* chose a topic based on exploring other peoples’ ideas, rather than broadcasting your own (there are other venues for that). this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t talk, but it’s about the angle to take on your topic.

* topics that are substantial and a bit abstract (“cities as software”, “hacking fitness”, “will bitcoin crash the world economy”, “experimental events”) often have a lot of success. everyone at foo is awesome, they’re great thinkers, super creative types… and already busy as hell in their own lives. so sessions around starting a new project or developing an existing project often draw those who are already committed to that specific area and probably know each other outside of foo. the more abstract topics, on the other hand, often get a fantastically diverse set of people, and unexpected interestingness ensues.

* finding collaborators to run a session– before foo starts– is one of the best ways to bootstrap meeting people. once you see potential collaborators on the wiki (people with similar topic suggestions), track them down on twitter and say hi. if you’re scheming before you get there, you have friends already!

* take notes on what people say in your session, on a whiteboard or big notepad… it helps them realize you’re listening and helps others build on what was said.

Many sessions are very little presentation and mostly group discussion. And some are purely group discussion.

1010. You don’t have to rush to start a discussion in your session. Chances are you are an interesting person, with interesting things to say, that people would love to hear about and understand.

1011. Discussions are good (that’s a lot of the point of foo, I think), but so is good chairpersonship. If one voice is dominating to the exclusion of others, then tell them to shut up. I am often guilty of that sin. The enthusiasm the event generates causes my mouth to run away with my brain.