Web.start 2008 report

The major Croatian web conference Web.start moved to a better location, the Hypo EXPO XXI Center. It was so much more convenient for networking, because of broad terraces and numerous coffee shops where we all had endless discussions. Very smart move.

Downsides

Too many sponsor slots, sponsor slots too long and timetable was re-arranged on-the-fly a couple of times during the day. But that will be taken care of next time. They promised. And I believe in that, because the team behind the event is getting better and better each time.

On the tech day

All the non-sponsored slots were quite engaging. I only regret that there was no more designers and developers in the crowd, who could make a good use of those. I love how most of the speakers were authentic and shared their tips without a blink.

On the biz day

We found out about all about funding — how much money one can raise for a start-up, what kind of profit angels and VCs are expecting and how the things are going to change in terms of decision making once you’ve been funded. I was surprised about such both-directional and transparent dialogue. Kudos to that.

Models

People as always made my conference

Getting together with some old buddies and seeing online acquaintances becoming friends, T-shirt exchange, iPhone battles, geek porn stories, practical jokes… if only we could arrange such meetings more often.

Next time? Sure.

See some pictures @ Marinshe

Addenum

Superawesome Dragan Babić also wrote an article and reminded me I haven’t linked my presentation :)

Marko Dugonjić is a designer specialized in user experience design, web typography and web standards. He runs a nanoscale user interface studio Creative Nights and organizes FFWD.PRO, a micro-conference and workshops for web professionals.

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