{"id":563,"date":"2012-02-13T23:31:58","date_gmt":"2012-02-13T23:31:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.austinukgcucco0.web01.sundaramdesign.comm\/?p=563"},"modified":"2012-02-13T23:31:58","modified_gmt":"2012-02-13T23:31:58","slug":"getting-ready-for-the-global-coworking-unconference-2012-in-austin-texas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gcuclegacysite.wpengine.com\/getting-ready-for-the-global-coworking-unconference-2012-in-austin-texas\/","title":{"rendered":"Getting Ready for the Global Coworking Unconference 2012 in Austin, Texas"},"content":{"rendered":"
We’re so lucky to have Iris Kavanagh,\u00a0seasoned community manager<\/em> of Nextspace<\/a>, helping us organize the Unconference side of GCUC. Here, she shares a little on what you can expect when you get to Austin for the Unconference:<\/em><\/p>\n In the past year the coworking world has grown measurably, both in numbers of spaces and in general population awareness. Starting with the first ever Global Coworking Unconference<\/a>, organized by our friends at Loosecubes and held in Austin last March, we have had a chance to gather and form a real life community that reaches beyond our Twitter channels and the Google Group. We\u2019ve seen many mobile and online tools pop up over the past year that allow people in search of community to find a place to work nearby. In October 30 people gathered for a space owner\u2019s retreat<\/a> in LA and discussed topics specific to our unique industry. Our spaces and members have received national press in almost every major news outlet including radio, television, print, and online media. Over 250 people attended the Coworking Europe Conference<\/a> in Berlin in November and in January a small coalition of spaces launched LEXC<\/a> which is the first formalized Coworking Visa program with a technology asset.<\/p>\n Whew! We have<\/em> been busy haven\u2019t we?<\/p>\n Now it\u2019s almost time for the 2nd Global Coworking Unconference<\/a> and thanks to Liz and her crew this year\u2019s gathering is looking to be a fabulous meeting of many spectacular minds. The conference track is abundant with many speakers and panels discussing topics relevant for both new comers and veterans alike. The unconference will be filled with your brilliant ideas and I\u2019m excited to learn, share and grow with all of you.<\/p>\n The unconference will be based on the traditional barcamp<\/a> format and we will build the session schedule when we meet based on who\u2019s in attendance that morning. We\u2019ll follow the Open Space Technology<\/a> norms:<\/p>\n 1. Whoever comes is the right people<\/strong> \u2026reminds participants that they don\u2019t need the CEO and 100 people to get something done, you need people who care. And, absent the direction or control exerted in a traditional meeting, that\u2019s who shows up in the various breakout sessions of an open-space meeting.<\/em><\/p>\n 2. Whenever it starts is the right time<\/strong> \u2026reminds participants that \u201cspirit and creativity do not run on the clock.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n 3. Wherever it happens is the right place<\/strong>. \u2026reminds participants that space is opening everywhere all the time. Please be concious and aware. \u2013 Tahrir Square is one famous example. 4. Whatever happens is the only thing that could have<\/strong> \u2026reminds participants that once something has happened, it\u2019s done\u2014and no amount of fretting, complaining or otherwise rehashing can change that. Move on.<\/em><\/p>\n 5. When it\u2019s over, it\u2019s over<\/strong> \u2026reminds participants that we never know how long it will take to resolve an issue, once raised, but that whenever the issue or work or conversation is finished, move on to the next thing. Don\u2019t keep rehashing just because there\u2019s 30 minutes left in the session. Do the work, not the time.<\/em><\/p>\n Although we will be building the sessions that day, I though it might be a good idea to grease the wheels of our minds a bit with a place to post session ideas ahead of time. Please check out this Google doc<\/a> and feel free to add your ideas!<\/p>\n If you haven\u2019t bought your tickets<\/a> yet, you should do so before the prices go up! As with all community events Liz\u2019s team needs as much help as they can get with gathering the necessary money to make this year\u2019s event a success. If you know of any likely sponsors have them contact Claire Rodriguez<\/a> and she\u2019ll hook them up with all of the important deets.<\/p>\n This year is going to be great! The only thing I\u2019m left wondering is who\u2019s buying the first round of drinks?<\/p>\n
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