On Mon, Jan 18, 2010 at 22:31, Alan Walker <fastalan(a)gmail.com> wrote:
Delphine, what do you believe are the key elements of
executing a successful
Wikimania?
lol, that's a _very_ broad question :)
You really want to look at this:
http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimania_2011/Official_requirements_for_bid…
http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimania_2011/Judging_criteria
and read it carefully.
This basically says it all.
On a personal point of view, what makes a successful Wikimania is:
- the people (try and get as many scholarships as possible so that you
can get as many cool people in as possible)
- the venue (a place where people not only "meet", but also "gather",
ie. a place where they get together after sessions and deep in the
night. Conference venue and accommodation should be as close as
possible from one another)
- the program (try thinking about topics even if the program committee
will have a final say, it mobilizes speakers and attendees around a
"theme" - it also helps for sponsors, because it focuses your and
their attention).
That's about it.
Also maybe, try and put your money in the right place.
Nobody needs super mega fancy accommodation (although a real bed and
different "levels" of accommodation in the surroundings are a must
have), but they all need working wifi, even when 500 geeks are
connected.
Nobody needs super duper confortable cushioned conference chairs, but
the projectors and sound must work flawlessly
Hope that helps,
Delphine
--
~notafish
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Intercultural musings: Ceci n'est pas une endive -
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