We have always intended this inaugural European Wine Bloggers’ Conference to be different, setting a new standard for conferences, particularly in the wine world.

When we thought about how we would discuss the key issues, we had to find a way to allow as much interaction as possible, yet give all those who wanted it a chance to put forward their take on the subjects. After all, as bloggers we are used to thinking, writing and sharing, rather than simply sitting back and absorbing. This is the 2.0 world, don’t you know!?

The standard conference model involves inviting key speakers, putting them on a stage, listening to pre-prepared presentations (usually for the first time), then hopefully squeezing in a little audience participation at the very end in the form of questions. A wasted opportunity!

What is the thinking behind keeping the presentations secret until the moment the speaker stands up? Do they expect delegates to just read the materials instead of turning up? Do they think they are giving participants a chance to notice all the holes in the argument and ask difficult questions? If the conference was worth the fee in the first place none of this would be an issue.

We are hoping to use the power of blogging to turn this model on its head. The presentations, if they even happen, will be kept to a minimum and the time for interaction, ideas, questions and sharing will take precedent.

To enable this to happen we will be posting the topics for discussion on this site in advance and all participants will be encouraged to consider these on their own blogs, write up their thoughts and invite feedback from their readers and generally start the conversation IN ADVANCE. You can join in this phase even if you cannot make it to Rioja this summer.

Each topic will have some key discussion ‘leaders’ who have a particular interest or expertise who will help to bring everyone’s thoughts together, but the conversation is for everyone, not the few.

We will then endeavour to link everyone to all the relevant posts from this site, and where necessary, provide some summary translations (we may need help with German posts). In this way everyone attending the conference will already have considered the main issues which will allow us to spend our time actually talking and, who knows, coming up with some conclusions and action lists.

The main subjects will be announced on this blog over the next few days, and we will be looking for some individuals to take on the role of ‘leader’ for each one. We are still refining the ideas based on your feedback, but we need to start somewhere. However, these main issues will cover:

• Technology
• Wine Blogging Standards
• Wine Blogs vs. Wine Rags

Are we asking too much? We don’t think so, but leave us a comment with your thoughts.

A new model is always risky, but the old ideas have been done to death. Let’s try something different