I'm traveling on an unpredictable schedule. If I'm in New York at the time (30% probability) I would love to attend.
Just want to say you've inspired me and nyan_sandwich to start talking about a Cascadia megameetup.
Soon. Ben (roommate) and I were going to come up next tuesday to go to Scott Young's meetup, but the Quantified Self meetup happens on the same day, and I would prefer to go to that, but I'm not sure what Ben wants to do.
But, I would like to give my presentation on fashion when I come up, but I need your help to organize. Mostly any weekend would work. I have a video of half the presentation when I gave it in Seattle and the slides to help sell it.
Good luck! We definitely need Megameetups in places other than NY, and it'll only happen if local people make it happen!
Thanks! Do the NY organizers have things they've learned how to do this? I remember a post about the first one, I guess I should go look at that.
Each Megameetup has been different so far. The minimum you actually need is:
1) A large venue (can be a public park, a rented room, or a large house) 2) Refreshments 3) Advertise on Less Wrong
We've had successful Megameetups that didn't have any special theme. But we have tried to make them distinct.
1) Our first Megameetup (last summer) was just renting a room and talking with lots of interesting people.
2) The February Megameetup had several presentations throughout the day, which were also broadcast over a google hangout.
3) The Summer Megameetup did not have any special events, but was held as an outdoor picnic in central park.
4) The Winter Solstice has a lot of shared performance art and communal singing.
If you have a central activity, it should be something that lots of people can participate in, but also ideally allow people to enter and leave if they need to get food or want to wander off and have private conversations.
I know it's mentioned in the linked posts, but it would be helpful if you explicitly said that this is a NY event.
I'm coming from out of state, is this a good place to let the planner(s) know that I'm going to be staying at the Winterfell House from the 15th-16th? Also, would it help to bring something like a sleeping bag?
Yes, sleeping bags would be helpful, and this is a good spot to let us know your travel plans. (There is plenty of floor space but not infinite mattresses)
I've just posted two facebook events for The Winter Solstice Megameetup, the weekend of December 15th-16th.
One is for the Solstice Celebration - a Saturday night of ritual, song, stories and dance, catering to both Less Wrong-folk as well as other anyone with rational/humanist/futurist worldview they want to celebrate.
The second is the official Less Wrong Winter Megameetup, a Sunday afternoon of mingling and conversations with interesting aspiring rationalists. While there will not be a primary public discussion, people are encouraged to come with ideas about their goals for the next year. Take an opportunity to get a lot of feedback from smart, interesting people, many of whom have tackled some big projects and life changes in the past.
Both events are potluck - bring some great food to share with great people.
People from out of state attending both events are welcome to stay the night at Winterfell House. (You are advised to bring a sleeping bag - there is plenty of floor space but may not be enough mattresses for everyone)
If you have facebook, you're encouraged to RSVP on the events so we have as accurate a headcount as possible. If not, and you haven't already indicated you're coming, please reply here to let us know which day(s) you're coming.