[EuroPython] Re: [ez] Re: EuroPython 2004

[Anna Ravenscroft]

--- kit blake <kitblake@v2.nl> wrote:
> Denis et al,
> > After having slept a few nights on the EPC-2003, we have made up
> our
> > minds : yes, we will organize the 2004 edition again !
> 
> You've made a lot of people happy with that decision. I heard a lot
> of discussion about "where next year?" but no 'takers'. It's so
> much work.

Great decision! 

> This year it was clear to see how much you guys learned. Everything
> went so smoothly, and resulted in a terrific conference. If EPC-2004
> is in Charleroi, I'll look forward to an even more impressive event. 
> And the Chimay.

As a non-beer drinker (I'm allergic to hops, unfortunately), someone
else will have to get my Chimay. I'll just have to stick with coffee
and juice and water, unless someone decides that cider is a good
idea... ;-)

I am looking forward to the conference next year. I'm headed to a
long-standing science fiction convention tomorrow and then off to
OSCon. After that, I'll be glad to help with organizing next year
(including maybe some ideas I picked up at the conventions).

Two immediate ideas spring to mind on registration: 

1. Supporting registration - a small portion of the registration amount
paid in advance by those who want to attend but don't know if they'll
be able to. If they are able to attend, they pay the remainder at the
door (at the earlybird rates) and if not, the supporting amount is
extra money to support the convention. 

2. This means, closing early bird earlier to allow organizers to
prepare things properly. It also means you should have a bigger "at the
door" jump - and at-the-door starts at least one week prior to the
conference. 

3. Okay, well, no one expects the Spanish Inquisition... Allow people
to check-in/register the night before - for some pre-arranged amount of
time at the CEME on Tuesday evening, or at the Business Hotel on
Tuesday evening. Encourage speakers, especially, to get registered on
Tuesday night. 

4. Some kind of brief "hardware orientation" for track chairs - so  we
have some idea how to work the microphones and beamers etc etc. 

BTW - I love the idea of the "soft skills" track. 

5. Okay, so once I start, it's hard to stop... ;-) Have a chance for
people from various countries to meet- briefly but organized in some
fashion fairly early so that they can start networking more in their
country. This could be run by the "soft skills" track chair.

Okay - I'm done now. See some of you at OSCon. It was a pleasure
meeting everyone!

Anna