Conference+Design

In 2013, the Conference Committee first went into a brainstorming session where we threw in design aspects that each member felt would be appropriate. Some of these are:
 * Somehow extending off of the last Conference in Mountain View Buddhist Temple where we discussed the first half of Shinran's life.
 * This was in anticipation of the Shinran Shonin's 750's memorial.
 * Many people liked the Shinran Walk (with the Shinran Hats). It was different and served to break up the day.
 * Something different than a "talk-share" workshop.
 * Have no schedule or booklet. Use video screens instead.
 * Incorporate how to use video in the classroom
 * Have a video keynote instead of a speaker
 * Have a way to record video during class
 * Need to make Shinran Shonin more relevant. More accessible. More meaningful to current students.
 * Streamline registration by putting it on-line

In working through these ideas to try to unify them, we came upon the "Shinran's Journey, My Journey, Our Journey." That became the seminal moment as we were able to construct the 3 workshops directly around this theme.

There were several issues that we thought of:
 * We didn't want to spend a long time talking about Shinran's life events, but needed to provide a detailed information about events in Shinran's life. We could have done a required reading, but did not find anything succinct nor comprehensive enough. Also access to it was a potential issue with access for books. Therefore, we decided to create an on-line timeline of Shinran Shonin's life events. We further extended this with events in Japan leading up to his life.
 * We also wanted to streamline the registration and recording of it. This was done by creating a Google Form and asking the chapters to fill that in.
 * Although some people might have thought that the Conference would be technology centric, the Committee worked hard to make sure that the technology always supported the content.
 * Using food and sound to support the content.
 * This was the reason for the simple, quiet, contemplative breakfast.
 * The lunch (sandwiches) was supposed to symbolize a 70's lunch. Same with the music, a collection from the 70's.
 * Quiet music played during the Journaling workshop. Allowed sit outside, etc.

During the preparation, we came up with several ideas that *were* implemented:
 * FDSTL Facebook site & 2014 FDSTL Conference event.
 * We have transferred administration to the FDSTL.
 * Family Feud game using a Powerpoint presentation
 * This was based off the ideas presented in 2011 FDSTL Conference in Fresno.

In addition, several ideas came up during production that were not implemented:
 * Clothing order via Website.
 * Video screens serving as maps and conference booklet including ads.
 * Website with maps and conference data (for browsing via smartphones)
 * Online payment for registration.
 * Use of Video uplink by users from smartphones during Workshop 3.

Also due to lack of staffing we were unable to do a weblog or video blog of the event. We did have several people post items to the Facebook FDSTL event however.

One lucky opportunity was the class at San Jose State Computer Science Department where they needed community software projects. We were able to utilize the group to create the timeline and the video collection website.