Build, Test, Fix, Retest.
It's time for something different.
It's time for a TestRetreat.
Sign up for TestRetreat here In the downtown Vancouver, on August 6th, you’ll find something different. A chance to connect with old friends, make new ones, and build the test experience you really need, based on your shared interest, right now.
Overview First we create a one-day open spaces event on August 6th, beginning at 9:00AM and running to 5:00PM. We place the event in downtown Vancouver. We'll bring together the best and brightest minds in Software Testing; perhaps a few from the overall process of software (and value!) delivery. On top of that we have an optional Friday dinner, with no content on Sunday. Take the day to relax, move projects forward (more about that later), build relationships, take a leisurely trip home -- or stick around for other events in the area the following week.
Since 2012, Matt Heusser has been running unconferences on the weekend prior to CAST with unofficial AST support. This year, we've decided to make the partnership official, providing Matt with the resources and access he needs to truly integrate TestRetreat with CAST. So come to Vancouver a few days early. Work with some of testing's most serious contributors in a conference that creates emergent value. Take some time to think, to rest, and get to know people Sunday - then attend CAST on Monday, rested and ready to keep going!
Sign up for TestRetreat here Before the Conference Attendance is limited to 50 total attendees; first come, first serve.
Every attendee will list what they want to talk about. Each attendee should expect to offer at least one session to host. Hosts can lead discussion, present, or facilitate.
Sign up for TestRetreat here The Open Space Format Saturday’s “Main Event” will be a full-day
open space conference, with a short theme of “Deliberate Practice.” The longer theme is “Advancing And Influencing the Craft while growing personally and professionally.”
[EP1] After gathering a list of proposals, the group will conduct a rapid vote, called a dotting exercise, then create the schedule based on interest.
In other words, the attendees will build the schedule they want, in real time, based on our interests.
The conference location will provide a continental breakfast and snacks throughout the day. We’ll break for lunch, then regroup and open space for two more hours. In the last afternoon may break into groups by project, to plan what we will actually do. The evening is open to teams to go plan and execute on projects.
The event is also the 2016 gathering for the MiagiDo School of Software Testing, but any serious student of test and quality is welcome to apply.
Sign up for TestRetreat here Why Attend?
- We put the best people in the field in one room – people doing software testing, test coaching, and helping others do it
- That group of people will decide on a small handful of things we could do to impact the software community in a wildly positive way
- The format combines a workshop with Just Enough Structure with plenty of unstructured, informal time. Or bring your own ideas for what to do Sunday!
- We will share our stories, approaches, and ideas about testing
- We will invent and experiment with new testing and coaching practices
- It may involve discussing new, fundamental roles for testers and leaders of testers
- We will discuss, document, and create new ways to influence the state of the practice, as well as projects to move things forward
- How often do you get a chance to sit back and envision your next few years, surrounded by colleagues that can encourage you and offer realistic feedback?
