[116-newparticipants] New Participant Information - 6 weeks to IETF 116

[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?

The New Participant Overview videos have recently been updated and recorded.  These videos include 3 sections and are available on YouTube. 

Section 1: Overview of the IETF
Section 2: Introduction to the IETF meeting week
Section 3: Overview of resources (people, tools, information)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MW1cDLmr91c&list=PLC86T-6ZTP5imxIwnF0mYxWVp0sbqDR0J&index=4

Read the Tao. Pronounced “dao”, this document explains “the ways” of the IETF.
 https://www.ietf.org/about/participate/tao/ 
In this document you will learn some history, an overview of the structure, acronyms, and so much more.  

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 116 will be a hybrid meeting with both remote and onsite participation in Yokohama. 

Helpful Video:
Top 10 Things to Know Before Your First IETF Meeting
https://youtu.be/E8WDI0TR49M
Note: This video does not take new Covid measures into place
Please read the current Covid guidelines for IETF 116 in Yokohama: https://www.ietf.org/how/meetings/116/faq/#covidmeasures

IETF Guides Program
This program matches experienced IETF participants with new participants in order to help to become familiar and integrate into the IETF community through advice, help and experience.
Signing up early allows us to find better matches between new participants and experienced participants, and gives you more time to exchange some information with your experienced IETFer to help you focus on achieving your goals with the IETF.
For more information see: https://www.ietf.org/about/participate/guides/
To request a guide, please see: https://guides.ietf.org/guides/request_guide

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 to see what would interest you. This will also help you prepare for which sessions you may wish to join during the IETF 116 meeting week.  The agenda for IETF 116 in Yokohama will be available in a few weeks which will show you which Working Groups are meeting so you can plan your schedule.

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 Yokohama.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me.  I’m here to help!!

Michelle Cotton
New Participant Ambassador
[e-mail]