OSGeo - User contributions [en]

FOSS4G 2009 Scientific committee expertises

2009-07-01T20:35:58Z

Wiki-Serena: /* Domains of interest */

== Purposes of this page ==

Members of the scientific committee of the FOSS4G 2009 academic track have different research interests. In order to assign papers for reviewing to an appropriate specialist in the fields each paper deals with, this page tries to gather all domains of expertise or of interest for each member of the committee.

So, members of the scientific committee, please edit the table below and add 5 to 10 keywords that summarize your expertise or your research interests.

== Domains of interest ==

{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"
|+ align="center" style="color:#e76700;"|
! Member
! Expertise / research interests
|-
|Thierry Badard
|Geospatial BI (Business Intelligence), Spatial OLAP, spatial ETL and datawarehousing, geo-analytical tools and services, decision support, Services Oriented Architectures (SOA), geospatial web services, Location Based Services (LBS), Mobile and context-aware applications, geospatial standards
|-
|Jorge Gustavo Rocha
|...
|-
|Venkatesh Raghavan
|...
|-
| Maria Antonia Brovelli
|Cartography, Geodesy, Geospatial web services, geospatial standards, LIDAR, DTM, HR Satellites imagery, geoprocessing algorithms
|-
|Ari Jolma
|hydrological and environmental modeling and simulation, geospatial software development and applications, scripting languages
|-
|Frédéric Hubert
|Geospatial multimodal interaction, human-computer interaction (HCI), Web mapping, Web services, cartographic generalisation, multiple representation, spatial databases, Spatial OLAP, geospatial standards
|-
|Suchith Anand
|cartography, automated map generalization, geohydroinformatics, location based services, asset management
|-
|Tyler Erickson
|geostatistics, inverse modeling, geospatial web services, relational database design, decision support, remote sensing algorithm development
|-
|Serena Coetzee
|geospatial standards, spatial data infrastructures (SDI), address data, geocoding, Services Oriented Architectures (SOA), geospatial web services, grid computing, cloud computing, volunteered geographic information (VGI), mobile GIS applications
|-
|Dimitris Kotzinos
|Semantic Web, Semantics in Geographic Information (Geospatial Semantic Web), Geospatial Web Services, Service Oriented Atchitectures (SOA), Spatial Databases, Spatially Enabled Mashups, Spatially Enabled RSS, Spatial Decision Support Systems, Location Based Services (LBS), Standards
|-
|Dan Ames
|hydrologic modeling, terrain analysis, environmental modeling, probabalistic modeling, object oriented GIS, custom GIS software, .NET applications
|-
|Bénédicte Bucher
|Services Oriented Architectures (SOA), geospatial web services, styles, schema transformation and integration, user interfaces, geospatial semantic Web
|-
|Christoph Stasch
|Geosensor Networks, Sensor Web, SOA, geospatial web services, spatial databases, web standards
|-
|Barend Köbben
|Cartography, Visualization, Services Oriented Architectures (SOA), geospatial web services
|-
|Cyril de Runz
|spatial data mining, management of uncertainty, data visualization, image processing,
|-
|Vlad Tanasescu
|knowledge representation, geotagging, geospatial web services, geospatial semantic web, Web maps
|-
|Johannes Brauner
|Geoprocessing, WPS, SDSS, geospatial web services, spatial data infrastructures, standards, SOA, interoperability, testbeds
|-
|Charlie Schweik
|GIS education, GIS and public policy, Web 2.0-based collaboration, web services, GIS in government
|-
|Mike Jackson
|SDI, LBS, geospatial standards and interoperability, test-beds, ubiquitous positioning.
|-
|William Cartwright
|...
|-
|Jochen Albrecht
|spatial and spatio-temporal analysis, spatial similarity measures, dynamic modeling (formalization, flux ontologies, model libraries), work flow management
|-
|Guy Johnson
|Geospatial Technology, GIS education, Web collaboration, web services
|-
|François Pinet
|...
|-
|Lars Bodum
|geovisulization, 3D geoinfo, city models, sdi, spatial planning app., geospatial standards
|-
|Philip James
|Grid and GI, geo-processing architectures (web services), Earth System's application of Geo (transport, climate, water, the environment), Education (tertiary), geospatial standards
|-
|Oliver Shine
|earth observation systems, OGC web services (CSW, WMS, WFS, WCS, SOS), spatial data management, geoprocessing for environmental decision making, geo ICT, SDI, INSPIRE
|-
|Mark Ware
|...
|-
|Simon Abele
|...
|-
|Clara Tattoni
|GIS, wildlife management, wildlife modelling, ecology, landscape change, decision support, forestry, education
|-
|Hans-Jörg Stark
|Volunteered Geographic Information, Open Geo-data, GIS education, business geography, Web 2.0-based collaboration, web mapping
|-
|Sandro Bimonte
|OLAP, Spatial OLAP, data warehouse, spatial data warehouse, GIS, spatial database, visual language for GIS
|-
|Theodor Foerster
|Geoprocessing, standards, web services, SOA, WPS, generalization, web mapping
|-
|Eric Wolf
|Automated generalization, critical cartography, spatial data infrastructures, kite aerial photography, cartograms
|-
|Sidonie Christophe
|cartography, cartographic knowledge, styles, map design, webmapping, GIS, perception
|-
|Carson Farmer
|geocomputation, spatial interaction/choice modelling, GIS, spatial statistics, cartography, travel-to-work
|-
|Didier Leibovici
|Spatial Data Mining, Spatial pattern & interactions, multiscale data, uncertainty, integrated modelling, interoperability, environmental & epidemiological applications
|-
|Erwan Bocher
|...
|-
|Hervé Parmentier
|...
|-
|Olivier Ertz
|webmapping, thematic mapping, cartography, OGC interoperability (WMS, WFS, WPS, portrayal interoperabilty, Symbology Encoding, SLD), Geospatial Web, Web and Desktop convergence, Collaborative Mapping
|-
|Stefan Steiniger
|cartography, automated map generalization, pattern recognition, machine learning, cognition and perception, web (processing) services, general desktop GIS software developments, landscape ecology, GIS in education, geodesy
|-
|Bruce Ralston
|GIS Education, internet GIS, transportation, thematic mapping, optimization models, census data, mathematical optimization
|-
|brandon whitehead
|spatial analysis, geostatistics, geovisualization, knowledge representation, e-research / e-science
|-
|Stefanie Andrae
|volunteered geography, neogeography, personalized LBS, OGC web services (WMS, WFS, WCS, SOS), spatial databases
|-
|Harald Schernthanner
|Geoprocessing, image processing, remote sensing, OS GIS in higher education
|-
|Rita Engemaier
|cartography & geovisualisation, multimedia design, web-mapping, cartographic animation, atlasinformation systems, OSS in higher education
|-
|Georg Gartner
|cartography, LBS, web mapping
|-
|Artur Seara (GESLIG)
|Cartography, Photogrammetry, Remote sensing, Cadastre, GIS, webmapping
|-
|Robert Feick
|spatial decision support, multi criteria analysis, collaborative GIS, volunteered geographic information, spatial Web 2.0 applications
|-
|Bernd Resch
|embedded geo-sensing, open standards for sensor webs, real-time data integration, web-based data analysis (incl. OGC WPS), (geo-)web services and standards
|-
|Marco Ciolli
|Forest management and planning, Forest ecology, Tropical ecology, Dendrochronology, Landscape change, GIS in Forestry and ecology, FOSS in all education levels.
|-
|Paolo Zatelli
|Signal and image processing, cartography, geodesy, geospatial web services, GIS software development, GIS education.
|-
|Massimiliano Cannata
|Geographical Information Systems, Geographical Web Services and applications, risk assessment and environmental modeling.
|}

