Hi Steven,
Below is a copy of a message that I sent out to the LocationTech
community regarding events. I intentionally framed it in a generic
manner rather than FOSS4G 2013 specific.
In the context of FOSS4G, it is my belief there will be interest
from LocationTech members.
Our discussions have created a basic framework for potential
involvement. For instance:
1) LocationTech guarantees a minimum level of sponsorship and
attendees in exchange for a discount. As a hypothetical example,
>=$45K sponsorship + 20 attendee minimum commitment in exchange
for a 20% discount. Naturally this offer could be made to others as
well.
2) LocationTech projects and members pitch proposals for the
program. They are considered based on merit by the program committee
like any other.
3) Assuming 1 & 2, visible LocationTech branding as part of the
event. Possible examples might be a pavilion, archway(s) to the main
plenary room, etc. Naturally the space will dictate what makes sense
to do.
4) There will be interest in some content for non-developers. As per
my tool makers, tradespeople, and people needing solutions comment.
5) If all the above works out nicely, then I may pursue approval
from our Steering committee for additional support. e.g. code sprint
sponsorship, video sponsorship, etc. and a mandate to actively help
promote the event.
The next step is to ensure everyone is comfortable with this
agreement in principle. We can pursue a formal agreement once I have
enough firm commitment lined up so as to avoid incurring unnecessary
risk for the Foundation.
The following lists are intended to be informational and not imply
commitment on their behalf.
A list of notable names involved with LocationTech publicly include:
IBM, Oracle, OpenGeo, Autodesk, CARIS, AGI, RadiantBlue, Actian,
MapSherpa, MapGears, Spatialytics, and more. There are others very
interested in LocationTech, likely easy to guess, but not yet
appropriate to list here since they have not revealed themselves
just yet for whatever reason.
A list of notable names who are Eclipse Foundation members &
have an obvious interest in location technology: Nokia, Google, SAP,
Airbus, BMW, Bosch, Continental, Thales, Hitachi, Seimens, RIM, etc.
Andrew
-------- Original Message --------
Hi Everyone,
A few items had to be slipped from today's meeting agenda to make time
for the great discussions.
I'd like to talk about events. As background, the Eclipse Foundation
organizes two big annual conferences each year - EclipseCon and
EclipseCon Europe. Organizing these events are one of the many services
the Foundation provides to the community. These events provide outreach,
education, foster camaraderie, networking, marketing, code sprints,
cross-pollination between projects, and so much more.
There is a natural interest to provide similar services as part of
LocationTech. The obvious options are:
1) Do a LocationTech sub-conference of EclipseCon/EclipseCon Europe
2) Do stand-alone conferences for LocationTech
3) Get involved with other established events, such as FOSS4G as a
notable example.
These options are not necessarily mutually exclusive.
I'd like to inquire what people think about this?
I anticipate that LocationTech presence at other events is an important
part of our outreach & marketing strategy. I believe LocationTech's
collective influence can help bring additional value to members &
participants. The basic premise is that in exchange for securing a
minimum level of participation we would receive a discount on
registration and sponsorship.
As a hypothetical example, say LocationTech guaranteed at least the
value of a Platinum and a Gold sponsorship position and at least 20
attendees at an event, then our members & committers would receive an X%
"bulk" discount. The sponsorship packages nor registrations would not
change... they merely cost less. The idea is that we can strengthen
other events, bring more value to our participants, and grow our ecosystem.
There may be some potential to build on the "Friends of Eclipse" program
and offer a LocationTech annual subscription. For example, $49 a year
gives you a discount at many events, a discount with many vendors,
access to conference videos sooner, downloads from faster servers, etc.
I greatly value your thoughts on this. Thank you,
Andrew
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