In this session, we will unveil our three-year journey of hosting successful hybrid conferences with limited resources. Starting from the abrupt challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, we have evolved our conference format to maximize the impact with minimal equipment and staff. This talk will offer a comprehensive insight into the evolution of our hybrid conferences, underlining our key principles, strategies, and the spirit of innovation and collaboration that fuel our success.

Session Outline:
1. Introduction: The Challenge of Adaptation
The onset of COVID-19 and its impact on our conference planning.
Cancelation of DevOpsDays Tokyo and the pivot to a new approach.

2. Embracing the Online Shift
Transition to online formats: Adapting Scrum Fest Osaka to a fully online format.
Utilizing platforms like Zoom and Discord for a 19-track conference.

3. Pioneering Hybrid Conference Models
Collaborating with small-scale broadcasters for Scrum Fest Mikawa. Achieving a true hybrid experience at the Regional Scrum Gathering Tokyo 2021.

4. Tool Innovation and Collaboration
Strategic use of tools like CenterStage for enhancing the conference experience.
Emphasizing the role of speakers, volunteers, and participants in collaborative success.4.
Learning and Looking Forward

5. Lessons learned from past successes.
Future planning for hybrid conferences, focusing on “lateral thinking with withered technology.”
Managing Community Expansion

6. The Challenges of Rapid Growth: Risks of rapid community expansion.
Strategic Incremental Growth: A model for gradual community expansion.
Cultivating Culture and Connectivity: Fostering a strong community culture.
Autonomous Regional Conferences: The Scrum Fest Phenomenon

7. The growth of Scrum Fest into independent regional conferences.
The role of first-time speakers in community development.

8. RSGT2024: A Benchmark in Open Space Technology
Success of RSGT2024 with Open Space Technology.
Over 100 proposed themes indicating high engagement.
Testimonials from international conference attendees on the OST's success.