[[Category:FOSS4G2009]]

FOSS4G2008 Lessons Learned

2008-12-11T14:33:37Z

Wiki-Serena: /* Call for Papers */

Back to [[Conference_Committee]]

This page is a collection of information, comments, and suggestions, based on the planning, organizing, and hosting of the FOSS4G 2008 conference. The intent is to provide a resource that can be used by organizers of future FOSS4G conferences. This is not a forum for conference attendees to comment on the conference. Use [[FOSS4G2008_Comments]] for that.

= Bidding =

= Timetable =

= Money =

== Sponsorships ==

== Complimentary Registrations and Volunteers ==

== Workshop Pricing ==

= Registration =

== Support For Some Attendees ==

== Scams ==

== Discounts ==

== Breakdown by Country ==

== Attendance ==

=== At the Conference ===

=== Within the Conference ===

=== Within the Code Sprint ===

= Marketing =

== The Mail-out ==

== How People Heard about FOSS4G2007 ==

== Local / Regional / International ==

== Use Proxies ==

== Local Marketing is Key ==

== Web Site & Program ==

== Lists are Important ==

== Press Releases ==

= Social Venues =

= Conference Venue =

Using names of the national parks for the presentation venues sounded like a good idea but it created a lot of confusion on the first few days because the conference centre's signage obviously did include these names.

