Preparing for the unconference

What do you want to get out of the 14th HbbTV Symposium and especially our unconference day? A little preparation will help you make the most of the opportunities.

With up to six sessions running in parallel, you will have choices to make on the day. And if you can’t decided on which session to attend, remember that you’re always free to move between sessions or take time out to explore the exhibition area.

The agenda will be built across four 45-minute session blocks with at least a 30-minute break in between each. This gives sufficient time to prepare, network, and talk with exhibitors and sponsors.

Have an idea already?

Share your proposed session topic in advance:

Submit an unconference session idea →

See ideas already submitted here.

Guidance on hosting an unconference session

Any attendee can propose and host unconference sessions on topics relevant to the HbbTV community.

A few tips when planning and hosting:

• Start with an outcome in mind. What do you want the group to leave with – a decision, a list of ideas, open questions?
• Plan a simple structure. Sketch a high-level agenda on a flipchart or whiteboard so everyone can follow it.
• Encourage broad participation. Make sure everyone is heard, not just one or two voices. Keep slides and formal presentations to a minimum.
• Capture key points visibly. Ask a volunteer to note them as you go – it keeps the group aligned and makes reporting easier.
• Watch the clock. Leave the last five minutes to agree on takeaways and any next steps.

You can find more guidance in this blog post from our unconference facilitator, Eoghan O’Sullivan. If you’d like to dig deeper into unconference formats, this is an excellent resource.