OSCON 2019 anthology

Networking Strategies

Eric Holscher shares insights into effective networking strategies at conferences, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity. He introduces the "Pac-Man rule," a simple yet profound approach to making networking more inviting by leaving space for others to join conversations. This rule encourages participants to stand in a way that resembles Pac-Man, with an open space for newcomers, fostering a welcoming environment 1.

The idea is that when you're standing in a group of people, always leave room for one person to join you. It's just like a little baby step you can take towards inclusivity.

--- Eric Holscher

Eric believes that such strategies can significantly enhance the conference experience, making it more inclusive and beneficial for all attendees 2.

   

Community Gaps

Hong Phuc Dang discusses efforts to bridge gaps between tech communities globally, particularly between Asia and America. She highlights the importance of creating opportunities for face-to-face interactions through events like the FOSSASIA Summit, which aims to connect diverse communities 3.

We try to create as many opportunities as possible for people to get together face to face.

--- Hong Phuc Dang

Hong also mentions the rise of open-source projects in Asia, such as Susie AI, which offers an alternative to mainstream smart speakers by prioritizing user control and privacy 4.