I would also like to see more forward-thinking, futuristic talks. I always look forward most to the keynotes, as they help inspire me to push the field forward, rather than being mired in the minutiae of current day techniques and implementation (which I find relatively useless at a conference given that it's far more effective to read about it online).beside things like:
Speakers covering the web from a 'real' position - there's lots of aspirational and ideal world talk at conferences, the best things I find to take away are those which are attainable, achieveable goals not just shooting for the stars. As always, it's about finding the right mixture.or this
I would be interested in learning the best practices for freelancers and small shops that help them stay organized, focused, and productive.beside things like:
I've also felt that the last conference was more targeted towards freelancers and less to those 'professional' developers/ designers who have a lot of internal politics to get through.it's always amusing and disheartening in equal measure. Ultimately we do the numbers on comments like this and disregard things which seem to be in the minority, or strike compromises when there really does seem to be a collection of polarised opinions on a topic. But it does always give you pause as we're sorry to displease anyone really.Anyone got any thoughts on what's really going on when you get comments like that?" ["post_title"]=> string(96) "Reflections on the first 24 hours of the Web Direction South 2010 "Tell us what you want" survey" ["post_category"]=> string(1) "0" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(94) "reflections-on-the-first-24-hours-of-the-web-direction-south-2010-tell-us-what-you-want-survey" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2010-02-09 12:04:44" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2010-02-09 02:04:44" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(36) "http://www.webdirections.org/?p=2372" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "6" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [4]=> object(stdClass)#118 (25) { ["ID"]=> int(2369) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "3" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2010-02-09 09:50:43" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2010-02-08 23:50:43" ["post_content"]=> string(708) "If you want to speak at Web Directions South this year, here's your chance to propose a topic.Even if you don't want to speak, you can also give us feedback and your thoughts on what you'd like to hear about this year, and who you'd like to see speak as well. And any other feedback that you think will help make the event even better.We'll be announcing the conference in the next couple of months, but you can already book the dates - October 12 to 15th 2010, in Sydney, again at the Convention Centre." ["post_title"]=> string(73) "Want to speak at Web Directions South 2010? Got Feedback and Suggestions?" ["post_category"]=> string(1) "0" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(71) "want-to-speak-at-web-directions-south-2010-got-feedback-and-suggestions" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2010-02-09 09:50:43" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2010-02-08 23:50:43" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(36) "http://www.webdirections.org/?p=2369" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [5]=> object(stdClass)#119 (25) { ["ID"]=> int(2366) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "3" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2010-02-04 14:31:39" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2010-02-04 04:31:39" ["post_content"]=> string(1480) "In late 2008, we did our first comprehensive State of the Web survey, with well over a thousand respondents from all over the world answering. The aim was to capture a snapshot of the technologies and importantly practices and philosophies of professional web designers and developers. We published the detailed report from this survey about a year ago.We're now running the next installment of the report. Many of last years questions have been kept, and some refined based on feedback. We've also added some new questions, given the rise of HTML5, CSS3, cloud computing and other developments in the last 12 months (yes, all these were around 12 months ago, but have become far more significant in the meantime).If you have a few minutes, please do take the time to complete the survey, and help track developments. As an encouragement, everyone who completes the survey gets a PDF copy of the first and second editions of Scroll Magazine. Plus there's plenty of prizes we'll give away at random, including a ticket to a Web Directions conference of the winner's choice (sadly, they'll have to get themselves to the event).The survey runs until Feb 28th, so do take the survey if possible, and we'll be posting the results and a report not too long after that. " ["post_title"]=> string(32) "State of the Web Survey for 2010" ["post_category"]=> string(1) "0" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(32) "state-of-the-web-survey-for-2010" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(56) " http://www.webdirections.org/the-state-of-the-web-2008/" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2010-02-04 14:31:39" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2010-02-04 04:31:39" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(36) "http://www.webdirections.org/?p=2366" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [6]=> object(stdClass)#120 (25) { ["ID"]=> int(2355) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "3" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2010-02-01 15:11:43" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2010-02-01 05:11:43" ["post_content"]=> string(7364) "In 2005, not long after WE04, the first conference we helped organise, well known UK web industry expert Patrick Griffiths, of HTML Dog fame, launched @media. An instant success, @media and Web Directions have always shared very similar DNA - a passion for the web, standards, accessibility and best practice, coupled with practical, real world content delivered by genuine experts (and much more) - and both have become focal points for the web design and development communities in their respective parts of the world.As Patrick announced at @media09 in London last June, he's decided to move on to a new industry, and new challenges, and Maxine and I were honoured to be able to take over the reins to continue the fine tradition of @media.So, with real excitement, and perhaps a little trepidation, we're announcing Web Directions @media for 2010. Our aim is to maintain the integrity, relevance, and quality of one of the world's longest running and most highly respected conferences for web professionals, while bringing new life to the event. With our years of experience, and close ties with the web profession in the UK and beyond, we're very confident of achieving that.This year, for the first time, @media features two optional days of workshops, and the Web Directions Expo, which has been a great hit for some time at our conferences around the world. It will be fully catered, and feature opening and closing night networking events. And, to top it off, we've kept the price the same as 2008!
