Loading up your calendar with geeky goodness with another big-time event - Web Directions North 2008. Naturally, some of the Raincity Studios clan will be on the scene.

This time Vancouver technology consultant and VP of Product Development, Boris Mann is speaking about (what else?) using open CMS for sharing content. Additionally, El Presidente Kris Krug will put on this fashion and editorial photography toque as the on-site photo-maker to document the splendor of designers at work and play.

The Web Directions North line-up features a raft of speakers from hot-shot companies you've probably heard of (or should have anyhow) and includes lots of our webby pals like Citizen Agency's Tara Hunt and Chris Messina (real life and professional partners), nitobi super-hero Andre Charland, and many more making the trip to our beautiful 'burg. The event is notably taking some time to enjoy the local environs.

The gig is put on by our neighbour Dave Shea (with others). Yes, he's the guy who grows the CSS ZenGarden and Mezzoblue.

The details are:
Monday, January 28, 2008 - Saturday, February 2, 2008
Hyatt Regency Vancouver
655 Burrard Street
Vancouver, British Columbia

For posterity, here's the blurb for Boris' presentation "The 3 Stages of Dynamic Systems"

Content management systems have all but replaced the former art of publishing static HTML pages. From letting clients edit and add content, to content like calendars and forums that defy the “page” convention, dynamic interactive websites keep visitors coming back. At some point your website goes beyond just a site filled with HTML pages and actually becomes a full-fledged web application.

From these features, we extract three stages of content management — simple content management, beyond the blog, and building your own web application.

We’ll cover some of the products and approaches appropriate for each stage — Wordpress, MovableType, Expression Engine, Drupal, and Ruby on Rails will all be familiar terms when we’re done. As well, we’ll explore the following concepts:

• the challenges of designing for dynamic systems: the need to think about template and interaction design
• choosing open source: can you afford to choose an open platform?
• the wild world of plugins and modules: get new functionality “for free” and what that actually means
• frameworks vs. products: the build or buy decision

Whether you have some experience with content management systems and are simply looking for new tools you can add to your repertoire, or if you’re trying to decide on the software you’ll implement when building new sites, this session will provide a solid grounding in the options available to suit your needs, budget, and level of technical expertise

Be sure to keep an eye on KK's shots and of course, print out the one-pager executive summary (pdf), run it down to your bosses' office, get the budget approved, and sign-up to reap the knowledge offered by this outstanding line-up of speakers.

Here's more socialized links for your WBN08 keeners:

• WDN Cafepress Store
• Meetweaver
• WDN Facebook Group
• WDN08 on Upcoming
• WDN08 Flickr Group