There is a better picture of the "East London" bid at

http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimania_2006/UK_bid

The bid is up against Toronto:

http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimania_2006/Toronto

which is a more formal proposal. But they say:

**************** Self-evaluation

* Weaknesses of the proposed location ...and how to overcome those weaknesses

1. There is no Canadian Wikimedia Foundation, and Toronto Wikimedians are not as well organized as in other cities.

Solution: Build up the local community over the next several months. **************

So, the UK Chapter creation and the WIkimania 2006 UK bids are probably an excellent synergy!

**

On the wireless requirements:

1) the wireless network at Queen Mary is not open: users must get a username for the conference, and there is a (small) charge.

2) there may be restrictions on usage (e.g. IRC and audio traffic)

I have contacted Queen Mary Computing Services about exactly what they can offer and what they will deny us. I am waiting for an answer.

Another thought: why not let 2006 go to North America, and put in a string bid for 2007? Queen Mary say that expect to increase wireless coverage, by 2006 and certainly by 2007.

Gordo (aka LoopZilla)