For Backdrop Live we have adopted an Unconference format built around interactive discussions with all attendees.

Slideshows and formal presentations are strongly discouraged. 

Thanks to 'how to prepare to attend an unconference' for a few useful tips.

"The unconference* format creates space for peer-to-peer learning, collaboration and creativity."
 

"Take responsibility for your own learning – If there are topics you are really interested in that don’t appear on the agenda at first, you need to put them on there"
 

"You do not need to do preparation in order to convene a session. If you get an idea the day of the event, call a session"
 

"There is no ‘right way’ to lead a session. However there is a bias towards interaction & discussion"
 

"Don’t be upset if only two people show up to your session. Those two people are the ones who share your interest."

Our goal is to create a space where folks are free to ask questions and share information on a peer to peer basis. Anyone should feel free to raise the topics and issues that concern them the most. 

Backdrop LIVE is also a place for the community to plan for the future, set priorities, and hash out solutions to difficult problems in the issue queue or regarding community governance. 

Every scheduled session will be an open discussion on the provided topic. Every participant should feel comfortable to participate at the level they are comfortable. 

Discussions
50-minute group conversations on a specific topic. Discussions do not need to be led by an expert on the provided topic, but the facilitator should be comfortable starting the conversation and someone should be designated to take notes.

Presentations
Every discussion facilitator has the option to link to a pre-recorded presentation to get people thinking in advance and stimulate discussion on the day of the event. Presentations usually include slides or demonstrations and are commonly offered by experts on the subject. 

Backdrop Live is an online (un)conference designed to support and sustain the Backdrop community. It is also a great opportunity for people who are curious about Backdrop to learn more about the software and the community.

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The mission of Backdrop CMS is to "enable people to build highly customized websites affordably, through collaboration and open source software."