Patterns & Metaphors
Conference practics
Template:
The practical aspects of conferencing or practics are the care of the materials, facilities, communication and accommodation of a group gathering. The practics dimension must be carefully coordinated with the intent of the conference in order to ensure that it is invisible. Like most services, practics in a conference are usually only visible, only commented on, when something goes wrong. It is wise to assume that this dimension needs a full time coordinator just as much as does the programme itself. The progress of practics needs to be watched throughout the conference just as carefully as does any other dimension.
These "small" decisions should not be placed in the hands of professionals without very clear direction as to the tone and intent of the gathering. An effective conference facility can only embody as much of the conference image as they are given to work with. Getting participants "inside the picture" as early as possible and coordinating with them at every point allows outside services to really serve, rather than have to guess at images of an event, which in the end may not coincide with what was intended.
