According to Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, a professional is someone who acts "... conforming to the technical or ethical standards of a profession..." (*)

What are the standards of our profession? Why and how should I conform to them? Is there a need to further evolve those standards?

In this talk, we will use a "Russian Doll" metaphor to look at different "layers" of professional standards and behavior. Together we will explore the standards of other professions, and see how our own as software developers compare. Our goal will be to get ideas on what everyone of us can do to deepen his own professionalism, and to advance our profession.

(*) By permission. From Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, Eleventh Edition ©2006 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated (www.Merriam-Webster.com).