Special Events at Tech Conferences

June 27, 2007 11:42 AM

If you could pick a special event activity at a large technology conference, what would it be?
posted by vraxoin to technology (7 comments total)

Dunk Steve Jobs in a tank of water using iPhones to hit the target.
posted by furtive at 11:43 AM on June 27, 2007

furtive - good answer
posted by mrgreyisyelling at 11:46 AM on June 27, 2007

How many pax?

Scavenger hunts are always good. Great small teambuilding, great competition, good way to see many portions of the city. Depending on the size of the total group, you'll want to create several different hunts, so that you don't get chokepoints through the city.

I'm a huge fan of steering far, far away from anything that requires people to sing, dance, act--perform in any way (unless alcohol is involved). It's just deeply uncomfortable for most participants.

Have you considered doing a bridge-building? I know of one company in Canada that does it; I can only imagine there must be some in the USA. Basically everyone builds a section of a bridge and then it gets put together.

You could break up into small groups and do the standard high school science stuff--limited materials, drop an egg safely from ten feet, for example.
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 11:51 AM on June 27, 2007

Are there any limitations? Does it have to be somehow technology-related?

Here are a few possibilities:
Mario Kart tournament
Pimp-my-PDA
Soap-box derby
Omelet bar
MC battle
Effigy-burning
Drinking contest
Orgy
posted by box at 11:52 AM on June 27, 2007

Best off the top of your head compilable code written to white board with syntax highlighting contest.
posted by furtive at 12:14 PM on June 27, 2007 [1 favorite]

Kickball!
posted by 26.2 at 7:59 PM on June 27, 2007

I agree with furtive on this one. Personally, I would also enjoy a RAD session with different developers throughout the conference. This way I can see different styles and hopefully pick up some good tips!
posted by enriquem at 11:36 AM on June 29, 2007