I’d like to attend a “Think Week.” Have you heard of the DO Lectures? Sounds *somewhat* similar to the DO lectures:

“fforest is unlike any other campsite. The accommodation is nestled into the landscape offering you full appreciation of the natural environment and wildlife. You’ll be sleeping in furnished tents on raised wooden decks, with space to sit out and take in the view.”

http://www.dolectures.co.uk/about-do/

BTW, I’ve *very* interested in designing (and experimenting with) conference experiences… I led a session at a Bar Camp called “Let us brainstorm brainstorming!” 14 people helped me think through all aspects: http://www.dansmind.com/?p=263

http://www.dharma.org/ims/retreats.php

As the same time, are times like that better for pure thinking or for applying our creative energies in different ways? Perhaps involve some humanitarian / volunteer efforts?

(I wish I had been able to make The Feast this year, btw)

To clarify, we are still going to do The Feast 2010 in NYC. I’m just thinking outloud about different things we can do around a conference that benefits people.

I’m thinking about taking a Think Week from 12/26/09 – 1/2/10. Maybe I can take my experience and see if it can be replicated for 50 people in 2010? I love the idea of starting it with speakers like The Feast — getting completely inspired and having your brain explode with ideas. And spending the rest of the week riding off that momentum to figure out the big picture.

Also, it’s probably worth defining what you mean by output. Experience? Impact? Connections? Learning?

I guess it comes down to what the experience ultimately translates into, which is of course output in some form.

Personally I loved the Feast, but more because of the purpose, not necessarily the format (although it’s worth saying that you executed brilliantly on the format, it’s just that it was a traditional format).

Think Week, or something like Overlap, are all together different in concept, design and in feel very unique in their execution.

I would challenge you to look at something traditional and turn every aspect of it on its head – everything. No wifi, no mobile phones, remote location, completely random group of people, no holds barred…

Overlap is brilliant and such buzz. Next year they’re coming to NYC, so it will be interesting to see how it adapts to more urban surroundings.

Let’s take this offline and I can tell you more about the experience and how to get involved.

I agree with everything you’re saying. Only thing is that conferences where they control everything usually have a higher quality output. It’s the difference between going to a music festival and a concert at a local bar.

I’m loving the idea behind The Overlap as that is something I would love to attend versus attending The Feast (which is something I produce myself). How much did it cost to attend The Overlap?

I’m really torn with The Feast. It’s a great event that a lot of people enjoy attending and experiencing. In 25 years time, it has the potential to be the next TED : ) but would it provide more value if we positioned it as think week instead?

Producing the conference in NYC is extremely expensive. When you factor in venue, catering, printing, travel, etc – it adds up pretty quickly. The $250 ticket we charge barely covers the expenses for the event. Even if we charged $500 a ticket, it still doesn’t make it financially worthwhile.

So, if I had to create something I find valuable, why not make it a think week every November? This allows people to reflect on the past year, and plan for the next 5. Even if no one showed up, I would still do it myself. And if 10 people showed up in 2010, I would still find it extremely valuable for myself and others.

Conferences have become prohibitively expensive to run, due to labor costs, venue costs and because organizers insist on controlling everything, from the program to who speaks and when.

Also, they have become prohibitively expensive to attend and now that organizations have slashed entertainment, travel and conference budgets, only the lucky (or not so lucky) few can attend.

Earlier this year I experience a completely difference kind of conference experience. I was very fortunate to be invited to The Overlap in Monterey, CA.

50 people max, there by invitation only. Thai Chi and long runs along the beach in the morning. Group walks, bodystorming, knowledge games, play and prototyping all contributed to literally a life changing experience.

Following the event, I cofounded thebetacup, which was an idea that I had prior the event, but came together during the event in ways I never believed possible.

The team, including cofoudners, collaborators, advisory board members and supporters were all formed over this incredible weekend and because we were able to explore ideas without constraint or the rigidity of a traditional conference, we were able to establish a bond that will no doubt continue to get stronger over time.

Most importantly, I don’t think we exchanged a single business card over the entire weekend.

@Tobyd