Two Tracks - for the Designer and Developer in you (or your team)
When it comes to Web Design and Development, one size doesn't fit all. That's why this year @media features both a design and development track, 20 sessions in total, covering the latest in web site and application design and development technologies and practices, with leading practitioners (not just talkers) from the UK and around the world. Every session is a deep dive into focussed subject areas, not just a high level overview which can often be the case. Couple this with amazing keynote speakers, and our independent editorial policy, and you'll get 100% highly relevant, in-depth content, with no filler, or thinly veiled advertisements. See the program in detail here.The speakers
This years speakers include- Steve Souders, Web performance guru at Google
- Hannah Donovan, Creative Director at Last.fm
- Tom Hughes-Croucher, Senior Developer in Yahoo's Open Strategy Group
- Doug Schepers, Rich Web Clients Activity Lead at the W3C
- Matt Biddulph, co-founder of Dopplr
The sessions
With new versions of Firefox, Safari, Chrome and Opera coming thick and fast, each implementing more and more of CSS3 and HTML5, not to mention developments with the mobile web, and new devices like the iPad, the rate of change web developers and designers must keep up with has once again increased dramatically. At Web Directions, we track these developments, and bring you leading practitioners to help you stay up to date. This year, @media sessions include- HTML5 for web designers
- CSS3
- HTML5 for Web application developers
- Geo enabling your web sites and applications
- Designing for the web with grid systems
- Building native mobile apps with web technologies
- improving your sites' performance
Workshops
For the first time in 2010, we're also featuring an optional two days of in-depth workshops leading up the conference, lead by leading experts.- Andy Clarke - Advanced CSS styling
- Remy Sharp - Browsers with Wings: HTML5 APIs
- Christian Crumlish - Designing social interfaces
- Jeremy Keith - Get semantic with Microformats and HTML5
Social Events
At Web Directions, we know it's not just fantastic content and speakers which make an event worthwhile - it's also the connections you make, or continue with your peers from around the UK and the world. That's why our events are always fully catered, so you don't need to wander off to grab a bite to eat, and feature both an opening night reception, and closing night party. The week of a Web Directions event also sees many other events taking place, giving you plenty of opportunity to connect with others in the industry. See what's happening here.The Deal
@media features some of the world's leading web experts. It focusses on technologies and practices vital to today's web professional. It's fully catered, with social events galore. It's conveniently located on London's Millennium Mile in the heart of London. Surely it's got to cost an arm and a leg? At Web Directions, we believe our conferences should be as accessible to the largest number of people possible, and so fix the price at "around a cup of coffee each working day of the year". Until February 28, you can register at our early bird rate of just £449 +VAT (even less for past attendees). That's the same price as 2008!Full day workshops, also fully catered, are just £299 for conference attendees each, or £325 for others.To register, visit the site.Best conference ever
Find out why world renowned speakers have described Web Directions as "the best conference ever", and why people come back to our events year after year. Keep June 10 and 11 clear in your diary, and fall in love with the web all over again at @media 2010.Take advantage of the strong Euro
With the Euro so strong against the Pound, and cheap flights from all over Europe to London (most less than €100 return including taxes) and London hotels less than you might expect, why not take the opportunity to visit one of the world's great tourist destinations, and attend one of the worlds great conferences at the same time. All for probably less than the price of many well known web conferences alone." ["post_title"]=> string(52) "Announcing Web Directions @media - London, June 8-11" ["post_category"]=> string(1) "0" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(48) "announcing-web-directions-media-london-june-8-11" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(387) "http://atmedia.webdirections.org/workshops http://atmedia.webdirections.org/workshops http://atmedia.webdirections.org/workshops#advanced-css-styling http://atmedia.webdirections.org/workshops#browsers-with-wings-html5-apis-workshop http://atmedia.webdirections.org/workshops#designing-social-interfaces http://atmedia.webdirections.org/workshops#get-semantic-with-microformats-and-html5" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2010-02-01 15:11:43" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2010-02-01 05:11:43" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(36) "http://www.webdirections.org/?p=2355" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "1" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } } ["post"]=> object(stdClass)#114 (25) { ["ID"]=> int(2389) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "3" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2010-02-24 12:25:46" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2010-02-24 