Dear Colleagues,
You're receiving this email as we've identified you as a key stakeholder
in our bid to host linux.conf.au in Geelong in 2015, or have previously
indicated to us that you'd like to be kept informed of developments here.
*So, where are we at?*
With incredible assistance from Mr Terry Hickey at Business Events
Geelong - part of Geelong Otway Tourism, we now have indicative quotes
from venues for conference events such as the Penguin Dinner,
Professional Delegates' Networking Session and Speaker Dinner, and have
a proposed conference date range (12-16th Jan 2015). Deakin University's
Events area has been amazingly helpful - many thanks Luke O'Brien and
team - and we have been able to put together a viable set of venues to
cater for the different conference streams, including Costa Hall. Work
is progressing on diversity aspects of the conference planning such as
the Partners' Programme and childcare.
Our budget for the event has gone through scenario modelling, and is
with an experienced member of Linux Australia Council for review (many
thanks Josh Hesketh and Josh Stewart for your efforts here). Financially
we are looking solid, with an estimated budget of approximately $400k -
which would be incredibly welcome in the Geelong economy given the
recent contraction of major industry players such as Ford and Target in
the region.
The conference project plan has been drafted, and a work breakdown
structure produced which will go through iterative refinement as
planning progresses.
These documents are publicly available on Google Docs and we're very
happy to share - just let myself or David know and we'll send you the link.
*The bottom line**
*
The bottom line is that we are finalising a substantive, genuine, well
put together bid - which will be submitted by the Linux Australia
deadline of 8th July.
*What happens next?**
*
Word has it that there are several bids for linux.conf.au 2015 in the
pipeline - including Auckland and Hobart. The Linux Australia Council
will meet to consider all submitted bids after 6th July where they will
make a shortlist of bids. Then, they will visit each shortlisted bid
city over August and September to investigate the venues, accommodation
and facilities and will make a final decision around October-November
2013. The winning bid will then be announced at linux.conf.au 2014 in
Perth in early January.
As a final word, I'd like to again thank you for all your support in
encouraging David and I to make the bid - it's very much appreciated.
Our next communication will likely be sometime after 6th July when we
know whether the Geelong bid has made the shortlisting cut.
As always your feedback, comments and questions are warmly welcomed,
Kind regards,
Kathy Reid and David Bell
--
Kathy Reid
@KathyReid on Twitter/Identi.ca/IRC etc
XMPP: kathyreid(a)jabber.org.au
0418 130 636
