This doesn't mean that every talk needs to be a beginner's talk. If you're talking about advanced concepts, people who are new to Python or your library should come away excited about the possibilities, and know what concepts they need to learn to get there.

This is a list of topics we think might go well in the North Bay Python program, but it is by no means exhaustive. If you have a talk idea on a subject not listed here and you think it fits well with our community and mission, we would love to <a href="mailto:program@northbaypython.org" title="program@northbaypython.org">hear about it</a>!

+ The Python community

+ Python fundamentals

+ Useful libraries and tools

+ Testing in Python

+ Deploying, operating, or scaling Python

+ Organization and communication skills for software development

+ What Python can learn from other communities

+ Unexpected places Python gets used (Embedded systems! Health science!)

+ ... and anything else we might not have thought of!

## Resources

This [public speaking](https://github.com/vmbrasseur/Public_Speaking "Public Speaking Resource Repository by VM Brasseur") repository, maintained by [VM Brasseur](https://twitter.com/vmbrasseur "VM Brasseur on Twitter"), has many useful resources to help you polish your proposals and talks.

### Office Hours and Mentorship

The program committee will be holding regularly-scheduled office hours during the CFP period to help you organize proposals. You are also welcome to <a href="mailto:program@northbaypython.org" title="program@northbaypython.org">email us</a> or drop by <a href="http://webchat.freenode.net/?channels=%23nbpy" title="IRC Web Client for #nbpy Channel on Freenode">#nbpy on the Freenode IRC network</a> anytime to ask questions.

We're happy to help with any of the following:

</div>

## Feedback and mentorship

**First time speakers are welcomed and encouraged; if you've never done this before but have an idea please <a href="mailto:program@northbaypython.org" title="program@northbaypython.org">contact the program committee</a> to be connected with a mentor and receive guidance structuring your proposal and talk. Above all we want you to be successful and have a good time telling other attendees about your amazing ideas!**

If you have an idea (or don't!) and want to speak, here's a very rough process of what you should do next:

+ Brainstorm or [mind map](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_map "Wikipedia Entry on Mind Mapping") to expand upon your ideas or knowledge in search of a general topic

+ Write a paragraph or two, or some bullet points, to outline the core concepts you want to communicate and what people might learn from your talk

+ Get someone you trust to read your notes and tell you what they think they'd learn

+ Attend our office hours to get help building up your submission