One of the most fun, satisfying and memorable experiences of my life was co-organizing the Open Education Conference here in Vancouver back in 2009. So it’s a thrill to be working with so many of the same people again for another kick at it this fall, October 16-18, pushing the theme Beyond Content.

As open education expands out we’ve come to see our work as part of a broader context of openness – open data, open access, open government, open source, to name a few. At Open Education 2012 we’re looking to connect our thinking and build synergies with these parallel movements.

We’ve got the same downtown venue, a great team of hosts (thanks to BCcampus for stepping up as primary hosts), a fantastic set of keynotes (Carolina Rossini, John Willinsky, Gardner Campbell). We are going to try to keep the elements that worked in 2009, and add some programming and social wrinkles that we hope will result in an amazing experience. One piece I am excited about is a dinner cruise through the waters around Vancouver’s Pacific Ocean coastline – although plans are still hazy, expect a participatory rock jam for the ages on our custom-fitted highly-amplified open ed love boat.

I’m also pleased that we have a number of innovative formats and approaches for sessions. In addition to standard presentations, I invite you consider hosting an interview or a debate, or submit your work for the Open Pitch Fest or Remixathon slots. Deadline for presentation proposals is May 25th.

Did I mention that early-bird tickets are only $200 CDN? That includes a spot on the cruise. Expensive conferences suck! This conference will sell out, don’t miss out on this baby!