We had Wikipedia Day 2019 at Stanford last week on Tuesday (the 15th). Here's how it went!

1. We had about 60 people show up, but it fluctuated throughout the event. Our biggest worry was that we'd overflow our venue – several hundred people signed up before we closed registration! We actually did have to ask some non-Stanford affiliates not to attend. 
2. The lightning talks!! We had a wonderful time with the spontaneously-given talks and presentations. Going into the event, we had two listed lightning talks; we had at least six people give talks by the end.
3. Like Brian, this was also the first large Wikipedia event I’ve organized, so I misestimated interest in the event. Next year, we'll be sure to have a much bigger venue!
4. We actually got two big sheet cakes, one vanilla and one chocolate! A rather disturbingly-large portion of both cakes was eaten, too, though I'm unsure whether that was on account of a sense of duty to, ah, eat cake.

As stressful as it was, this event was also an absolute joy to organize. If your region doesn't have an annual Wikipedia Day party, I'd think about hosting one!

Best,
Kevin

Kevin Li (User:L235)

Administrator, English Wikipedia

Clerk, English Wikipedia Arbitration Committee

kevinsli.people.stanford.edu | contact@kevinsli.com



On Sat, Jan 26, 2019 at 2:48 PM Brian Choo <brianychoo@gmail.com> wrote:
Hey all!

Wikipedia Day 2019 Chicago just ended an hour ago and it was a blast! Here are some thoughts:
  1. Though we had over 100 RSVPs, 21 people came. Considering the single-digit (Fahrenheit) temperatures and icy roads, this was good turnout. Approximately 2/3 of the attendees were new or fairly new to Wikipedia. As far as I know, nobody came from more than 30 miles away, though we have recent transplants to the area (one person from Boston, for example).
  2. Something that’s so great about Wikipedia events is that you change the medium of interaction from online to in person. It’s great to connect with people about the project face to face and a refreshing change from online interaction, which can be more tedious. I’m so thankful the WMF is willing to support these events through their rapid grants. I’m always impressed by the depth of knowledge both new and experienced editors bring. Our lightning talks ranged from getting started as an editor to translating articles, and they spawned great question and answer discussion. 
  3. This is the first large Wikipedia event I’ve organized, so I now have a better idea of potential turnout rates and how much food to order. Otherwise, things went well! People were happy to be there and to learn from and meet each other. I’ve had support from amazing people (like Richard) that helped the event go well. We plan on doing seasonal, thematic events (one in the spring, one in the summer, etc.) Some ideas include editathons focusing on Chicago history and editathons with the local Black Lunch Table and Art + Feminism initiatives.
  4. We ordered a full-size sheet cake good for 80+ people from a local bakery, Bake For Me. It was some amazing, fluffy vanilla and chocolate buttercream. We managed to get through about 1/3 of it. Fortunately, people at our venue (a university library) will be able to benefit from the leftover Wikipedia birthday cake. We did not sing happy birthday.
Here are some pictures that I've put on commons of our day.



Happy editing,
Brian Choo
User:Airplaneman

On Thu, Jan 24, 2019 at 10:40 AM Pharos <pharosofalexandria@gmail.com> wrote:
I have 3 questions for everyone who hosted a local Wikipedia day event, and I thought it might be a fun group sharing experience if people shared their experiences on this thread:

1. How was attendance?
- About how many people came?  How did it compare to your past events?  Who came, were they from nearby or from farther away, and how was the mix of experienced editors and new participants?

2. What was exciting?
- What did you do for the first time at a wiki event?  What amazing thing happened?  Who spoke or made a presentation that really impressed you?  What unexpected connection did you make?

3. What next?
- What would you do differently next year?  What other potential plans do you have locally, that may have sprouted or solidified from everyone coming together for Wikipedia Day?

OK, and a bonus question:

4. How was the cake?
- What flavors did you get?  Was it too dry, or just right?  Did everyone get a slice, did everyone get two slices?  Would you like to get more cake next time?  Would you like to get more cake today?  Can you recommend a good 24 hour baker?  How did you decorate it, and what made your cake special through the words or image glazed on it?

Also, I heartily encourage everyone to upload your Wikipedia Day cake and other event photos here, and in appropriate subcategories:


Thanks,
Pharos
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