Search

Home > voiceofthedba's podcast > How Long is Too Long?
Podcast: voiceofthedba's podcast
Episode:

How Long is Too Long?
Category: Technology
Duration: 00:05:37
Publish Date: 2019-03-14 16:00:00
Description:

After SQL Bits this year, there was a discussion on Twitter about the length of the sessions and what attendees would like to see. The event ran 50 minute sessions, and that wasn't appreciated by some speakers. It's an odd length, and one that few events use. Even SQL Saturdays often do at least 60 minutes, though often I find larger conferences do 75 or 90 minute lengths. In response to some of the debates about short vs. long sessions, Brent Ozar Unlimited is running a poll as well. I'd encourage you to participate and help shape how conferences structure their schedules.

I've somewhat argued against the shorter session for a conference, or really, at SQL Bits, because the short length is disruptive for me. I've got sessions I've prepared and given elsewhere. Some I'd like to give at Bits and some I'd update and adapt for the event, but cutting down from a 75 minute talk to 45 or 50 minutes is quite a bit of work. I know because I had a session last year that was accepted at multiple events. I had to give this in 30 minute, 60 minute, and 75 minute lengths, which was a challenge. I ended up building the 75 minute version and cutting things out, but it felt like I lost some flow and continuity at the different events. I think this was because it is just hard to practice different lengths and deliver them well.

Read the rest of How Long is Too Long?
Total Play: 0