Jason Robb

There are a lot of tempting conferences to attend. They’re a great way to network. But mainly, the inspirational value of being at one of these is paramount.

After walking out of An Event Apart Boston ‘07, I was profoundly changed. I felt more connected to the community. It gave me a healthy dose of confidence. And I got to meet a bunch of the nicest people in the industry. So, here is a list of awesome conferences I’d like to attend. Some have already passed, but they’ll come again soon.

Webstock

New Zealand, February 11-15, ‘08 ($???) - Down under, this would be awesome to attend. A week of web goodness. Never been to one, yet. Perhaps some day!

Webstock is a range of web-related events with the aim of improving how websites are built through inspiration, education, insightful analysis and practical application. It features industry leaders and kick-ass speakers talking on topics such as accessibility, web standards, usability and other best practices.

Markup & Style Society

Boston, March 13, ‘08 (Free) - I’ve already mentioned this one. I attended the last one, it was great. I was pleasantly surprised by the short talks on grid-lastic layouts, em-based layouts, craftsmanship, and progressive enhancement. Good show gents. Forsooth.

The Hon. Messrs. Cederholm and Marcotte requeft the pleasure of your company at the moft esteemd Markup and Style Society to convene at Filament Group (102 South Street, 3rd floor, Boston) at seven o’ the clock on the 13th day of March. Charlatanf, ruffianf, and lay-aboutf need not apply.

iA Summit

Miami, April 10-14, ‘08 ($680) - Wish I could go, looks like a killer time. I talked with Candy Shwartz on Monday, a former president of ASIS&T (the organization that hosts the event), and she highly recommended attending. I’m definitely looking forward to next years conference!

The IA Summit is the premier gathering place for those responsible for the structural design of shared information environments; those who dabble or dive into the art and science of organizing and labeling information to support usability and findability; and anyone interested in the community of practice that brings principles of design and architecture to the digital landscape.

Seed Conference

Chicago, June 6, ‘08 ($499) - The new version of their site is all text, a lovely example of how an all-hypertext web site can be very beautiful and effective. The event format seems very hand-on and focused on teaching usable concepts. Wish I could go. I hope it doesn’t sell out any time soon. Probably will though.

Learn about taking control of your own work by seeking out methods to inspire new thinking and adopt unconventional ideas about collaboration and business via six presentations and discussions led by 37signals, Segura Inc, Coudal Partners and friends.

An Event Apart

Boston, June 23-24, ‘08 ($895) - Last year was astounding. I’ll be there this year if I can muster the mustard, errr… moneys. The two-day format is especially nice, the speakers don’t seem rushed off the stage, and the breaks in between each give time to chat it up. Catered breakfasts and lunches, free coffee, sponsored party after the first night. Best. Event. Ever.

Join Eric Meyer, Jeffrey Zeldman, and special guests to gain a deeper understanding of web standards and emerging best practices. Be inspired by fresh ideas and new directions. Join the greatest minds and hottest talents in web design today.

Future of Web Design

New York City, November 7, ‘07 ($250) - I went to the one in New York, last November. I really enjoyed what the speakers had to say. Some of them focused on the future, others less as much. I’m not complaining, just saying is all. The venue wasn’t great, poor acoustics, poor lighting (those were complaints). Cheap ticket price was nice! No lunch, no coffee. After party was fun. I would go again if they came to Boston.

Am I missing something? SXSW seems a bit obvious. I might want to go some day. Though I really enjoy small crowds over larger ones. Not sure why, but this event just doesn’t appeal to me very much. I could be wrong.