Agile RTP (ARTp)

Are you a fan of the Manifesto for Agile Software Development and in the RTP area? If so, come out and join us on our first meeting. Thursday, March 22nd we'll get together at Frankie's (near Briar Creek) and have a combination kick-off meeting and also a shared event with the agile-carolinas group in Charlotte.

Dr. Laurie Williams will be speaking in Charlotte on Empirical Studies of Test Driven Development and we'll participate via a video chat system.

In the future, I'd like to have on site speakers, but this event gave us a deadline to get started, so let get rolling.

When?
March 22nd, 2007 from 6:30 to 8 pm. We only officially have the room from 6:30 to 8:00. That's their time limit on a free room. However, if we happen to show up earlier and order food (say, at 6 pm), I think we'll be fine.

What?
We'll be listening to Dr. Larie William's Agile Carolina's meeting via a video link. Dr. Williams will be speaking on Test Driven Development. I'm told we'll be able to interact and ask questions, but if we heckle, they'll mute us.

Who?

You! But please RSVP so Frankie's can schedule extra wait staff, just in case we're wildly popular! ;)  jared@agileartisans.com


FAQ

What's the group's focus?

I know what I'd like it to be, but the focus will be determined by you. I want to learn more about practical, hands-on Agile practices. What's worked for you? How can I make it work for me? I'd like to have our local community come together and share.

Why now?

I'm getting involved because I finally have the time. But we also have several prominent Agile experts in our area. It seems a shame not to bring everyone together to learn from each other.

When will the group meet?

I don't know. This will also be up to the people who come to the meetings. I'm involved in the local Ruby group and don't want to collide with that. I'd also like to avoid the local Java meetings. If you're in a local group and would like to avoid scheduling conflicts, come out. 

Do we have a mailing list?

We do now. :) http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/agile_rtp

Why are we meeting at Frankies? Isn't it a kid's park?

Frankie's is a kid's park, but it has three things that are very important this type of meeting. First, it's in the middle of RTP. Second, it's got free meeting space. And finally, they've got both cheap food and good food. :) The restaurant has everything from hot dogs to filet mignon. Part of the reason we're getting free space is to get our demographic (professional software developers) in their facility, and because they're hoping we'll all order supper.

Besides, they have cool toys. :) We can all go race around the track in little cars after the meeting... what other user group can say that?

If we find a better location, I'm very open to moving, but in my experience it's difficult to get meeting space in RTP. They have dedicated meeting space, internet connectivity, and HD TVs we can use as overhead screens.

Who are you?

I'm Jared Richardson, a local consultant and author.  My existing web site is JaredRichardson.net and I'm working on a new site, Agile Artisans, but it's not ready for the public yet.

I mentioned that I was planning on starting something like this at a recent Triangle Java User's Group meeting  and Harold Meder put me in touch with Joseph Little from Agile Carolinas and pushed me to pick a date and event. This wouldn't have gotten started anytime soon without Harold.