have any questions – Joel