What’s a lightning talk?

Lightning talks are 5-10 minutes long, on any topic of interest to other Python people. It doesn’t have to be about something that you wrote, it can be something that you learned, or a technique you think other people will be interested in.

You know that thing at work that everyone comes to you for help with? Talk about that!

You know that thing you just learned that helped you out? Talk about that!

You know that thing you always wish you understood, but haven’t figured out yet? Talk about that!

Things people say when they think they can’t do a lightning talk:

“Everyone already knows THING_X”

• No, they don’t.
• They think they do, but you have a better understanding than they do, and they will learn something.
• Even if they do, it’s interesting to hear another person’s explanation.

“I’m not an expert at anything”

• You know more than you think you do.
• You don’t have to be an expert, you just have to be interested enough to talk for 5 minutes.
• You can do a 1-minute lightning talk if you want.

“It’s scary talking in front of people”

• Yes, but you will feel really accomplished when you’ve done it.
• Folks at PyCon are super-friendly and is always welcoming of new speakers.
• Everyone is nervous speaking in public, even people you think are not.

“I have an idea but it’s no good”

• It’s a better idea than you think.
• Are there really any bad ideas for lightning talks? :)

Each day we put out poster boards next to the registration desk for people to submit their ideas. At lunch-time we randomly select ‘winners’ who will be notified via email that they have a slot at that evening’s lightning talks or the following morning’s lightning talks.

Lightning Talk schedule:

• Friday, April 17, 5:40pm - 6:40pm
• Saturday, April 18, 8:30am - 9:00am
• Saturday, April 18, 5:40pm - 6:30pm
• Sunday, April 19, 8:30am - 9:20am