[Talk-GB] SotM 2013

[Jonathan Harley]

On 27/09/12 20:27, Tim Waters wrote:
> Hi
>
> On 17 September 2012 18:00, Jonathan Harley <jon at spiffymap.net 
> <mailto:jon at spiffymap.net>> wrote:
>
>
>     Just to throw another venue idea into the mix, how about Warwick
>     University? Advantages: it keeps winning awards as one of the best
>     conference venues in the UK, and can offer a very full-service
>     event where the venue will provide all the materials needed for
>     the organisers as well as things like extra people to help do the
>     running around (putting up signs etc). I work within walking
>     distance and could act as venue liaison. Coventry isn't far from
>     Nottingham which will host FOSS4G. Takes just over an hour on the
>     train from London and is in the centre of the motorway network too.
>
> Traditionally SOTMs have been run by us, the volunteers, versus 
>  professional organizers. (In comparison the larger FOSS4G is run by 
> professionals). I think this keeps costs down and in my opinion makes 
> it a more friendly affair. I'm not sure if this is set in stone, but I 
> think we should be prepared to run everything ourselves.
>

Hi Tim, I agree completely. On the other hand, having organised a con 
where a couple of organisers dropped out at a late stage it is nice to 
have a contingency plan. Or perhaps you'd argue that if we don't have a 
big enough team that we would not be able to cope if a couple of people 
dropped out just before the event, we shouldn't bid.

All of which begs the question - just how many volunteers do we need to 
get a credible bid together?

Jonathan.


-- 
Dr Jonathan Harley   :    Managing Director    :   SpiffyMap Ltd

md at spiffymap.com      Phone: 0845 313 8457     www.spiffymap.com
The Venture Centre, Sir William Lyons Road, Coventry CV4 7EZ, UK