Look, we’re all neurodivergent here, and the unknown is the worst. This page is here to help you understand the conference better and know more about the what, when and how.
The conference is a two-pronged gathering of publishing professionals (editors, typesetters, etc.) and authors. There are two “tracks” of speakers: those geared toward the publishing pros and those geared toward authors. You are welcome to attend any talk you like, even if you’re not the “target audience.” We just have them organized that way to help folks know who the talk is geared toward.
In addition to that, there is time to network with other folks and ask questions. There is time between talks, and we are hoping folks will schedule events to network or hang out after the talks end and socialize. The space will remain open for people to chat and spend time together.
The event is taking place on a virtual platform called “Gather.” It looks like a Super Nintendo game (cute pixel graphics). Everyone has an avatar to represent them that they can customize with a large number of adorable accessories. With that virtual avatar, you can have your camera and microphone on or not, as you choose. You can also communicate through text via a chat. You are not obligated to talk to anybody through any medium if you don’t want to, and you can turn off people’s ability to contact you with the exception of direct messages which may be necessary for admin communication. We also have a Discord server which is available all year round and may be used to network, share successes, ask questions, or contact administration.
As you would expect from most conferences or gatherings, the conference is a series of forty five-minute sessions (lectures and panels) on various topics surrounding the topic of writing, publishing, editing, and neurodivergence. The individuals doing the speaking are professionals from various different spheres who have information to share that will be of use to us.
Our speakers are almost all neurodivergent themselves, and anyone who isn’t neurodivergent has experience with those who are or information the conference organizers felt was valuable enough to encourage them to speak.
In addition to the sessions (which will all be recorded, so you won’t miss out on anything!), there will be time for networking and socializing between them with a half an hour between “blocks” of speakers. If you choose to not socialize between blocks, you can use this time to stretch, get a snack, or do whatever makes you happy!
We aren’t asking much of people. The dress code is: please wear clothes. If you would like to wear cosplay, wear cozy clothing, or whatever makes you happy, you will be no less welcome. While this is a professional conference, you don’t need to “dress up.” E. Prybylski, the conference head, will be wearing pajama pants. Guaranteed.
Beyond the clothing situation, there is no specific obligation to talk to anybody, but we encourage you to at least listen to conversations others have (which you are welcome to do) and network where and if possible. Part of the value of a conference is in the meetings you have with other people and the conversations had between the talks. The sessions are valuable and important, but conversations cannot be replicated elsewhere.
You are not obligated to turn on or use your webcam or microphone at any time. If you are comfortable doing so, it is lovely to see our friends and hear them speak. However, if that is too much for you (or if you want to turn them on and off at your comfort level) that is entirely reasonable and fair. You can take time away at any moment. The conference will also have a “quiet space” where you can park your avatar and not talk to anyone if you so choose. This “quiet space” is designed so you don’t need to log out to take a break, since logging in and out may take energy you just don’t want to spend. There are also spaces where you can have one-on-one conversations or small group conversations without lots of other people.
For a complete list of our rules, please check out our Code of Conduct.
The conference is three days with two days of talks and one day of free space. While the full schedule will be available elsewhere, here’s a rough outline of what you can expect:
Day One
Day Two
Day Three
Sessions are, as stated, forty-five minutes long. Panels will be a conversation between panelists about the subject matter, and single-speaker sessions will be individuals discussing their topic. Some may have time for questions and answers, and others may choose to speak through to the end. All sessions are going to be recorded and posted to YouTube after the conference for viewing. Between each session will be half hour breaks to allow for transitioning from one topic to another, locating the room your next session is in, and talking to other conference-goers.
As stated before, there are two tracks, but you may attend any session you find interesting (or none of them, if you find it overwhelming).
