IT Conference Program Committee: How to get involved and why?

Table of Contents:

• Evgeniy Yolchev: Leading Expert in Mobile Development
• Speaker Search: How to Choose the Best
• Communication: The Art of Persuasion
• Mentoring: Crafting the Perfect Presentation
• Rehearsals: The Key to a Successful Presentation
• Additional Responsibilities of the Program Committee
• How to Become a Program Committee Member?

Evgeny Yolchev: Leading Expert in Mobile Development

Evgeniy Yolchev is a senior iOS developer at VKontakte, with a wide range of skills and programming experience. Previously, he worked as a full-stack developer, back-end developer, and DevOps engineer, which allowed him to gain a deeper understanding of all aspects of software development. Evgeniy has extensive experience managing a mobile development department and taught iOS technologies at GeekBrains, where he also held the position of dean. His knowledge and experience make him a valuable specialist in the field of mobile development, as well as an expert in modern programming technologies.

Evgeniy is actively involved in the professional community, serving on the program committee of the Podlodka and iOS Crew conferences. He runs a YouTube channel where he shares his knowledge about Flutter and other modern mobile app development technologies. His Twitter activity under the handle @tygeddar allows him to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and share industry news. This contribution makes Evgeny an important figure in the mobile development field, facilitating the exchange of experience and knowledge among colleagues.

Evgeny actively shares his knowledge and experience in various fields. You can follow him on Twitter, where he shares useful information and interesting thoughts. His YouTube channel also features numerous videos to help you deepen your knowledge and skills.

If you're looking for self-improvement, check out the GeekBrains educational platform, which offers a variety of courses and programs in various fields. Professionals and technology enthusiasts will appreciate the Podlodka conference, which discusses current topics and trends in IT.

Don't miss the opportunity to explore Evgeniy's content and participate in events that can significantly expand your horizons.

The primary responsibility of the program committee (PC) is to organize the conference, which includes several key stages of preparation. The PC is responsible for developing the event program, selecting presentation topics, and inviting speakers. The committee also coordinates the review process for presentation applications and ensures the high quality of the materials presented. An important part of the PC's work is creating a favorable atmosphere for the exchange of experience and knowledge among conference participants. Effective organization of all these processes contributes to the success of the event and the satisfaction of its participants.

Speaker Search: How to Choose the Best

At large offline events, a Call for Papers is often announced, where organizers search for speakers among experienced developers familiar from previous conferences. At Podlodka Crew, the speaker search process has its own unique features. We divide our season into two weeks, each dedicated to a specific topic that unites all sessions. This requires us to search for not just interesting developers, but specialists ready to share their experience specifically within the framework of a given topic. This approach allows us to create more holistic and rich events, where each session harmoniously fits into the overall concept.

Communication: The Art of Persuasion

Once we find the right speakers, the communication stage begins. Convincing speakers to present at a conference can be challenging, as many doubt their experience and believe that their information is not worthy of attention. This is a common misconception: often, it is those who have a deep understanding of their topic who perceive it as too simple. However, it is their knowledge and experience that can be valuable to the audience. Therefore, it is important to maintain a dialogue and help speakers understand the significance of their contribution to the common cause.

Our goal is to convince potential speakers that their experience and knowledge can be interesting and useful to the audience. Often, they do not realize the value of their experience, and we strive to convey this to them.

Mentoring: Shaping the Perfect Talk

During the mentoring stage, we carefully discuss the key aspects that should be covered in our speaker's talk and develop its structure. While some experienced speakers can prepare a high-quality talk on their own, most need support and guidance to achieve the best result. We focus on creating a meaningful and structured presentation to ensure maximum effectiveness in conveying information and engaging the audience.

We help speakers organize their knowledge into engaging and logically structured presentations. Choosing the right presentation format is a crucial task, ensuring each session is informative and memorable. Our goal is to create conditions for effective information transfer and audience engagement, which facilitates successful interaction and the exchange of experience.

Rehearsals: The Key to a Successful Presentation

Preparing for a presentation requires a thorough approach and serious work. The program committee plays a key role in this process, organizing rehearsals for speakers. During these sessions, participants receive valuable guidance on the structure and content of their presentations, and also learn effective public speaking techniques. These rehearsals help speakers confidently convey their ideas to the audience and create a memorable presentation. Ensuring high-quality preparation enhances the level of your presentation and makes it more engaging for your audience.

Additional Responsibilities of the Program Committee

The Program Committee plays a key role in organizing and running the conference. We are responsible for preparing sessions, announcing papers, and interacting with speakers and participants in real time. Our primary goal is to create an atmosphere of communication and engagement that promotes the exchange of knowledge and ideas among all event participants.

A conference is not just about listening to papers; it is also a unique opportunity for participants to exchange opinions and experiences. We create a variety of event formats that promote active interaction, allowing participants to easily find common ground and establish useful contacts. Our events are designed to foster an atmosphere of collaboration and exchange of ideas, making each conference a valuable experience for all participants.

How to become a program committee member?

Becoming a program committee member is quite simple if you meet certain criteria. First and foremost, experience in organizing and conducting scientific events will significantly increase your chances. Also important is publications in peer-reviewed journals or conferences, which confirms your expertise in the relevant field. Furthermore, active participation in scientific communities and conferences will help you expand your professional networks and demonstrate your interest in advancing your chosen field. If you possess these qualities, you will be a successful fit for the program committee and contribute to the development of the scientific community.

• Subject matter knowledge. For example, iOS development requires experience in this field.
• Communication skills. SC members actively communicate with the audience and speakers.
• Communication participation. It is important to be involved in events and discussions.
• Public speaking experience. This will help you support and guide speakers in their preparation.

If you are interested in becoming a part of the SC, it is recommended to contact current committee members or conference organizers. Don't be afraid to voice your intentions and clarify what steps need to be taken to achieve this goal.

A direct request does not always lead to the desired result. If the committee is already full, your name may simply be added to the reserve. However, if there are available seats, your chances of joining are significantly increased.

Developing a personal brand significantly increases your chances of successfully joining project teams. This not only increases your visibility in the professional community but also attracts more participants to conferences and events. However, even if no one knows you yet, you have the opportunity to be selected. Our team includes examples of people who began to build their personal brand through participation in project competitions. Being a member of a professional committee (PC) plays an important role in building a personal brand. However, participating in presentations can have an even more significant impact on your visibility. PC members and event organizers are in the spotlight, actively engaging with the community and commenting on each presentation. This interaction not only enhances their authority but also helps expand their professional network, which in turn strengthens their personal brand. Participating in such events allows you to share knowledge and experience, which also attracts attention to your professional activities.