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 you have previously indicated to us that you'd like to be kept informed of developments here. *Some good news* We're pleased to announced that the Geelong bid, alongside Auckland, NZ, has been shortlisted for further consideration to host linux.conf.au in January 2015. We are now working closely with the Linux Australia Council and Mr Terry Hickey from Business Events Geelong to host a site visit. This will likely be on the weekend of 24th-25th August. Please don't hesitate to contact David Bell or myself if you would like any further information. With kind regards, David Bell and Kathy Reid On 22/06/2013 2:29 PM, Kathy Reid wrote:

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@jabber.org.au 0418 130 636

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 you have previously indicated to us that you'd like to be kept informed of developments here. * **A very polished bid* This weekend saw us host a delegation from Linux Australia who were assessing the strength of our bid - 'linux.conf.au Geelong 2015 - LCA by the Bay', and asking the tough questions about how we would handle a conference of over 500 attendees, provide a memorable experience, and ensure a balanced budget. With huge thanks due to Terry Hickey and the team at Business Events Geelong, we were readily able to showcase the many wonderful venues, experiences and facilities Geelong boasts as part of its tourist offering. From the stunning acoustics of Costa Hall as a keynote venue, to the state-of-the-art audiovisual in Deakin University's lecture theatres, the ambiance of the National Wool Museum and the stunning eateries and restaurants along the vibrant Waterfront, our delegation was suitably impressed - as Josh Stewart, Director of the 2012 linux.conf.au commented; "A huge thanks to the Geelong #*lca2015* <https://twitter.com/search?q=%23lca2015&src=hash> bid team! A very polished and well thought out plan that's going to make for a tough decision" We're very grateful not only to Terry and his team, but to the many providers in Geelong who went above and beyond in highlighting what the region has to offer, including Truffleduck at Balmoral, The Hill Winery, Chifley Apartments, Mercure Hotel, Four Points Sheraton, The Vue Apartments, The Pier, CQ and Baveras Brasserie, Royal Geelong Yacht Club, Oakdene Vineyards, Bellarine Adventure Park and the Geelong Boathouse. Not only were the facilities world class, but the personal service at each venue was outstanding. ***<https://twitter.com/noisymime/status/374097252404314112>**Where to now?* We've already come a long way by being shortlisted against only one other contender - Auckland. The Linux Australia delegation will travel there in the coming weeks and undertake a similar site inspection. Relative merits of each bid will then be deliberated, and we will find out in mid-late October whether our conference bid has been successful. * **How can you help?* You already have. Your support and encouragement has got us this far. Should our bid be successful, we will be seeking assistance from volunteers willing to be a part of the core conference team, and also those willing to assist in a more limited capacity. A number of roles will be available ranging from networking and systems administration to people facing roles in registration and support. We'd love to hear from you if you're passionate to be involved. As always your comments, feedback and questions are warmly welcomed, With kind regards David Bell and Kathy Reid