Planning a Free Web Developer Conference CFinNC

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:06:00 -0500

I have the privilege to be involved in the planning process for a free coldfusion, flex and air conference here in Raleigh. It has been only a couple months since I first heard about the idea, but I am impressed with how far we have come to building this conference from the ground up. This weekend we will experience the fruits of our labor as participants from different parts of the country converge on the campus of NC State to learn more about these Adobe base technologies and connect with other developers.

Back in May I remember attending a CFLunch, a monthly lunch put on by the Triangle Coldfusion User Group (TACFUG). Dan Wilson, the TACFUG co-manager was tossing out the idea about putting together a conference in October. I thought he was just goofing around or at least gauging our reactions to the thought. Putting together a conference would be one thing, but within five months? None of us had any experience of planning and hosting a conference, especially not of the magnitude Dan was talking about. However, shortly before my presentation in July to the TACFUG things got more serious, a committee was formed and a location was secured. They were actually going through with it.

After my presentation, I had been asked to present for the conference. I declined, but agreed to be on stand-by in the event someone dropped out or there were spots to fill. I was happy to work behind the scenes though, I am not a person eager to get up front and center. Attending some the planning meetings and helping to promote the event has given me a way learn more about the process of conference building and see that we definitely have some great people willing to step up and volunteer.

This will actually be my first coldfusion conference I have attended. This year I sent one of my developers to CFUnited, a conference I have long wanted to attend. To have the opportunity now to attend one locally with some of the same CFUnited presenters speaking is great. Dan Wilson and Jim Priest, the other TACFUG co-manager, deserve a lot of credit for their effort so far. The other TACFUG members and volunteers have been great to work with as well.

I hope that our participants have a great time during the two day of CFinNC. It is only a day away now and my excitement is building. I know that things will turn out great, and if we just have one person walk away having benefited from this, it would be mission accomplished.

Matthew Darby's Blog - conferences

Planning a Free Web Developer Conference CFinNC