One comment that we hear repeatedly at most conferences is that networking is the best reason for coming. Whether it's meeting new people, renewing old friendships, or just hanging out with a random assortment of other delegates (that's "attendees" to Americans), people in the localization industry love to socialize at their conferences.
At the same time, many complain about the cost of getting to the conference so that they can network. Besides the conference fee that can exceed US$1,000, there's also the small matter of getting there – add in another thousand dollars or more – and the hidden cost of being out of the office or away from your family. In today's cost-cutting business climate, these direct and indirect outlays don't add up to "priceless".
So how about trying out a different approach – networking in your city without the conference? We have tried this in a few venues under the sobriquet "Localization Fusion Society" and it's worked out quite well. The concept is pretty straightforward: Find some birds of a feather (practitioners, suppliers, pundits, and hangers on) in your city, pick a time and location, and have everyone gather there. Talk among yourselves. Enjoy. Split the tab. We have hosted LFS meetings in San Diego, Boston, Amsterdam, Silicon Valley, Pittsburgh, Montreal, and Brussels. A grand time was had by all.
Where did the name come from? Our first meeting was actually in La Jolla, California in a fusion restaurant. Simple enough.
Plan one yourself and we will post the information about it here.
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