Last year, we had an awesome panel at Netroots Nation. Largely thanks to the work by Andrew Hoppin, although myself and Bill White also contributed. Join me over the fold, for a discussion about a potential space panel at this year's Netroots Nation.
For those of you curious as to last year's space panel, I can say it was really great. We had Patricia Grace Smith, Lori Garver, Chris Bowers, and George Whitesides. You can read all about it here.
So, that was last year. But what about this year, I hear you asking. Well, a group of us are attempting to put together at least 1 panel this year, and we are trying to actually do multiple events, including having another panel/event at ISDC, in tandem with Netroots Nation. Some of the names being discussed for invitation and discussion are
George Whitesides (National Space Society, President Obama's transition team)
Loretta Whitesides (Space Generation and space activist)
John Gedmark (Personal Spaceflight federation)
Chris Bowers
Lennard Fisk (formerly of NASA Science Mission Directorate)
Esther Dyson
Bob Werb
Pat Bahn (TGV rockets)
Nader Elhefnawy
I want to be clear, this is hardly a final list, and it may be that none of these people would be on the panel, or it may be that the panel will only use people from this list. That is all to be determined at this point.
As for the topics being discussed, can space be a viable solution/help to the problems we face? And how can we actually organize the liberal space community, so that it better interacts?
But I am interested and want your suggestions. For example, who on the list interests you? Who have I not mentioned, that you would be interested? Also, this year Netroots Nation is asking about doing something new and different with the panels. Quoting from the NN page
Think outside the box with regard to format. How will the speakers interact and what viewpoints each will represent? What non-traditional ways can you think of to move the dialog along? Four panelists with a moderated Q&A is just one option. Other possible formats: an interview-style conversation, an audience-moderated session, one dynamic speaker followed by a facilitated breakout discussion, or a session that uses video or social media heavily for feedback. Be creative!
So, should we simply retain the traditional 4 person panel? Or is there a better option, that makes more sense?
Feel free to offer your comments and input in the comments below