If you enjoy speaking in front of people, and would like to go to Solidworks World for free, then head over to the Solidworks World 2009 Call For Papers Website. By submitting your presentation idea, you could be chosen to present along side a group of other well known Solidworks users. You have the option of presenting a hands-on session, or a break-out session where you present on a big screen, and everyone watches.
Here are a few hints to get a good audience:
1. Keeps the slides to a minimum. There is a saying "Death by Power Point". You can do some nifty things with power point, but that gets boring. Use Solidworks live as much as possible.
2. Tips, Tricks, & How-To. Users love to see how they can do things better and faster in Solidworks. The tips and tricks presentations are usually the most attended.
3. Practice. Speaking in front of people isn't all that bad, I actually find it fun! Before your trip to Solidworks World, attend a local user group to give your presentation, or give it to the people at your work. The more polished your presentation is, the better it will be received.
4. Q&A. Leave time at the end for the questions people will have. If you get stumped by a question, open the question up to the entire room, and someone is bound to know. Just make sure to leave sometime for questions, people are going to want to know how and why you did something.
5. Have Fun. No one likes a speaker thats real stiff. One of the reasons that I enjoy Matt Lombard's presentations each year is because he is a comical guy. He isn't afraid to make fun of himself, and keep the session on a light note. Who else do you know that carries a spare mouse in their bag?
So will I be presenting? If I had the time, I would do it. I give about 2-3 presentations a month between work and the user group, so I get my fill! Mostly though, I simply don't have the time at the conference. Between running from session to session, and posting entries on line, time is scarce from about 7-5 during the conference.
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