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Web Directions North 08

Those who attended this year can attest to the fact that Web Directions North is one of the more unique web conferences in existence. It's smaller size (when compared to say SXSW) makes for much more intimate discussion, reflection and debate on where the web is going. The speaker list was top notch (Jared Spool rocks), and oh yeah... did I mention snowboarding?

Well, Web Directions North is back for Round Two this upcoming January 30-31 in Vancouver, BC (that's right, the BC in Canada).

In addition to hitting the slopes in Whistler during the conference after-event, I'll also be speaking on web design as a business — or more specifically, "How I accidently started a design company in my second bedroom and didn't realize it until years later."

The speaker list this year is amazing with Dave Shea, Derek Featherstone, Andy Clarke, Jared Spool (once again) and the inimitable Jeffrey Zeldman all presenting. I cannot really cannot speak higher of this conference.

Oh yeah, and have I mentioned the snowboarding? On February 1-2 the venue will shift from Vancouver to Whistler for a few days of Geeks in the Snow. Last year was an absolute blast. If you're a designer looking for a break from the traditional conference, Web Directions North will blow you away.

Posted by josh Vip-micro on Dec 03, 2007 in News | 11 comments

Steax on Dec 03, 2007

Thanks for the info, josh. Too bad I'm so far away. I'd love to participate in conferences like these...

And chefs, welcome back. ^^

soprano on Dec 03, 2007

Speaking of workshops, are the slides from Identity Design for the User Interface every going to get posted? (hint, hint…)

Nell on Dec 03, 2007

I also want to see those slides :)

It sounds amazing, I'd also love to go, but it's not too easy for us outside the US or Europe to go to these events. Someday, I promise...

mik on Dec 03, 2007

Psst, Josh, need a lackey for this event?

I probably can't swing it but I haven't entirely given up on the idea yet, so I have a question for those of you who have been to this kind of event or taken single session classes in web dev at some point - How do you choose which sessions you want?

I can rank my preferences by topic, but it seems like those might not be the best choices for a conference venue. The topics I would pick first to pursue on my own might be over my head at this level on-the-spot; I'm not much of an auditory learner; and - no laughing at me please - I don't have a laptop. I have no doubt it would be inspiring, but that's steep $$$ for inspiration, I need to channel it into professional development that pays off within a year or two.

So I'm torn. Help me out!

splorp on Dec 04, 2007

I’ll be there with at least one other web dork from Veer. Can’t wait to rub elbows and some code with members of the ’buffet.

rotassator on Dec 04, 2007

As a regular at Web Directions South (that's the original Sydney version), I hope you guys have a blast!

mik, as for choice, I tend to decide using 2 criteria. Firstly, does the topic apply to me, my work or where I'd like to take my knowledge? Secondly, how much do I enjoy this particular speaker? (personal faves at WDN08 of people I've seen would be Andy Clarke, John Allsopp & Cam Adams) :)

If you do sign up, make sure you use Josh's links (above), as he'll get some affiliate juju for anyone he refers. :P

mik on Dec 05, 2007

Thanks rotassator, it's good to have feedback on particular speakers. I've been haunting the WDN site since the initial announcements so Josh's affiliate links won't do him any good in my case now, but if those pay off for him I'm going to be kicking myself for not posting here about WDN08 myself first.
By the way, for anyone who's a full time student, you can't afford not to go, the deal is too good to pass up.

Tau on Dec 06, 2007

Hmmm. Perhaps I'll get to come. Whistler and skiing are the magic words to my dh.

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soprano on Dec 15, 2007

Looks like a spammer…

Aken on Dec 16, 2007

I wish I would've known about it sooner. I just found out about Web Directions about two weeks ago, and it's just too close to plan at that point. :(