[Australia] - updates to attendee guide, schedule, and welcome post

docs/_data/australia-2024-schedule.yaml

@@ -10,14 +10,16 @@ talks_day1:
     slug: don-t-make-me-think-the-ux-of-developer-experience-theresa-neate
   - duration: '0:10'
     title: '✋ 10 min Q&A'
-  - duration: '0:05'
-    title: '5 minute break'
+  - duration: '0:20'
+    title: '☕ Coffee break'
+  - duration: '0:00'
+    title: "<b>Unconference Starts</b>"
   - duration: '0:30'
     slug: naming-guidelines-so-many-naming-guidelines-jay-stephens
   - duration: '0:10'
     title: '✋ 10 min Q&A'
-  - duration: '0:20'
-    title: '☕ Coffee break'
+  - duration: '0:05'
+    title: '5 minute break'
   - duration: '0:30'
     slug: what-if-we-just-got-ai-to-write-the-docs-lana-brindley-she-her
   - duration: '0:10'
@@ -28,12 +30,16 @@ talks_day1:
     slug: global-voices-inclusive-docs-how-open-source-sets-the-standard-for-inclusivity-eeshaan-sawant
   - duration: '0:10'
     title: '✋ 10 min Q&A'
+  - duration: '0:00'
+    title: "<b>Unconference Ends</b>"
   - duration: '1:00'
     title: '🍽️ Lunch Break (60 mins)'
   - duration: '0:20'
     title: Lightning Talks (20 mins)
   - duration: '0:05'
     title: '5 minute break'
+  - duration: '0:00'
+    title: "<b>Unconference Starts</b>"
   - duration: '0:00'
     title: Brick Docs Workshop - Part 1
   - duration: '1:00'
@@ -44,6 +50,8 @@ talks_day1:
     title: Brick Docs Workshop - Part 2
   - duration: '0:40'
     slug: brick-docs-workshop-yvonne-perkins
+  - duration: '0:00'
+    title: "<b>Unconference Ends</b>"
   - duration: '0:05'
     title: '<b>Group Photo!</b>'
   - duration: '0:00'
@@ -63,6 +71,8 @@ talks_day2:
     title: '✋ 10 min Q&A'
   - duration: '0:20'
     title: '☕ Coffee break'
+  - duration: '0:00'
+    title: "<b>Unconference Starts</b>"   
   - duration: '0:30'
     slug: where-journalism-and-advertising-writing-skills-overlap-with-technical-writing-justine-stewart
   - duration: '0:10'
@@ -73,8 +83,12 @@ talks_day2:
     slug: how-we-improved-qualitative-feedback-in-our-documentation-austin-lai
   - duration: '0:10'
     title: '✋ 10 min Q&A'
+  - duration: '0:00'
+    title: "<b>Unconference Ends</b>"  
   - duration: '1:00'
     title: '🍽️ Lunch Break (60 mins)'
+  - duration: '0:00'
+    title: "<b>Unconference Starts</b>"
   - duration: '0:30'
     slug: snack-videos-for-your-audience-ruth
   - duration: '0:10'
@@ -85,6 +99,8 @@ talks_day2:
     slug: tips-for-great-review-comments-cameron-shorter
   - duration: '0:10'
     title: '✋ 10 min Q&A'
+  - duration: '0:00'
+    title: "<b>Unconference Ends</b>"
   - duration: '0:25'
     title: '☕ Coffee break'
   - duration: '0:45'

docs/conf/australia/2024/attendee-guide.md

@@ -9,32 +9,25 @@ The Attendee Guide provides conference information and gives strategies and tips
 
 ## Where can I ask a question?
 
-The Welcome Wagon Team is available to make your conference experience better! Stop by the Welcome Wagon table or feel free to ask questions in the [#welcomewagon Slack channel](https://www.writethedocs.org/slack/). Whether you have a question about the schedule, where to eat, or how to connect with other attendees, they are your go-to for conference questions. If they don't know the answer, they'll find someone who does!
+The Welcome Wagon Team is available to make your conference experience better! Stop by the Welcome Wagon table or feel free to ask questions in the [#australia-oceania Slack channel](https://www.writethedocs.org/slack/). Whether you have a question about the schedule, where to eat, or how to connect with other attendees, they are your go-to for conference questions. If they don't know the answer, they'll find someone who does!
 