Suggestion for 2009:
* Stick to the names/numbers of rooms in the conference venue

== Audio-Visual ==

== Quirks ==

= Accommodations =

= Transportation =

= Workshops and Labs =

Workshops and labs were again very popular. In Cape Town, it presented a chance for many people to shake off their fears of working with FOSS. There is some talk of not running the 1.5 hour labs in 2009. Consider that some of the labs had over 70 people attending. There is certainly a demand. This needs to be balanced though. 2008 had '''too many''' workshops and labs - 15 workshops and 20 labs in total. This became difficult to manage logistically and technically - there are so many factors that can go wrong!

== Workshop Committee ==

This is a big task, even if at 2009, Sydney decides to scale back on the workshops and labs.

We had it roughly break out as follows:

A person responsible for the technical side of the workshops and labs (software, computer setup etc)
A person responsible for the logistical side (comms with the IT suppliers, other suppliers)
Advisor from 2007/ OSGeo
2008 Conference Chair, to ensure integration with the rest of the conference

For the scale of 2008, we probably needed another LOC member technically involved.

We used formal conference volunteers to an extent, but if we had more more of them, they could have been put to work quite happily on doing tests and installs.

The amazing part was the willingness to help out evident in the FOSS4G community. A gang of helpers made sure that we were all systems go for Monday by spending most of their Sunday helping to install, configure, test stuff. No complaining, just doing. Brilliant! Ideally, this spirit should not need to be tested though. Early preparation will avoid this to some extent.

== Terminology ==

== Call for Workshops ==

=== Timing ===

As early as possible to allow maximum time for instructors and workshop committee to prepare (though some instructors will always leave things to the last - human nature!). It should go out in a month or two's time from now - preferably before year end.

=== Format of the Call ===

We put out a document in pdf, odt and word that required instructors to fill out a bunch of info that would help us to assess the session. Best to read it at [http://conference.osgeo.org/index.php/foss4g/index/manager/files/schedConfs/foss4g2008/files/docs/FOSS4G2008WorkshopLabSubmissionFormv2.odt].

=== Results of the Call ===

We received 45 submissions, 27 for 3 hour workshops, 18 for labs.

== Selection Process ==

=== Philosophy===

Do you want to cater for the most established projects, in the hope of filling up rooms, at the risk of becoming stale? Do you wish to introduce new software tools to the audience and give a chance to emerging projects? Well, a mix of both seems appropriate, but one has to judge the potential audience a bit. For Cape Town we had local knowledge, for example, that MapWindow GIS was gaining some popularity in certain circles. As a result, we made sure that this project had several slots in the programme. The risk of having less well known projects as workshops is that attendance might be lower, affecting the conference bottom line. Labs are an opportunity to showcase such projects.

=== Ranking and Decisions ===

Google Docs was a neat way to do things. We each ranked each proposal on a scale of 1 to 5, based on importance to the FOSS4G community, likely interest, likely audience size and stated requirements, We added comments and then compared scores, imparted some local knowledge and gave an initial rank sort. We also considered whether some of the workshop proposals could be undertaken as labs.

Ot of this came a second rank, which ended up close to the eventual program. Instructors were then invited and given time to consider how serious they were about participating, which included registering on the conference site. Some on the list pulled out and were replaced from the next in line from the rankings.

== Communication with Instructors ==

Instructors should be *forced* onto the workshop-dev mail list - at 2008, some instructors did not join the list and were a bit incommunicado. Personal communications cannot be underestimated too.

== Preparation Process ==

Actually there is probably some sense in having a few stages to the workshop/lab development process. Probably difficult to do, but perhaps ensure that the material to be presented (software, data, printouts, slides etc) are ready at least a month before the time. Some projects want to show the latest and greatest features at the workshop or lab, but this creates stress and risk. We had workshop / lab presenters compiling their code for their session the night before. All in the spirit of things, but very stressful indeed. Avoid. Determinedly.

