Re: UnSummit

Posted by Gerry Tychon-2 on Jun 06, 2017; 5:04pm
URL: http://civicaccess.416.s1.nabble.com/UnSummit-tp7677p7678.html

Hi John ...

I was really hoping for some passion and excitement which I think open data needs right now.

The "unevent" would have been low cost to pull off. The main issue was having a suitable venue and that should have been tackled with more vigor right at the beginning.

Since an open space approach would have been used there really would have been very little risk of "failure". Whatever happens, happens. Traditional conferences have to sell tickets to cover costs and/or put "bums in the seats" so as to not look bad or be embarrassed.

I was also hoping to get some discussion going on what is working and what is not working re open data. I think there is an elephant in the room here.

... gerry

On 2017-06-05 4:32 PM, john whelan wrote:

I seem to recall someone did an unconference in Ottawa, they had a budget of I think $5,000.  I seem to recall more passion than anything else.  It was difficult to work out which session was worth looking at.  Microsoft did one in Ottawa, better organised but one got the feeling the conclusions went nowhere.

Cheerio John

On 5 June 2017 at 16:50, Gerry Tychon <[hidden email]> wrote:

Hello to all ...

As some of you know from a previous email, I was attempting to organize an open data UnSummit event for Saturday, 10th of June. Alas, I have had to abandon this effort due to the lack of a suitable venue (although I was tempted to accept the offer of a 500 seat auditorium -- that wouldn't have worked) and also have enough time to promote.

I had wanted to create an open data event that was:

Open and accessible – no cost to attend and scheduled when most people would be able to attend.

Participant driven – participants drive the agenda, come to share, learn, and ask questions.

Flexible in what can happen – this can include show and tell presentations, happy open data stories, sad open data stories, queries for help, coding tables, open science, and discussion/brain storming sessions.

Encouraging for individuals involved with community groups, small entrepreneurs, students, and academics.


While this event will not happen, I would like to publicly thank the following for their encouragement, endorsement, and support:

The Society of Edmonton Demographers (SED) for their official endorsement and help with organizing (a big shout out to Donna Fong).

Jonathan Schaeffer, Dean of Science, University of Alberta -- a big believer in open data and who also offered support.

Cybera -- who offered financial support and staff for “show and tell” sessions.

Tony Briggs --  Alberta School of Business (University of Alberta) and Co-Founder of eHUB who offered help to market this event and facilitate a more entrepreneurial spirit.

Councillor Ben Henderson -- local Councillor with the City of Edmonton who thought this was a great idea and who is a strong believer in pubic engagement.

And to the many community members and students (I really wanted to get more students involved) who I pitched this idea to and who wanted to participate -- my thanks and also my apologies.

... gerry tychon

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