-**Location and Availability:**
+**Location and availability:**
 
-- Welcome Wagon table is located directly next to the Registration table
+- The Welcome Wagon table is located directly next to the Registration table
 - Team will be available during all conference hours
 
-## Welcome Wagon Tours
-
-Join us for an introduction to Write the Docs. We'll go on a short tour of the venue and review information about the conference. While tours are designed to give first-time attendees all the information they need to feel comfortable at the conference, returning attendees often find them helpful as well. This gives everyone a chance to meet someone new. Bring any questions you may have!
-
-- Thursday 1:30 PM
-- Friday 1:30 PM
-
 ## Conference Layout
 
 Review our [Venue](https://www.writethedocs.org/conf/australia/2024/venue/) page for details on the accessibility and layout of conference spaces.
 
 ## Eating
 
-- Snacks, coffee, tea, and water are provided on conference days in the Foyer close to Price Hall.
+- Coffee, tea, and water are provided on conference days in the Foyer close to Price Hall.
   - Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options will be offered
   - Ingredients will be listed
   - Please email [email protected] for other dietary requirements
 - Bring a water bottle to make it easier for you to stay hydrated.
-- There are many food and beverage options within 0.5 kms around the conference venue. Explore Melbourne's amazing food scene on the [Portland](https://www.writethedocs.org/conf/australia/2024/visiting/#eating) page.
+- There are many food and beverage options within 0.5 kms around the conference venue. Explore Melbourne's amazing food scene on the [Visiting Melbourne](https://www.writethedocs.org/conf/australia/2024/visiting/) page.
 
 ## Dress Code
 
@@ -43,7 +36,9 @@ Review our [Venue](https://www.writethedocs.org/conf/australia/2024/venue/) page
 
 ## Driving and Parking
 
-If you drive to the conference, note that the venue does not have parking on-site. You are able to park in the nearby streets (hourly) or commercial car parks. The venue is centrally located, and minutes within public transport, including trains and trams, so public transport is definitely recommended.
+If you drive to the conference, note that the venue does not have parking on-site. You are able to park in the nearby streets (hourly) or commercial  car parks. The nearest commercial parking is at QV Parking Complex, one block down from our conference venue. Be mindful that the venue is located in an extremely high-pedestrian traffic area, so finding on-street parking close to the venue for long hours may be a challenge.
+
+The conference venue is located within a 5-minute walk of Melbourne Central Train Station, and very close to tram lines that run along La Trobe, Swanston and Elizabeth Streets, so public transport is definitely recommended.
 
 ## Hotels and Transportation
 
@@ -77,24 +72,25 @@ The [Unconference](https://www.writethedocs.org/conf/australia/2024/unconference
 
 - Sign up to give a talk! Sign up at the registration table.
 
+### Tales from the Trenches
+
+[Tales from the trenches](https://www.writethedocs.org/conf/australia/2024/tales/) is a slightly different concept we are trialling out this year, where we invite you to share your unique experiences and offer fresh perspectives on three broad topics to help spark ideas.
+
 ### Self-organised outing
 
-- If you arrive a day or two earlier, explore the beautiful downtown attractions or join fellow documentarians for a walk and some fresh air!
+If you arrive a day or two earlier, explore the beautiful downtown attractions or join fellow documentarians for a walk and some fresh air!
 
 ### Thursday Social Event
 
 This is our main social event of the conference and held outside of the main venue. It is a time to connect with other attendees outside of the scheduled programming. Last year, there was an epic sticker table.
 
 - Come for an hour or stay the entire time!
 