== Venues ==

At Cape Town, we had 2 big, dedicated venues at the main conference centre plus the main auditorium for one workshop, one venue at the hotel where most delegates were staying and two venues at the University, 15 minutes drive away.
<table border=1>
<tr>
<th>Venue Type</th><th>Pro's</th><th>Con's</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Large dedicated rooms at CTICC</td><td>Control! We could put in freshly imaged computers, our own LAN, good AV facilities, nice desks. Their size allowed us to hold large workshops and labs (capability for 100 pax, but max attendance was somewhere in the region of 80 folk). These rooms also acted (unintentionally) as places where folk could go and catch up on e-mail, have some quiet time, etc, when they were not in use</td><td>A little bit soulless, especially if not full. Some instructors felt un-engaged by the audience in these large venues</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Auditorium at CTICC</td><td>Ummm, an extra venue at no extra cost?</td><td>Power supply problems, network issues, cavernous place to instruct a few dozen folk. Not sure if it was a success to have a workshop where people had to supply their own notebooks - created config issues</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hotel</td><td>This was pretty much the same as the main venues: we had control, access and pleasant environment, plus the advantage of not being too huge. Plus, tea and snacks were thrown in as part of the price.</td><td>A 5 minute walk from the CTICC, not a big problem, but causes delays</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>University</td><td>The venues were a bit more intimate - instructors could engage with attendees more easily. Felt a lot less "corporate". Nice opportunity to raise awareness of FOSS4G. Lab owners were very enthusiastic and helpful</td><td>No Control! We had to work with PC's with no idea what was on them, other than the OS, and no ability to clear the environment. Who knows what students are doing on lab PC's? Network access and internet connectivity was THE major issue. The university bandwidth was limited such that one workshop in particular did not really work. Also, Internet access was controlled by a proxy, which required usernames and passwords, which the network admins were not too keen to hand out and which caused great annoyance for Firefox users. Transport to the venues was problematic, particularly if folk missed the buses</td>
</tr>
</table>

The logistical and control hurdles of having workshops at a University were big. Much better to keep venues in one place if possible, or otherwise have them in close walking distance of each other.
There is a lot to be said for having 'clean' venues, where you have control over how things work.
Try to encourage more interaction through careful choice and setup of venue

== Computers and Networks ==

Rule number 1: Work with a good technology supplier. We had the most amazing experience with our main IT suppliers - they were flexible, helpful, committed and technically sound. Okay, so the bandwidth was used up at times, but that had more to do with the cost of connectivity than the IT team.

Our approach was to allow several ways to present a workshop or lab. Instructors could build a LiveDVD / LiveUSB and run the session from that. Alternatively, instructors could prepare a VMWare image and run the session from VMWare Player. Thirdly, and most commonly, instructors could provide some software (and data) and provide setup instructions. We then ran through the setup on 2 slightly different machines, and then our IT supplier imaged this setup over the 98 other machines.

The LiveDVD/LiveUSB approach worked pretty well, putting all the onus onto the instructors to be ready. this approach incurs a higher hardware cost, as one needs more RAM.

The VMWare approach was mixed. It was most successful when a thin Linux image was used. Windows based images were '''huge''', and thus difficult to upload/download in preparation. Also, the VMWare approach definitely requires more punchy machines - minimum 2Gb RAM. With enough preparation time and upload/download bandwidth, this is a very solid approach though one needs to be careful to make sure networking is setup properly.

The third approach worked well on the whole. We could prepare the environment quite well if instructors came to the party early with their requirements and instructions. One thing that we tried to a limited extent was opening up a VNC/Remote Desktop Connection to the machines that we were preparing. Given more time, we could have had a slot where each instructor made sure that their setup worked. Agreement on port numbers beforehand was useful for this approach. This approach came a bit unstuck when instructors were not prepared well in advance. Installing a bunch of software across 50 machines the night before a workshop or lab is not conducive to good heart health. If this approach is followed, one thing that worked really well was having an identical network share on each machine. This allowed us to rapidly install software in-situ through an almost peer-to-peer method.

Whichever approach is followed, it is well worth having a conference Server, where last minute things can be served from, whether they be a patch, a set of data or a set of documents.

=== Software ===

We ran Windows XP as a base install. This worked quite well for the South African environment and for the particular conference, which included a lot of folk who were less exposed to Linux. I feel that this choice was determined by our audience in the end. Some FOSS4G attendees were annoyed by the use of Win XP in this way, but it was a pragmatic approach that worked, and also allowed certain FOSS4G projects that are Windows based to gain exposure. We needed to introduce many people to FOSS4G, not necessarily the whole FOSS universe out there. Perhaps the audience will be different in Sydney, but the choice does need to be carefully weighed up. We chose to offer a bridge into FOSS for the most people.

