[IxDA Discuss] Best conference?

[David (Heller) Malouf]

It is really hard to answer this question for anyone without knowing a 
lot more information.

Sit down with your manager and discuss your short and long term goals/needs?
The purpose of this is to better understand what your current career 
path is, and what you need to get there. You don't need the same thing 
every year and sometimes you may not need what you think.

Things you might want to look at instead the usual conferences:
project management training
skills courses at a local university for a semester
going to an inspirational type conference with less or no hands-on stuff
    smooze, network, inspiration
    This would include stuff like GEL, About For With,
Business skills
    GAIN
    DMI
More grounding in traditional design
    AIGA
    IDSA

Now don't get me wrong, CHI2007 is actually lookin' pretty good this 
year. But to keep flip floppin' ONLY within the UX world seems not to be 
the right strategy. I do like Sarah's suggestion for SXSW. I looked at 
the panels and they look really interesting this year. I of course do 
feel obligated to throw out there UI11 (presenter) which looks GREAT 
especially for an IxD/UID type person. IA Summit is always good, and 
then do consider going to a BarCamp or other "unconference" type event.

Again, I think my main point is that it is really hard for anyone to 
give you good advice on what conferences to go to, especially since 
programs are not close to being set yet even for the early 2007 stuff. 
The late '06 stuff though is there and lookin' good.

Other stuff to look out for are ...
FlashForward
Mix '07
eTech

Anyway, no lack of fun out there for those who want it.

-- dave