Skip to content

Agile on the Bench

Today, Emily Webber and I launched Agile on the Bench. Our idea was simple: people gather around a bench and listen to short talks on agile. In the spirit of Speaker’s Corner, we wanted to create a cheap, fun, and no-tech platform for people to share ideas, raise questions and propose (potentially contentious) ideas.

Some people thought we were mad: “Nobody will turn up in a park on a cold November lunchtime to hear people talk about agile.” Turns out, they were wrong; like a flash mob, 16 people turned up in Lincoln’s Inn Fields to listen to four talks despite it being a chilly day. Topics ranged from pasta factories to content teams, bunions to 80s-themed retrospectives – all with agile references.

Agile on the Bench

Images courtesy of Emily Webber

 

The format

  • Presenters are not allowed to use any tech. No laptops, no tablets, no phones. Not even print outs from PowerPoint or Keynote
  • Each speaker has up to 10 minutes for their presentation, plus time for questions from the crowd
  • Each event lasts 60 minutes
  • We will schedule at least two speakers per event
  • Anyone can step forwards to talk after the scheduled speakers
  • It’s free and nobody is paid for speaking
  • Bring your lunch (we’re not supplying any)

However, the above format may change. Today was a MVC (Minimum Viable Conference).

 

Why is it called Agile on the Bench? 

Because we’re talking about agile (and lean) on and around a bench. Oh, and it gives a respectful nod towards the marvellous Agile on the Beach.

 

How do I get involved? When is the next one?

Register your interest on the site and follow @agileonthebench

1 thought on “Agile on the Bench”

  1. Pingback: Agile on the Bench goes Camping | Scrum & Kanban

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.