MS4W, OSGeo4W, PostGIS, Java, Tomcat, Firefox, Google Earth covered a lot of bases and were all easy to install and work with on Win XP.

== Printed Handouts ==

2008 provided printed handouts where instructors wished them to be provided. One issue is that for labs it is difficult to know how many to print, for the labs are essentially walk in affairs. Feedback from attendees at labs and workshops suggests that, on the whole, printed material is desirable. One downside to having printed material is that attendees often tend to race ahead of the instructor, which can be problematic if the workshop or lab content is complex or likely to cause problems if an attendee misses a step.

We found a very helpful professional printshop near (i.e. 2 minutes walk) to the conference venue. They were flexible, accommodating and very professional. We organised a kind of printing "slush fund" at the printshop, which was capped at a certain level.

On another track, printed material offers a sponsorship opportunity...

== Evaluation Forms ==

We provided evaluation forms, in paper format, for all workshops and labs. However, the use of paper forms has to end - it requires someone post-processing each and every one to convert to some digital format for sharing. A web form/survey could be used, since all workshops attendees are in front of a computer anyway. I think this is a must for 2009.

= Presentations =

== Call for Papers ==

=== Academic track ===
The 2008 call for papers is at [http://wiki.osgeo.org/wiki/FOSS4G2008_Call_for_papers#Academic_Papers_Track FOSS4G 2008 call for academic papers]

The call asked for abstracts of 500-600 words. This is a good length (better than 250 words) for making a decision on whether to invite a full paper on the academic track. However, because it is common to require abstracts of 250 words, there were quite a few submissions that were too short. Authors of early submissions were notified that their abstracts are too short and they re-submitted longer abstracts.

The blind peer-reviewed process is essential on the academic track and should not be compromised. It is also important to include a description of this process in the proceedings. Time constraints in 2008 allowed us to only peer-review the abstract and not the full paper. I would suggest that in future the full paper is also blind peer-reviewed by at least three reviewers. This will improve the quality of the academic proceedings considerably.

From the number of queries we received about publication of papers in SACJ, a peer-reviewed journal, one can conclude that this attracted authors to the academic track, especially authors from academia to whom such publications are important. It was unfortunate that the SACJ shortlist was announced after the conference. Ideally, the shortlist should be announced at the conference.

Some reviewers were confused because the 2008 conference included general GIS topics and was not restricted to open source only, and then rejected an abstract that did not mention OS. However, unless there is a joint conference again, this should not be an issue in future.

Publishing the call for papers on the wiki site meant that we could only publish the author guidelines as PDF, whereas they should be downloadable as .ODT and/or .DOC file. It makes it a lot easier to provide the paper in the correct format. In 2008 we had to attach the documents in both formats to the email notifications.

Suggestions for 2009:
* Emphasize that the academic track requires a longer abstract than the general track.
* Request 3 keywords. Not sure whether the conference system would allow this, and the keywords might have to be supplied in the Abstract text box.
* Request that the authors identify one or more of the conference topics to which their submission relates. This, as well as the keywords, will help with allocating papers to sessions.
* Allow enough time for a proper blind peer-review revision of the abstracts as well as the full papers.
* Provide the author guidelines for download as .ODT and/or .DOC file on a website.

=== General track ===
* abstract number of words (150-300 words + optionally 3 key references)
* request 3 keywords

== Submission Process ==
At some stage the OCS uploads stopped working, and we really had trouble in getting OCS support. In the end, we had to accept the full papers on the academic track via email, which obviously added a lot of work. After the conference, we discovered that the uploads stopped working due to a file permission error on the server, and we then had to manually upload all presentations and papers. Ideally, authors should be able to upload their full papers and presentations themselves, saving the track directors many hours of work.

Links to manuals of the conference system:
[http://pkp.sfu.ca/files/MapOCS2.pdf] and [http://pkp.sfu.ca/files/OCSinanHour.pdf]

== Community Ranking Process ==

=== Building Sessions ===

== Cancellations ==
There seemed to be less cancellations on the academic track because a submission was only included once a full paper was received. It might help to force authors on the general track to submit their presentations ahead of the conference (give a deadline). If the presentation is not received in time, it is not included in the program.