-**FULL DETAILED SCHEDULE RELEASED CLOSER TO THE CONFERENCE.**
-
-## Tips to Have a Great Conference
+## Tips to gave a great conference
 
 - Before the conference, join the Write the Docs [Slack](https://www.writethedocs.org/slack/), and follow Write the Docs on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/18284823/admin/feed/posts/) and [X, formerly known as Twitter](https://twitter.com/writethedocs).
-- Attend a Welcome Wagon tour!
 - Talk with people - attendees, volunteers, staff, and speakers. Don't forget to use Eric Holscher's [Pac-Man Rule](https://www.ericholscher.com/blog/2017/aug/2/pacman-rule-conferences/) to leave room for others to join! The most important part of this conference (and any conference) is the people you meet. Set a goal for yourself to meet a few new people.
 - Review the speaker schedule and choose which talks you want to attend the most. Spread out your time between talks, unconference sessions, networking, and breaks.
 - Starting Thursday morning, check the Unconference schedule to discover if there are any sessions you are interested in attending. New sessions are added all the time, so check back periodically.
 - Give yourself and your brain a break! Conferences are exhilarating, but can also be exhausting. Grab a quiet spot in the Foyer/Price Hall or take a quick walk.
-- Eat! There will be snacks available but there are many restaurants close by.
+- Eat and drink! There will be tea or coffee available but there are many restaurants close by.

docs/conf/australia/2024/news/welcome-get-ready.md

@@ -0,0 +1,80 @@
+---
+template: {{year}}/generic.html
+banner: _static/conf/images/pics/mccc.jpg
+og:image: _static/conf/images/headers/{{shortcode}}-{{year}}-opengraph.jpg
+---
+
+```{eval-rst}
+.. post:: November 19, 2024
+   :tags: {{shortcode}}-{{year}}, tickets, guide, visiting
+```
+
+# Welcome to Write the Docs Australia 2024
+
+We officially have arrived at conference week. We hope you are as excited as we are! We still [have tickets available](https://www.writethedocs.org/conf/australia/2024/tickets/) if you are able to join us.
+
+This email includes a few updates and information for those attending the conference.
+
+## Thanks to our Sponsors!
+
+We are grateful to have the support of the following companies in 2024:
+
+```{eval-rst}
+.. datatemplate::
+   :source: /_data/{{shortcode}}-{{year}}-config.yaml
+   :template: {{year}}/sponsors-simplelist.rst
+```
+
+## Attendee information
+
+The following info will be sent out to each attendee directly, but we wanted to share it here as well.
+
+### Read the Attendee Guide
+
+Our [**Attendee Guide**](https://www.writethedocs.org/conf/australia/2024/attendee-guide/) provides conference information and gives strategies and tips for new and experienced attendees to get plugged in. We just added the conference layout map to help you navigate your experience. Our Welcome Wagon Team is available to make your conference experience better.
+
+### Read the Visiting Melbourne information
+
+View our [**Visiting Melbourne**](https://www.writethedocs.org/conf/australia/2024/visiting/) page on where to stay, eat, drink, get around, and other things to do while you’re in town.
+
+### Review the Schedule
+
+The [**Schedule**](https://www.writethedocs.org/conf/australia/2024/schedule/#) page has the latest and most complete information about conference events. This is where we will also post updates if any changes occur.
+
+### Review the Code of Conduct
+
+We have a wonderful community of diverse and amazing people. We expect everyone to behave in a respectful manner at all conference events, off-site events, and in online channels. View our [**Code of Conduct**](https://www.writethedocs.org/code-of-conduct/). 
+
+## Get Involved at the Conference
+
+![Attendee Photo](/_static/conf/images/writing-day.jpg)
+
+**Attend our speaker talks on Thursday and Friday!** Have you looked at our schedule and selected the talks you want to attend? [View our lineup here.](https://www.writethedocs.org/conf/australia/2024/speakers/)
+
+**Lead or attend an Unconference session.** Want to chat with like-minded folks about a very specific topic? The [Unconference](https://www.writethedocs.org/conf/australia/2024/unconference/) is your place. Sessions run in parallel with talks on Thursday and Friday, and sign ups to lead a session begins on Thursday.
+
+**Sign up for a Lightning Talk.** These are 5-minute presentations where you share an idea, concept, or topic you are passionate about with the audience. We’ll have [Lightning Talks](https://www.writethedocs.org/conf/australia/2024/lightning-talks/) on Thursday. On Friday, we are running a session on [Tales from the Trenches](https://www.writethedocs.org/conf/australia/2024/tales/). Sign up on the day to attend and share your experiences!
+
+**Don't miss out on our Thursday Social Event, happening from 5:00-7:00pm!** It's an opportunity to connect with fellow attendees outside of the scheduled programming. There will be plenty of chatting, along with complimentary snacks and beverages, including non-alcoholic options. Join us a couple of blocks away from the venue at the Oxford Scholar (427 Swanston St, Melbourne).
+
+## FAQ
+
+**Where do I check in?**
+
+Registration is in the Foyer as you enter from 194 Little Lonsdale St, outside the main auditorium on Thursday and Friday.
+
+**Is there a channel or site to communicate with attendees throughout the conference?**
+
+Our #australia-oceania Slack channel is the go to for connecting with other attendees and asking questions. If you have not joined our Slack community, [sign up here](https://www.writethedocs.org/slack/).  
+
+**Do you cater lunch?**
+
+Yes, we will cater a boxed lunch, and provide morning and afternoon snacks, coffee, and tea all day. There are a number of great restaurants within walking distance. View the [Visiting Melbourne](https://www.writethedocs.org/conf/australia/2024/visiting/) page.
+
+**Do you have a place to store luggage?**
+
+Yes, we do! We have a designated room for luggage on Friday. Go to the Welcome Wagon table and they will check in your luggage.
+
+**Where should I go if I need a quiet space?**
+
+The Speaker/Green Room behind the auditorium is designated for a moment to turn off the noise. Please no computers.

