Category Lotusphere
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The session preferences email went out to registered Lotusphere 2007 attendees. Since that has gone out, people are getting some idea of what sessions are most likely to be approved, and what the tracks in general are beginning to look like. This has caused some people to begin discussing the sessions - why ones were chosen, why other ones weren't, and so on. Because of this discussion and speculation, I thought I would give some insight to remove the assumptions and help provide at least some background into the selection decision process.

Now, the following discussion are my own toughts about the selection process - these are the things in my mind and considerations I had when constructing the Best Practices track. While other tracks may have similar considerations, they may also have vastly different criteria to consider.

First, let me restate something I and others have said in the past - we had more abstracts submitted this year than in many years past, and quite possibly it was the most submissions ever (Ed may know for sure). For my track I had over 250 submissions, which is probably 30-40% more than I had last year (from memory - I don't have the numbers for last year in front of me). So, I had approximately 250 submissions to consider for 25 sessions in the Best Practices track - not an easy task from the start.

Additionally we collectively decided that we wanted to make sure the content we presented this year was new and fresh - we found many tracks were relying on many tried-and-true speakers and topics that had been done over multiple years. While we still strive to present the best content given by the best presenter, there are always multiple options within that goal. So this year with regard the Best Practices track, I made a considered effort to present a great deal of new content to keep the track interesting and new.

In addition to actively working to present new content, I also had a goal of introducing a new batch of creative, talented speakers. I worked to create a track with at least 50% new speakers, mixed in with the seasoned veterans you've all come to know and love. And I also worked hard this year to not "wear out" my seasoned speakers - in years past I have used some speakers too much, and I wanted to cut down on that to give others a chance to present their exceptional content.

The Best Practices track also has some additional constraints put on it. That track was designed from the beginning to be "BY the Business Partners and community FOR the Business Partners and community" - which means that it is not a track for IBM speakers (they have ample opportunity in other tracks). In years past I have allowed some exceptions to this rule - including myself last year. This year I worked hard to crack down on this quite a bit more - in fact I am not speaking in my own track! I wanted to bring this track back to its roots - and bring it back to the community that helped create it.

There are also overall "themes" we have for our tracks - breakdowns of coverage for certain products, brands, etc. that we work towards. In that regard I make sure to select some sessions on topics covering areas such as Portal, other Lotus products, and so on. Therefore that means that of 25 sessions, some are obviously covering these other Lotus/IBM products.

I want to say one more thing about Lotusphere 2007 abstract selections, and I want to make this point perfectly clear. NO person is guaranteed a speaking slot at Lotusphere. NO ONE. Not me, not Ed, no one. We have worked hard this year, as we do every year, to present the best content possible. This goal is first and foremost in our thoughts as we work on this content. It is a privilege to speak at Lotusphere, it is not a right. I hope anyone who is not selected understands that the selection process is not personal - it is professional.

In closing, let me say that the content team is very excited about the tracks we've prepared this year. We think that this will be, hands-down, the best Lotusphere ever, as that is our continuing goal.

See you there.

Rock
**I saw a sign in a restaurant that said: 'Try our lambchops. We're dedicated to serving ewe.' - Scott E. Roeben