02:25:46" ["post_content"]=> string(1120) "Web Directions is very proud to be hosting a really special and fun event on the Friday morning of @media: the Boagworld Big Breakfast. Boagworld is the longest running web design podcast with a passionate and dedicated community from all backgrounds. The show offers something for everyone from the hard core developer to inexperienced website owner. Hosted by Paul Boag and Marcus Lillington, the show has become known for its mixture of educational information, news and lighthearted banter.It's a great honour for us that the episode for the week of June 13 will be recorded live at Web Directions @media, and we'd love you to be there for this the inaugural Boagworld Big Breakfast. We just know this is going to be a highlight of the conference, but make sure you don't miss out. As numbers are limited, we'll be including a free pass to the breakfast only for the first 200 people who register for the conference, so make sure you get that registration in early!" ["post_title"]=> string(33) "Boagworld Big Breakfast at @media" ["post_category"]=> string(1) "0" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(32) "boagworld-big-breakfast-at-media" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2010-02-24 12:25:46" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2010-02-24 02:25:46" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(36) "http://www.webdirections.org/?p=2389" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } ["queried_object"]=> NULL ["queried_object_id"]=> int(0) }News from February 2010
Memories and articles from back in the day
Boagworld Big Breakfast at @media
- In: Blog
- By: John
- February 24, 2010
- No Comments
Web Directions is very proud to be hosting a really special and fun event on the Friday morning of @media: the Boagworld Big Breakfast. Boagworld is the longest running web design podcast with a passionate and dedicated community from all backgrounds. The show offers something for everyone from … Read more »
John Resig speaking at @media
- In: Blog
- By: John
- February 18, 2010
- No Comments
That’s right, someone we’ve been trying for literally years to get to come and speak at one of our events, John Resig, father of JQuery, is speaking on JavaScript testing at @media in London in June.
As web applications mature, the need to test systematically and thoroughly is becoming … Read more »
AIIA 2010 iAwards
- In: Blog
- By: John
- February 17, 2010
- No Comments
The Australian Information Industry Association, a long time industry Partner of Web Directions, has recently launched the 2010 edition of the iAwards, now in it’s 16th year, and Australia’s premier technology innovation awards program.
With 18 categories, including startups, tools, tourism, student projects, education and government, whatever solutions you … Read more »
Reflections on the first 24 hours of the Web Direction South 2010 “Tell us what you want” survey
- In: Blog
- By: Maxine
- February 9, 2010
- 6 Comments
Yesterday I launched our “Tell Us What You Want” survey for Web Directions South 2010. In essence this is a call for papers really, it’s just that we don’t like using that term as we think it makes us sound like some sort of antediluvian academic symposium, which, I’ll … Read more »
Want to speak at Web Directions South 2010? Got Feedback and Suggestions?
- In: Blog
- By: John
- February 9, 2010
- No Comments
If you want to speak at Web Directions South this year, here’s your chance to propose a topic.
Even if you don’t want to speak, you can also give us feedback and your thoughts on what you’d like to hear about this year, and who you’d like to see … Read more »
State of the Web Survey for 2010
- In: Blog
- By: John
- February 4, 2010
- No Comments
In late 2008, we did our first comprehensive State of the Web survey, with well over a thousand respondents from all over the world answering. The aim was to capture a snapshot of the technologies and importantly practices and philosophies of professional web designers and developers. We published the … Read more »
Announcing Web Directions @media — London, June 8–11
In 2005, not long after WE04, the first conference we helped organise, well known UK web industry expert Patrick Griffiths, of HTML Dog fame, launched @media. An instant success, @media and Web Directions have always shared very similar DNA — a passion for the web, standards, accessibility and best … Read more »
Stay in touch
- Our awesome weekly newsletter:
- Twitter: @webdirections
- Keep up with the latest in HTML5, app development, platforms, devices and more at our blog, the web, unplugged
What do you know?
Live dev and design screencasts
State of Web Development Reports
Flip through our detailed reports focussing on the technologies and techniques used by web professionals around the world.
- State of Mobile Web Development (2011)
- State of Web Development (2010)
- State of Web Development (2008)
Slides and podcasts from previous events
- accessibility
- coding
- css
- data
- design
- development
- html
- innovation
- interaction design
- javascript
- mobile
- strategy
- usability
- user experience
- visual design
- wdn08
- wds07
- wds08
- wds09
- web standards
Jobs from jobs.webdirections.org
Post contract, part-time or full-time job offerings for web professionals of all types for free, or find properly qualified job openings as a web professional.

