Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect from attending VizConf?
Energy, learning and fun! VizConf consists of two keynote presentations, with the rest of the day being organised as an Open Space. This is a conference format that allows you to bring your own topic to present, or suggest topics for other conference attendees to present on. Based on the topics submitted, we'll co-create a schedule for the day.
Read more about the open space format in our interview with host Michelle Walker from 2018.
Energy, learning and fun! VizConf consists of two keynote presentations, with the rest of the day being organised as an Open Space. This is a conference format that allows you to bring your own topic to present, or suggest topics for other conference attendees to present on. Based on the topics submitted, we'll co-create a schedule for the day.
Read more about the open space format in our interview with host Michelle Walker from 2018.
Don't worry if you don't have a topic! We guarantee there will be a range of experienced, engaging practitioners with interesting presentations for you to enjoy, plus you'll have plenty of food and real coffee all day long. Relax and enjoy the talks and networking. At 5.00pm we'll wrap it up and head to The Cherry Tree, a local bar.
Who should attend VizConf?
Honestly? Anyone who attends will get something out of the day, regardless of whether you're a visual novice or a whiteboard master. If you're after some inspiration for how to run better meetings, or looking to work more visually in the office, or perhaps you're a graphic recorder or visual facilitator looking to learn from other experts in the field. Many of the topics are very relevant for teachers, and there is a lot of overlap with the Agile, User Experience, and Product Management disciplines. No matter your background, we guarantee you'll take away a ton of valuable learnings and connections.
Here are some of the terms you're likely to hear on the day: Graphic Recording, Graphic Facilitation, Sketchnoting, Group Facilitation, Agile Coaching, User Experience (UX), Customer Experience (CX), Design Thinking, Service Design, Product Management, Process Mapping, Business Strategy. Our community is diverse, but we have one thing in common: we all love working visually!
Can I attend a workshop without attending the main conference?
You can, yes. We'll be sad to not have you as part of the main event, but if you're only able to attend one of the workshops, that's completely fine. You can purchase your workshop ticket without purchasing a ticket to the main conference.
Where will it all happen?
What should I bring?
Nothing, other than an open mind and a willingness to learn, share, and connect.
Who is behind VizConf?
VizConf is a partnership between the folks at Sketch Group and Visual Friends. Read the story of how the conference came about.
Who is speaking on the day?
This year we have two amazing keynote speakers—Sarah Firth and Heather Martinez. You can read all about them here. In between the opening and closing keynote presentations, the conference will take an Open Spaces "unconference" format.
What is the Open Space format?
Read a comprehensive description of what Open Space is—and how it works--in our interview with last year's (and this year's) host, Michelle Walker.
Do I have to host a session?
No! If you're more interested in learning from others than hosting a session yourself, that's completely fine! Get along to the session that interests you.
Do I have to graphically record a session?
Of course not! But if you're keen to give it a go, you will be well supported. We will provide markers, flip charts, large paper canvases, and plenty of content for you to capture.
What should I bring?
Nothing, other than an open mind and a willingness to learn, share, and connect. Leave the rest to us!
What if I get sick, or my flight gets cancelled? What is your cancellation policy?
We can offer a refund (minus an administration fee) up to one week before the event. After that we are unable to offer a refund, although we are fine with tickets being passed to a friend or colleague if you are unable to attend.
Who should attend VizConf?
Honestly? Anyone who attends will get something out of the day, regardless of whether you're a visual novice or a whiteboard master. If you're after some inspiration for how to run better meetings, or looking to work more visually in the office, or perhaps you're a graphic recorder or visual facilitator looking to learn from other experts in the field. Many of the topics are very relevant for teachers, and there is a lot of overlap with the Agile, User Experience, and Product Management disciplines. No matter your background, we guarantee you'll take away a ton of valuable learnings and connections.
Here are some of the terms you're likely to hear on the day: Graphic Recording, Graphic Facilitation, Sketchnoting, Group Facilitation, Agile Coaching, User Experience (UX), Customer Experience (CX), Design Thinking, Service Design, Product Management, Process Mapping, Business Strategy. Our community is diverse, but we have one thing in common: we all love working visually!
Can I attend a workshop without attending the main conference?
You can, yes. We'll be sad to not have you as part of the main event, but if you're only able to attend one of the workshops, that's completely fine. You can purchase your workshop ticket without purchasing a ticket to the main conference.
Where will it all happen?
- The pre-conference workshops (Thurs Oct 17 – Fri Oct 18) will be hosted at Karstens in Melbourne's CBD
- The main conference (Sat Oct 19) will be held at the MYOB office in Richmond, Melbourne. Read more about the conference venue.
What should I bring?
Nothing, other than an open mind and a willingness to learn, share, and connect.
Who is behind VizConf?
VizConf is a partnership between the folks at Sketch Group and Visual Friends. Read the story of how the conference came about.
Who is speaking on the day?
This year we have two amazing keynote speakers—Sarah Firth and Heather Martinez. You can read all about them here. In between the opening and closing keynote presentations, the conference will take an Open Spaces "unconference" format.
What is the Open Space format?
Read a comprehensive description of what Open Space is—and how it works--in our interview with last year's (and this year's) host, Michelle Walker.
Do I have to host a session?
No! If you're more interested in learning from others than hosting a session yourself, that's completely fine! Get along to the session that interests you.
Do I have to graphically record a session?
Of course not! But if you're keen to give it a go, you will be well supported. We will provide markers, flip charts, large paper canvases, and plenty of content for you to capture.
What should I bring?
Nothing, other than an open mind and a willingness to learn, share, and connect. Leave the rest to us!
What if I get sick, or my flight gets cancelled? What is your cancellation policy?
We can offer a refund (minus an administration fee) up to one week before the event. After that we are unable to offer a refund, although we are fine with tickets being passed to a friend or colleague if you are unable to attend.
The conversation went well beyond "why drawing things is nice", to the heart of why we visualise to think, including the ethical responsibility we have as storytellers.