From: Max More (maxmore@globalpac.com)
Date: Sun Oct 11 1998 - 18:44:11 MDT
Discussion has begun about the organization and format for EXTRO4, the next
general gathering of transhumanists to be sponsored by Extropy Institute.
We'd like to get input from as many sources as possible in the early planning
stages. The following is a list of topics for discussion in this process, and
some thoughts that have already been discussed off-list on those topics:
FORMAT
Based on feedback we've gotten on last year's EXTRO3, the leading idea so far
for the format for EXTRO4 is a more open-ended, spontaneous gathering, with
more unstructured time and opportunities for brainstorming and networking.
We're considering definition of a small group (no more than three or four) of
subject matter areas. "Central" talks and/or panel presentations and
discussions in these areas would be one aspect of the gathering, with
associated smaller discussion groups and "sub-presentations" taking place to
compliment the central events.
To ease the burden of organizing the conference, we're looking for
individuals
or small groups to work largely on their own, but with assistance from the
conference Chair to develop material for the separate subject matter areas.
People with specialized knowledge, contacts or interests connected to these
subject matter areas will work together within a fairly loose over-all
organizational framework to develop content for these separate areas.
SUBJECT MATTER
Initial discussions I've had have centered on the following areas:
(1) The Business of the Future. (Start-ups, investing in technology,
business opportunities.)
(2) 21st Century Social Orders. (Covering economics, law, and politics.)
(3) Memetic Dissemination/Marketing Transhumanism. (How to communicate more
effectively, tackle common objections in particular areas.)
(4) Practical Life Extension. (Presentations on the most effective means of
extending life today and maybe current research, including the latest on
cryopreservation.)
PLACE
Many people have expressed a preference for Northern California. Another
preference is somewhere in the Rocky Mountains or desert West, as potentially
easier (and less expensive) to reach for folks who aren't based on the West
Coast.
TIME
August, 1997 worked well for EXTRO3 and August, 1999 is our current
working assumption for a general time-frame. It is important that we get
feedback on good weekends early on, so please let us know as soon
as possible what times
are good and bad for you. In particular we'd like to know about competing
events that could create scheduling conflicts.
It's important that we decide on place and time for the gathering before the
end of the year so that we can start negotiating for a conference venue and
begin publicizing the event, so I would appreciate feedback on this as a
first
priority.
Thank you,
Greg Burch and Max More.
Please send your feedback either to the list for discussion, or to
conference Chair Max More at <more@extropy.org>
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