Diversity in Conferences
I’m kinda torn on the wh0le issue of diversity in conferences. Tech conferences specifically of course.
We strive to make our events appeal to anyone and everyone, women, men, children (no joke) etc. I think the whole debate over there not being enough women in tech and women at conferences is more to do with women just not being in these roles as much. Sucks, sure. I don’t think they’re being held back, held up, or hindered. I’ve met many incredibly awesome women programmers. I’m married to one even.
My thoughts on the debate aside though, Tim O’Reilly posted a great call for Diversity though, which I think certainly can’t hurt the situation.
I’d love to get as many session submissions from women as I do from men, despite that meaning I’d have over 300 submissions to go thru to choose 40 speakers, I’d love to have that problem.
I look forward to the day that women, for whatever reason turn out in greater numbers to tech events. If things like this help, then let’s do it!
I’ll be repasting the actual copy into the 360|Flex, 360|iDev, 360|Mobile sites on a diversity page, just to help spread the gospel :)
