[115-newcomers] New Participant Information - 6 weeks to IETF 115

[Michelle Cotton <[e-mail]>]

Hello!

This is the first message of a series to bring you information about the 
IETF that will help you as a new participant.  Whether you have some 
familiarity with the IETF or if you are completely new, the following 
information should help get you started!

The Getting Started page will help guide you through general 
information:
https://www.ietf.org/about/participate/get-started/

What do I do first?
Read the Tao! Pronounced “dao”, this document explains “the ways” of the 
IETF.
  https://www.ietf.org/about/participate/tao/
It’s a long document but it will really help give you an overview.  You 
will learn some history, an overview of the structure, acronyms, and so 
much more.  After reading this document you will have a very good sense 
of what the IETF is about.

Over the years there has been an increased desire for remote 
participation in the IETF meetings.  With the recent worldwide pandemic, 
the IETF held multiple fully remote meetings.  As restrictions have 
changed, the IETF has started meeting in-person again, utilizing the 
hybrid meeting structure. IETF 115 will be a hybrid meeting with both 
remote and onsite participation in London.

Helpful Video:
Top 10 Things to Know Before Your First IETF Meeting 
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8WDI0TR49M)
Note: This video does not take new Covid measures into place
Please read the current Covid guidelines 
(https://www.ietf.org/how/meetings/115/faq/#covidmeasures) for IETF 115 
in London.

If you have come to the IETF by introduction by a colleague or friend, 
perhaps you already have in mind what groups you will be participating 
in.  If not, review the list of Working Groups 
(https://datatracker.ietf.org/wg/) to see what would interest you. This 
will also help you prepare for which sessions you may wish to join 
during the IETF 115 meeting week.

In the messages to follow in the next few weeks, we will be providing 
you with more information about tools the IETF uses, as well as specific 
information related to the upcoming IETF meeting in London.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me.

Michelle Cotton
New Participant Ambassador
[e-mail]