Python Office Hours/Organizing

Python Office Hours

before

• Keep an eye on the number of RSVPs at ChicagoPythonistas Meetups and PS:One Meetups. This will give you an idea of how many people will show up. We haven't overloaded the space yet, but we've come close a couple of times. It is a bridge we might have to cross.
• Write the wiki url on the whiteboard, and the info for the irc channel. also an arrow pointing to the ceiling for people to find the wifi password.
• make sure we have enough waivers.
• move tables around, perhaps.

during

• write python office hours and an arrow up stairs on the little whiteboard in the entry way.
• say hello, introduce yourself and explain the event. maybe ask what people are interested in and get people to raise their hands if they can answer questions/have questions. I should write down an agenda because I get tongue tied sometimes in a big crowd!
• make sure new people sign waivers
• give a tour to new folks some time during the event
• make sure to keep an ear and eye out for doorbells because we get people coming in starting a little before the event to during. You can use doormon to !open the door for a few seconds, but check down the stairs to make sure people don't get lost.

Here are suggestions based on recommendations from Asheesh talking about a larger project night. We could borrow some of these ideas.

• Asheesh suggests a welcome speech, but people tend to trickle in so there is no good time to do a welcoming speech before. Maybe his idea could be adapted as a 3 minute announcement right before a tour? I'm not sure how useful it is? I kindof like the idea, especially for new people who show up since they don't always have a starting point. Here is an idea for an opening speech: When the event begins, stand up at the front and say: "Welcome! I'm NAME. Thanks for coming. The goal of the event is that people meet each other and/or work on projects related to Python that are interesting to them. We have a wiki (point to url written on wall) with suggestions for tutorials if you need pointers. We have a chatroom (point to wiki url) where people can chat, paste urls to pastebins, etc. If you are new, don't forget to sign a waiver. We will have a tour later tonight for new people."

• Be available for random questions about the event during the event.

• Optional: Take photos so that afterward, you can remember how amazingly great the event was. (but ask permission first)

• Optional: Ask people what they're working on, and if they're willing to give a talk about it (at ps1 we have 300 Seconds of fame, ChiPY has monthly talks, etc.).