Convergence08 Unconference: Bringing Life to Big Ideas. Computer History Museum. Silicon Valley, California. November 15-16, 2008.
Program
The action will run from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM on Saturday, with an optional dinner 6:30 to 8 PM, and 10 AM to 5:30 PM on Sunday – all at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View.
If you are in Sunnyvale on Friday night, meet other attendees at Faz Restaurant, adjacent to the Sheraton, at 7 PM.
Saturday Program
- 9:30 – 10 AM
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Check-in and coffee. All participants should have pre-registered in advance. Registrations accepted at the door on a space-available basis only.
- 10 – 11 AM
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Artificial Intelligence: the next level
To kick off Convergence08, we'll hear a very different AI debate: not whether to create AI, or which technical path will work fastest, but "How can we use AI technology to build the world we want to live in?" Four AI pundits thrash it out, and then we all join in!
- 11 – 12 PM
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The Future by Design. The "un" begins: Unconference facilitators weave their magic to extract from the assembled multitude our deepest desires, our most urgent needs – in short, as a group we co-evolve the world's most exciting conference schedule, to be implemented on our behalf this afternoon.
- 12 – 1 PM
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Absorption. Indulge in restorative cuisine aimed at maximizing our brainpower for the adventures to come.
- 1 – 4 PM
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Competing Options, Tempting Choices, Intense Involvement. From the riches on offer we each grit our teeth and choose the top three we absolutely cannot do without – starting a nanotech career, extending our lifespan, building the first truly smart computer, maximizing security and privacy, and so many more. We may lead a discussion, do a demo, recruit for our next project or company, or incite a revolution – probably technological, but anything is possible at Convergence08. Snacks will appear during this marathon, but don't slow down – just grab and go, or you'll miss something.
To get your favorite topics included, add them to the wiki, or send them to main@convergence08.org and we'll do it for you.
- 4 – 4:30 PM
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Inspiration. Even an Unconference needs targeted words of wisdom from one who sees further than most of us can take the time to do. Here's when we learn how it all fits together, from world-class forecaster and quotemeister Paul Saffo.
- 4:30 – 5:30 PM
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Merge. We reconvene in the big group to compare what's been learned, what's been founded, and what assumptions have been blown up in the past four hours. The seeds are planted for tomorrow's choices; demands are made that the best ones be continued on Sunday.
- 5:30 – 6:30 PM
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Break for email, blogging, etc.
- 6:30 PM on
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Celebration. Optional dinner here at the Computer History Museum, advance signup required. We'll rejoice in today's progress, plot and scheme for tomorrow, applaud whoever deserves your applause. We'll also eat a yummy meal, but the great food is secondary to the conversation.
Sunday Program
- 9:30 – 10 AM
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Schmoozing and coffee
- 10 – 11 AM
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Synthetic Biology: life engineering moves into your garage
We're on the path to juggling biological components the same way we now juggle bits. Does this thrill you or scare you? Four visionaries sketch the huge upsides and weird downsides of bringing digital-style control and a hobbyist approach to the globby mess we are today.
- 11 – 12 PM
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The Future by Design. The "un" ramps up: We review today's plan as a group, make any desired tweaks, and start making those tough individual choices between sessions.
- 12 – 1 PM
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Absorption. We'll need some calories as brain fuel for this afternoon.
- 1 – 4 PM
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Competing Options, Tempting Choices, Intense Involvement. We select our top three and launch into them. Feel free to session-hop if your first choice isn't what you expected. There's still time to convene your own session on the new topic of your choice – maybe something resulting from a session yesterday. Pick up a snack in mid-afternoon to keep you going.
To get your new topic included, add it to the master schedule on the wall, labeled with your name as convenor.
- 4 – 5 PM
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Longevity: How can we get it in time?
Finally you're in a group which understands that "life extension" does not mean "living longer in a decrepit state." It's all about feeling great and making a difference as long as we possibly can, starting now and continuing indefinitely – or at least a heck of a long time. Four longevity gurus let us compare their theories and figure out what to do now for ourselves and our loved ones.
- 5 – 5:30 PM
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The Last Merge. Its been an intense weekend and now we come together to see what's changed – did you decide to switch careers, start a company, co-author a book, change continents? How can Convergence sponsoring organizations help you achieve your goals?
- 5:30 PM
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It's over for another year – swap email addresses and run for your plane, or head back to the day-to-day world with a new perspective.