Planing a real life BSP

If you plan to host a real life BSP, there are several things you should consider, before announcing such an event:

1. Number of Developers

This is the most important information you need to be aware of, because all other points from this list depend on this number. For the fun part, there should be more than one ( :) ) person attending, but too much persons attending may make this event quite unproductive, as there will be a lot of real life chatting.

2. Accommodation

Depending on how much persons plan to attend, you have to organize both, place to work and place to sleep. In most cases, real life BSPs will last at least 2 days (or evenings). Fellow DDs or contributors usualy will bring sleeping bags or air mattress with some, so you just need a place where they can trash. For working place, you should have 2-3 rooms with enough tables and infrastructure (see below). Having a place to work and a place to talk might be helpful in some cases.

3. Food

You won't work the whole time. Most fellow also will need something to eat or drink from time to time. Make clear how this will be handled (money). Noone excepts you to pay. But if you find a sponsor (company) who is willing to pay for one lunch or dinner everyone will surely appreciate that.

4. Infrastructure

Reliable network infrastructure is a must for such events. Nothing is more boring than not being able to work because you are offline. Also keep in mind that power might be an issue if you have several dozens PCs running.

5. Date

Choose a date carefully. Do you think it will be productive meeting, if the final games of soccer championship is at exactly that evening you are hosting the BSP?