Lightning Talks, Vegas Style -- It's not just for nerds!

By Aron Pilhofer, The New York Times

Our first go-around with lightning talks was so successful at NICAR that we're bringing them to Vegas. The app is up, so go to it: http://ire.aronpilhofer.com

What are lightning talks? For those unfamiliar, lightning talks are 5-minute presentations suggested by you, chosen by you, delivered by you. The list of subjects and speakers is chosen by popular demand. Anyone can suggest an idea, and the most popular talks will be given at this session. We'll provide a computer with Internet access and a projector, and the rest is up to you.

Absolutely nothing is out of bounds! A lightning talk can be about anything you like -- stories, interviewing techniques, a cool new document people need to know about, Web techniques, data munging.... The sky is the limit. The one limitation? They can't be longer than five minutes. Obviously, you should propose a talk only if you're going to be in Vegas to give it.

Also, the app isn't a forum for suggestions, either... If you have suggestions, please send them to the NICAR-L list. Editor's note: The annual IRE conference will be held June 10-13 in Las Vegas. For more information or to register, go here. Please contact training@ire.org if you have any questions.