There is a loop between sessions approved, speakers sponsored and interesting schedule creating buzz and confirming registrations of attendees. All this also creates a snowball effect to have more sessions proposed and more potential participants.

This loop invites to have a rough schedule sooner than later, comprising at least the popular topics that will be there no matter what and the popular speakers that will be approved almost no matter what.

What about aiming to have 50% of the schedule filled following the same lousy but really efficient system used last year? This will allow us to give a first shape to the agenda that would inspire e.g. newcomers to submit their proposals. This would allow help us to get a bunch of speakers approved, booking their travel expenses at a cheaper price.

Of course we need to avoid weak sessions submitted by early birds (a real risk if scheduled session = sponsored travel to Maemo Summit). This means filtering by someone, being able to move proposals from the schedule to a waiting list. I think the Council (and/or whoever else they decide) can do this work.