Session topics and schedule

This is a draft, proposed session topics and tenative schedule for MeshForum 2005. An updated lsit of topics and schedule will be posted as we refine this. If you are interested in speaking at MeshForum, Sponsoring MeshForum or have any suggestions of people or topics for MeshForum, please email Shannon Clark at shannon at meshforum.org.

Broadly speaking MeshForum 2005 will cover at least the following specific aspects of Networks:

1. Overview of Networks - math and general knowledge about Networks from an interdisciplinary perspective

2. Networks as a Marketing tool - using Networks and a deep, rich understanding of Networks as a way of marketing and selling goods. Experts on marketing via Networks will lead a discussion of the intricacies and details, as well as the ways this can be measured, tracked, and managed.

3. Social Network Analysis - using tools and techniques to gather information about the interactions within a group, often within a company. This analysis is then, generally, used over time to suggest new ways of organizing and managing information and resources within the firm. Speakers will represent practitioners of Social Network Analysis as well as tool providers offering applications to capture, mine, and manage social networks.

4. Logistics - managing networks in the physical, "real world" realm. Panelists will be drawn from firms involved in the movement of goods and people, airlines, package delivery, railroads etc.

5. Network security - specifically what is meant by a "secure" network? Is it resistance to failure via an attack on any random node? (internet) What about attacks targeting a specific node, a hub for example? Can networks be secured against these types of attacks? Are there examples which can be looked at which offer suggestions or alternatives? Panelists and speakers will be drawn from diverse industries including Power Grids, Internet networks (IP networks), Voice networks, and perhaps the military and/or other government agencies.

6. "Big Network" - Media. The "big three" (well now more like 5) networks across TV and radio, and many other forms are important and vital parts of the US economy. Is there more to the term "network" in this context? Speakers may include a former president of CBS radio, and hopefully others from Radio, TV, and the Print media. Will the Internet and peer-to-peer networks including movements such as podcasting change these networks in the future?

7. "Scary networks" - How homeland security is using network analysis, as well as what the concept of "network warfare" is and how understanding it is important. Speaker(s) may be drawn from senior Pentagon leadership and/or observers.

8. Economics of a Network - or "how to make money from a power law". Can studying networks offer insights that suggest ways to make money? From analysis of economic markets to the performance of a corporation, does a "network" lens offer a new and important way to analyze business?

9. Biological Networks - ecological and cellular, does the study of biological systems and the emerging science of "network biology" offer lessons and insights which other people working in Networks can use? Speakers and panelists may be drawn from academic researchers as well as some biotech startups working in this emerging field.

Tentative Schedule for MeshForum

MeshForum - May 1-3, 2005 - will have panels and speakers on many aspects of Networks. A few of the topics which are expected to be covered, as well as an early schedule is below. Suggestions for additional topics, speakers, and panel members are invited.

Sunday - May 1st. Opening reception, welcome remarks. A short presentation on active networking may be offered, networking in the sense of "meeting other people" and one or more art exhibitions/videos/installations may be presented. After the reception one or more local Chicago musical acts will perform for the MeshForum audience.

Monday - May 2nd.

8:00AM - Registration opens and Breakfast is served.

8:30AM - Welcome remarks by Shannon Clark (MeshForum/JigZaw)

8:45AM-9:45 - Opening speaker, offering a survey of the "state of the art" of research on Networks in general, the math and science behind them, and laying out broadly areas of future research and study.

10:00-11:30 - Morning panel(s). Probably continuing the overview of Networks with a discussion of tools and techniques for the mapping, navigating, and analysis of complex networks.

11:45-1:00 - Lunch. During lunch participants will be asked to sit in groups and discuss a specific aspect or type of network they are interested in and/or discuss specific problems they have and are seeking assistance. During the course of lunch presentations may be shown and technical tools (WIKI etc) may be used to help capture and share the discussions at the individual tables.

1:30-2:45 - First Afternoon panel

3:15-5:00 - Second Afternoon panel

[optionally there may be an Afternoon speaker in between the panels. Monday's focus will be on the background, on the survey of types of networks, of the problems and research around networks]

5:30-7:00 - Dinner. Again participants will be encourage to sit in groups around areas of interest. Many participants may be asked to "host" a dinner table.

7:30-10:00 - after dinner performances and screenings. A cash bar and local performers, along with space for informal discussion and continuing interaction.

Tuesday - May 3rd.

8:00 AM - Doors open, Breakfast served

8:30 am - Tuesday opening speaker and introduction. Setting a tone of specific industries and specific problems. The goal for Tuesday is that every participant in MeshForum leave with new ideas, new contacts, and perhaps new approaches for their network issues - whether personal or business.

9:30-11:30 - Tuesday morning panel(s)

11:45-1:00 - Tuesday lunch

1:00-2:00 - extended group discussion, with lunch finished and put away, larger groups/open space will be led by groups of attendees - results will be posted back to the MeshForum WIKI and other resources.

2:30-3:30 - closing panel

3:30-4:30 - ending speaker and closing remarks. We'll end MeshForum on a high note, with a keynote speaker who will help us wrap up the discussion and offer some new perspectives and insights for attendees to leave with.

During both Monday and Tuesday art exhibits and short films will be screened and shown between panels.

Tuesday evening all speakers, panelists, staff (and depending on space attendees) who are interested will have dinner together at a local restaurant.

Wednesday - May 4th.

Optional extra day. This is an option, on May 4th, the organizers of MeshForum may offer an extended open space format day for interested conference attendees - if interested in this extended, unformatted day of working discussion and follow up activity, please leave a comment here and/or make a note of your interest in your registration packets, if there is sufficient interest space will be made available, a small additional fee may be necessary to cover food and space for this extra day - depending on participation and other factors.