Welcome to Write the Docs Portland 2018!¶

Yet another edition of Write the Docs is very nearly upon us! We’re excited to see you all soon.

Below you’ll find all the practical information that you’ll need to plan for and navigate the event and activities.

Be Prepared¶

Read the Welcome Wagon Guide. Our Welcome Wagon Guide is packed full of information on how to get the most out of the conference. There will also be a couple Welcome Wagon events that will help you learn more about the conference.
Review the schedule. The Schedule page has the latest and most complete information about the presentations. This is where we will also update any changes/cancellations if they should occur.
Review the Code of Conduct. We have a wonderful community full of diverse and amazing people. We expect everyone to behave in a respectful manner at all conference events and online channels. Our Code of Conduct boils down to “Be excellent to each other”, but the full text is also available. Our cellphone numbers and email addresses are on that page if you ever need to contact us.

Plan a project for Writing Day. The Writing Day will be held on Sunday from 9am-5pm, and you can drop in at any time during the day. If you have a project you want to propose to others, you can pitch your topic during the welcome announcement that will be held at 9:30am. Check out the Writing Day page for a few suggested projects and the blog post for more info on how to get your project listed!
Plan a lightning talk. We’ll have lightning talks each day after lunch. These are 5 minute presentations and a lot of fun. They can be about anything you want. This is your chance to share something you are passionate about with the audience. Slides are not required.
Get ready for the Job Fair. New this year, on Tuesday morning we’ll have a job fair where you can find your next documentarian friendly job.
Plan a discussion. We’ll be running the Unconference all day Monday and on Tuesday afternoon. Want to chat with like-minded folks about a very specific thing? This is the place. We’ll have a sign-up board so you know what’s happening, and supplies to help you brainstorm.
Coffee, breakfast, and lunch are provided on all three days! Don’t worry about coffee before you come to the conference on Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday. Coffee and breakfast are served at 8:15, and the conference starts at 9.

Riding the trains. Public transit is generally excellent in Portland, you can get from the airport downtown on the MAX red line. For more information, see our visiting page which has all the details you need to get around.
Riding a bike. Portland has a bike share program that is having a promotion in May that includes free riding! Check it out while you’re in town.

Join us for a walk in the woods. If you’re planning to come out for the hike on Saturday at 1:45pm, make sure you reserve your spot . We’re hoping for less hail than last year, but bringing a rain jacket would be wise.
Pre-register at the welcome reception. The meet-and-greet event will be held on Sunday from 5pm-8pm. You can pick up your badge and enjoy a couple of drinks on us. This is a great chance to meet your fellow documentarians before the conference starts.
Come to the party on Monday night. This is a private party just for conference attendees. Plan to attend so you can get to know folks in the community. Once again we’ll be at Jackknife at 614 SW 11th Ave, on Monday evening from 7pm, with free snacks and drinks.

Once again, we’re grateful to the companies and organizations that sponsor our events, some of them year after year:

We’re so excited to welcome you all to Portland in just a few days – see you there!

The Write the Docs team