AlterConf is a traveling conference series that provides safe opportunities for marginalized people and those who support them in the tech and gaming industries. By highlighting the powerful voices and positive initiatives of local community members, we build hope and strengthen the community’s resolve to create safer spaces for everyone.

The conferences go beyond the limited definitions and basic discussions of diversity to create a deeper, more nuanced conversation. Each conference features a wide range of speakers delivering critical analyses of tech and gaming culture and presenting their vision for what our community can be.

We invite you to join us as we work toward a more inclusive future.

Apply to Speak – Deadline is May 20th!

Other ways to participate:

Freelance

Photograph, sketchnote, or blog about the event. No professional experience required! You’ll receive an honorarium and credit for your work on the AlterConf site.

Volunteer

Make an impact by ensuring the comfort and safety of attendees on the day of the event. All selected volunteers receive free AlterConf admission.

Organize an AlterConf

Work with our team to make AlterConf happen in your city. You will receive an honorarium and support along the way. Check out our Organizer page for details.

Represent

Become an ambassador and introduce us to potential sponsors, suggest participants, and spread the word locally. We gift honorariums to ambassadors!

Provide Space

Turn your workplace into a venue where AlterConf can happen. We need an accessible space that can accommodate about 150 to 200 attendees.

Connect

Help us find the people that make AlterConf happen. Suggest venues, speakers, sponsors, or connect us with the local tech or gaming community.

Sponsor

Show your company’s commitment to building a more inclusive community. When people consider working with you or for you, you’ll stand out because of it.

Donate

Contribute financially to help us provide accessible events, captioned videos, and financial support to marginalized people for the important work they do.

Essentials

 Universal Design
Curb cutouts in front of building, outside area well-lit, any steps are accompanied by ramps or elevators.
Physical Access
3.5ft or more accessible pathways between chairs, tables, etc within venue. Reserved seating for those with mobility devices, hearing or vision impairment interspersed with non-reserved seating (sit with your friends!)
Program Access
Professional sign language interpreters and live captioning
Childcare
Venue safe for small children. Free professional childcare available, reserve no later than May 21, 2016.
Bathrooms
Accessible gender neutral restrooms
Parking
Street and Garage parking (more info coming soon)
Food & Drinks
Healthful meat, vegan, and gluten-free meals with choice of water or juice.
Public Transit
Commuter Metra train stations Union and Oglvy are within 2 blocks. CTA Orange, Green, Pink, Brown, and Purple lines are 3 blocks away. Red and Blue lines are ~4 1/2 blocks. Bus stops are directly across the street from the building.
Security
Unarmed, non-police security officers

Published by cypheroftyr

Tanya DePass is the founder and Director of I Need Diverse Games, a non-profit organization based in Chicago, which is dedicated to better diversification of all aspects of gaming. I Need Diverse Games serves the community by supporting marginalized developers attend the Game Developer Conference by participating in the GDC Scholarship program, helps assist attendance at other industry events, and is seeking partnership with organizations and initiatives. Tanya is a lifelong Chicagoan who loves everything about gaming, #INeedDiverseGames spawn point, and wants to make it better and more inclusive for everyone. She founded and was the EIC of Fresh Out of Tokens podcast where games culture was discussed and viewed through a lense of feminism, intersectionality and diversity. Now she’s a co-host on Spawn on Me Podcast. Along with all of that, she’s the Programming Coordinator for OrcaCon, she often speaks on issues of diversity, feminism, race, intersectionality & other topics at multiple conventions throughout the year. Her writing about games and games critique appears in Uncanny Magazine, Polygon, Wiscon Chronicles, Vice Gaming, Paste Games, Mic, and other publications.

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