Angelica, Johnny, Kaylyn, and Kris discuss their experiences at GopherCon 2023, including organizing the conference, live captioning, meetups, opinions on JavaScript vs. Go, balancing data-driven decisions, and lighthearted conversations.
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Quick takeaways
GopherCon meetups provided inclusive spaces for various communities within the Go community, fostering a sense of belonging and connection.
Face-to-face interactions at GopherCon created deeper connections and a stronger sense of community among attendees.
GopherCon prioritized inclusivity and created a welcoming environment, making everyone feel valued and contributing to a diverse Go community.
Deep dives
Meetups: Creating Inclusive Spaces
The meetups at Go for Khan provided safe and welcoming spaces for various communities within the Go community. These meetups allowed people to connect with others who shared their identities and interests, fostering a sense of belonging and community. Whether it was the Neurospicy meetup, the queer meetup, or the meetup for meetup organizers, participants felt comfortable being themselves and engaging with others. The meetups also facilitated conversations and collaborations, sparking new ideas and connections among attendees. The success of these meetups highlights the importance of creating inclusive spaces within the Go community and the positive impact it has on attendees.
The Value of Face-to-Face Interactions
Go for Khan offered attendees the opportunity to have face-to-face interactions with others in the Go community. These in-person connections were highly valuable, providing a deeper sense of community and camaraderie. Meeting individuals who had previously only been known online and having conversations in person brought a new level of authenticity and connection. The social aspect of the conference allowed attendees to forge new friendships, collaborate on ideas and projects, and share experiences. These personal connections and shared experiences were a highlight of the Go for Khan experience.
Promoting Inclusivity and Welcoming All Levels of Experience
Go for Khan prioritized inclusivity and creating a welcoming environment for attendees, regardless of their level of experience or background. The conference aimed to make everyone feel valued, fostering an inclusive community where voices of all participants were heard and respected. This welcoming atmosphere extended to first-time speakers who were supported and encouraged, helping to combat imposter syndrome and build confidence. The goal was to create a space where everyone could feel comfortable being themselves, contributing to a diverse and vibrant Go community.
Reflecting on the Diversity of the Go Community
Go for Khan showcased the diversity and inclusivity of the Go community. The conferences attracted a wide range of participants from various backgrounds, identities, and levels of experience. This diversity was seen in the meetups, the speakers, and the attendees. The conference provided a platform for individuals to share their unique perspectives, ideas, and experiences, enriching the overall Go community. The presence of underrepresented groups, such as neurodivergent individuals, queer folks, and BIPOC, contributed to a more inclusive and representative event.
Data-driven decision-making and the need for other tools
The podcast episode discusses the heavy emphasis on data in decision-making processes, highlighting the potential limitations and negative consequences of relying solely on data. The speaker argues that while data can be valuable, it should not be the sole determinant of decision-making. The emphasis on data can sometimes shut down other conversations and experiences, leading to a lack of diversity in perspectives and solutions. The speaker suggests that more emphasis should be placed on qualitative inputs, such as community engagement, conversations, and in-depth understanding of users' experiences.
The importance of community engagement in decision-making
The podcast episode explores the significance of community engagement and communication in decision-making processes. The speaker shares their observation that heavy reliance on data can hinder meaningful interactions and understanding among the community. They emphasize the need for open and diverse conversations, involving not only the Go team but also developer advocates, community members, and other stakeholders. The speaker encourages a more balanced approach that combines data insights with qualitative inputs to foster a stronger sense of community and ensure that decision-making is inclusive and considers a wide range of perspectives.
The 10th GopherCon took place the last week of September and it was a blast. In this episode, we’re talking about our experiences at the conference from several different viewpoints. Angelica as a conference organizer, Johnny as an emcee and workshop instructor, Kaylyn as a speaker, and Kris as a regular attendee.
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