Metro-SQA: Speaker and sponsor information

Speakers

We are always on the lookout for people who can speak at our lunch gatherings. The expectations are simple:

• Have experience with some topic related to software testing or quality assurance (often just a few months on the job is plenty). If you're passionate about it, you'll have no trouble talking about it.
• Keep the talk limited to 30 minutes. The time goes by quickly.
• Make sure that the attendees can use the information without needing to purchase any particular product or service.

No prepared materials are required, thought handouts and/or a document we can post on our web site would be nice. Flip charts are provided. Using PowerPoint during the talk is strongly discouraged. If you do use PowerPoint, you'll have to bring your own projector.

With our usual meeting format, the time slot for the speaker is roughly 12:00 - 12:30pm. If you are willing to speak at a meeting or can recommend a local speaker, please contact Danny Faught.

If you know of a testing expert who is traveling through the Dallas area, please let us know so we can try to arrange a special meeting with them.

Sponsors

We seek sponsors to buy lunch for each of our meetings. The free lunch provides an incentive for people to attend, and it relieves us of the hassle of collecting money from each person who comes. Sponsors get a link on our web site, mention in meeting announcements sent to 350+ participants on the mailing list, and 60 seconds at the meeting to describe their company in addition to the personal introductions we ask all attendee to give.

Here are some guidelines for sponsors:

• We usually plan for about 15 people. You may request RSVPs to be sent to you, though this often doesn't give a good prediction of the actual attendance. Attendees who arrive late understand that there may not be food left.
• Sponsors may choose a caterer. Small servings are best for reducing waste. Please arrange for two items, such as sandwiches and a smalls fruit tray, or pizza and salad. We're not terribly picky - a free lunch is a free lunch :-).
• Sponsors tend to be helpful by making arrangements with the caterer directly, though we could handle the logistics if you just want to write the check.
• Include a few vegetarian items.
• Bring disposable plates and utencils. Soda, ice, and cups are provided by NerdBooks.
• To make sure there is no appearance of influencing decisions about speakers, companies may not sponsor a meeting when a representative of the company is speaking. Any other meeting is fair game.

All attendees are welcome to bring literature or door prizes to distribute, resumes, business cards, etc.

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