Technology conference for architects
There's a new conference happening in San Francisco, put on by the AIA California Council this year. It's called the Now-Next-Future conference, and it's about technology for design. Because I'm on the planning committee, I'll give you the inside scoop.
Here's why it's called Now-Next-Future:
Many architects feel they're behind the times on technology. Sure, they're aware of BIM, but they hear people talking about things like Dropbox, Twitter, Facebook, Blogging, and other current technologies that are happening right now, and they aren't sure how to use these effectively (or even if they are worth using).
Then once you get a sturdy foothold on the current technologies, you will probably be interested in what's next. What's right around the corner? What kinds of technology for architects are almost working, or about to catch on?
Then there are those blue sky things that seem far away, in the future. It's fascinating to imagine where our industry may go, and even more fascinating when you get to hear the experts themselves discuss them.
At this conference, the welcome party will be paired with a technology bootcamp. It's a hands-on event where you bring your smart phone and laptop, and volunteers will get you set up on some basic technologies like Dropbox and Twitter.
Then the next day we'll be using the Twitter interface to ask questions of the presenters.
The presentations will be pecha-kucha style, except for a few slightly longer keynote talks. This is important, because it means the conference won't be boring.
The landing page for the event is here.
We haven't announced the speakers yet, but rest assured several of them are pretty big deals. (Nerdy, cult-following "big deals", not movie star "big deals.")
November 2-3
Opening party and tech bootcamp are in AIA SF Conference Room
Conference is at UCSF Mission Bay Conference Center
Hashtag is #NNF2012