docs/conf/australia/2024/unconference.rst

@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ Anyone can suggest and lead a session on a topic -- sessions can be organized as
 
 If you've never attended an unconference, expect to interact closely with others from the community.
 
-Unconference sessions run after lunch both days on Thursday and Friday afternoon.
+Unconference sessions run after morning coffee both days on Thursday and Friday afternoon.
 
 How does an unconference session work?
 --------------------------------------
@@ -33,15 +33,15 @@ To lead an unconf session, propose a topic and pick a time; unconf sessions are
 
 {% if flaghasschedule %}
 
-Sessions take place in Hopin, but you propose a session by adding your topic to a timeslot and table number in the  `Unconference sign-up sheet <{{unconf.url}}>`__.
+Propose a session by adding your topic to a timeslot and table number on the whiteboard in the Foyer.
 
 {% else %}
 
 Sessions take place in Hopin, but you propose a session by adding your topic to a timeslot and table number in the  Unconference sign-up sheet, which will be linked here closer to the event.
 
 {% endif %}
 
-When it's time for your session to begin, join the session in Hopin that corresponds to the table number you signed up for. There's a 15 minute break between sessions, but the previous session might still be running, so let them know it's time to switch. Give attendees a few minutes to join, then start the conversation!
+When it's time for your session to begin, join the table number you signed up for. There's a 15 minute break between sessions, but the previous session might still be running, so let them know it's time to switch. Give attendees a few minutes to join, then start the conversation!
 
 When the next session leader joins your session, it's time to finish up the conversation and let the next session begin. Or your group can end with time to take a break before the next session.
 
@@ -62,7 +62,7 @@ Attend a session
 
 {% if flaghasschedule %}
 
-* Starting Thursday morning, check the `Unconference sign-up sheet <{{ unconf.url }}>`__ to see whether there are any sessions you want to join. New sessions are added all the time, so check back periodically.
+* Starting Thursday morning, check the whiteboard in the Foyer to see whether there are any sessions you want to join. New sessions are added all the time, so check back periodically.
 
 {% endif %}