For topics outside or perhaps off-topic from technical sessions, summits, keynotes. A way to enable "flash crowds" on topics of mutual interest. For those passionate about particular topic areas, but requiring dialogue, not just presentation.
Requirements:
(1) Mechanism for identifying BOFs
(2) Provision or selection of moderator
(3) Allocation of meeting space, time
(4) Place for posting schedule visibly for conference attendees
(Perhaps just me, but gathering at a topic table over lunch didn't work so well. Time already slotted for coordinating with my colleagues. Topics limited to number of tables allocated.)
Perhaps take a moment of keynote time while everyone's in the room to vet hot-topics.
Or arrange for selected BOFs beforehand based on hot topic areas of the forums.
Otherwise enable write-ins on physical bulletin boards or electronic social network nodes.
Saw the idea work very well at Colorado Software Summit Java conference convoked by Wayne Kovsky. He would be the ideal consultant for mechanics suggestions: http://www.linkedin.com/groups?viewMemberFeed=&gid=1083347&memberID=4008329&goback=%2Eanb_1083347_*2....
