[IGFmaglist] IGF 2018 program - understanding the selection process that feed into the program structure
Sylvia Cadena
sylvia at apnic.net
Mon Apr 30 22:33:49 EDT 2018
Hi again everyone,
Really glad the call for workshop proposals is available now. I have shared it widely through my network of contacts and will do a bit more of outreach later in the week.
Although the actual application form is a key element of the process, I am sure you all agree that the biggest challenge is waiting for us, once proposals are received and the selection process began, as the first input to shape the IGF program for 2018.
I am sorry to push again for this, but I have asked this question a few times already and I don't have an answer yet. I really hope that a demo session about how the filtering/scoring system works can be done at the earliest possible convenience to help all of the new members of the MAG that as me, might be lost in how all the comments about shaping the program and applying the criteria will actually work in practice. If a demo is not possible, maybe some screenshots that illustrate the process? It seems like if you were talking about a spreadsheet that has some rules for filtering to generate an initial list. Is that it? Or is an online system that displays proposals based on those rules on the system?
Practical information about how the process takes place, could go a long way to help us comment about the process and provide useful and actionable feedback, especially as every single field the application form collects can be used to set up a filter and the combination of those filters can produce an initial prioritized listing for us to work on. A simulation for example, using data from let's say 10 proposals from last year, to see how these filters will change the listing and what disadvantages or problems can be identified, will be useful to agree on how that prioritization is done.
With that in mind and acknowledging my lack of understanding of the whole process -as I have not seen how it is done- I would like to make the following comments:
- The team of proposers and how they distribute the work for moderation, rapporteur and remote participation speaks about the level of coordination and collaboration among that team, but also about who will be definitely on site (even if speakers change).
- The list of speakers / contributors to the session is useful, but if there is no way to control that they stick to what they propose at the time the event is on, the selection will be based on ideal scenarios, not on realistic proposals. When organizers have to make changes, those changes should be approved only if they do not change the spirit in which the proposal was selected in the first place. For example, replacing speakers unavailable to travel for others that are from the same stakeholder, gender and region should not change the essence of what was proposed. There are many conferences and events were speakers have a separate registration process and sessions are confirmed based on the confirmation of the "line up". In many events, speakers are required to attend mentoring sessions to make sure the style/delivery of their interventions (not the content) will contribute to a more effective communication and discussion. It takes quite a lot of effort, but the result really speaks volumes about how effective the event can be.
I would like to recommend that once we all have a bit more clarity about the how, we make an effort to communicate to the community very clearly how that selection process was done, criteria applied, etc. That step is a key element to keep the community engaged in the long term.
Regards,
Sylvia
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Sylvia Cadena | APNIC Foundation - Head of Programs | sylvia at apnic.net | http://www.apnic.foundation
ISIF Asia, WSIS Champion on International Cooperation 2018 | http://www.isif.asia | FB ISIF.asia | @ISIF_Asia | G+ ISIFAsia |
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