== Posters ==

= Wiki =

= Conference Evaluation =

== Workshop Evaluations ==

= Onsite Staff =

= Program handouts etc =

* convenient small flyer, nice to carry around
* presenter names would be desired (small font)

= Conference website software =
For the first time, OSGeo is making use of the [http://pkp.sfu.ca/ocs/ Open Conference Systems (OCS)] software to 'manage' a FOSS4G conference.

Links to OCS manuals:
[http://pkp.sfu.ca/files/MapOCS2.pdf] and [http://pkp.sfu.ca/files/OCSinanHour.pdf]

* See [[FOSS4G2008_Site_Upgrade]]
* and [[FOSS4G2008_Committee_Issues#OCS_website_management]]
* Limitations (to be fixed for 2009):
** No list of participants easily extractable
** No online session navigation (as supported Indico, see www.foss4g2006.org)
** When a user's email is updated in OCS, this is not automatically reflected in the submissions of that user. There was one case where an author changed his email in his user profile, however his paper notifications were still sent to the old email address. As a track director, there is no way of knowing that the author did not receive the notification.

[[Category:FOSS4G2008]]
[[Category:FOSS4G]]

FOSS4G2008 Lessons Learned

2008-12-11T14:28:49Z

Wiki-Serena: /* Conference website software */

Back to [[Conference_Committee]]

This page is a collection of information, comments, and suggestions, based on the planning, organizing, and hosting of the FOSS4G 2008 conference. The intent is to provide a resource that can be used by organizers of future FOSS4G conferences. This is not a forum for conference attendees to comment on the conference. Use [[FOSS4G2008_Comments]] for that.

= Bidding =

= Timetable =

= Money =

== Sponsorships ==

== Complimentary Registrations and Volunteers ==

== Workshop Pricing ==

= Registration =

== Support For Some Attendees ==

== Scams ==

== Discounts ==

== Breakdown by Country ==

== Attendance ==

=== At the Conference ===

=== Within the Conference ===

=== Within the Code Sprint ===

= Marketing =

== The Mail-out ==

== How People Heard about FOSS4G2007 ==

== Local / Regional / International ==

== Use Proxies ==

== Local Marketing is Key ==

== Web Site & Program ==

== Lists are Important ==

== Press Releases ==

= Social Venues =

= Conference Venue =

Using names of the national parks for the presentation venues sounded like a good idea but it created a lot of confusion on the first few days because the conference centre's signage obviously did include these names.

Suggestion for 2009:
* Stick to the names/numbers of rooms in the conference venue

== Audio-Visual ==

== Quirks ==

= Accommodations =

= Transportation =

= Workshops and Labs =

Workshops and labs were again very popular. In Cape Town, it presented a chance for many people to shake off their fears of working with FOSS. There is some talk of not running the 1.5 hour labs in 2009. Consider that some of the labs had over 70 people attending. There is certainly a demand. This needs to be balanced though. 2008 had '''too many''' workshops and labs - 15 workshops and 20 labs in total. This became difficult to manage logistically and technically - there are so many factors that can go wrong!

== Workshop Committee ==

This is a big task, even if at 2009, Sydney decides to scale back on the workshops and labs.

We had it roughly break out as follows:

A person responsible for the technical side of the workshops and labs (software, computer setup etc)
A person responsible for the logistical side (comms with the IT suppliers, other suppliers)
Advisor from 2007/ OSGeo
2008 Conference Chair, to ensure integration with the rest of the conference

For the scale of 2008, we probably needed another LOC member technically involved.

We used formal conference volunteers to an extent, but if we had more more of them, they could have been put to work quite happily on doing tests and installs.

The amazing part was the willingness to help out evident in the FOSS4G community. A gang of helpers made sure that we were all systems go for Monday by spending most of their Sunday helping to install, configure, test stuff. No complaining, just doing. Brilliant! Ideally, this spirit should not need to be tested though. Early preparation will avoid this to some extent.

== Terminology ==

== Call for Workshops ==

=== Timing ===

As early as possible to allow maximum time for instructors and workshop committee to prepare (though some instructors will always leave things to the last - human nature!). It should go out in a month or two's time from now - preferably before year end.

=== Format of the Call ===

We put out a document in pdf, odt and word that required instructors to fill out a bunch of info that would help us to assess the session. Best to read it at [http://conference.osgeo.org/index.php/foss4g/index/manager/files/schedConfs/foss4g2008/files/docs/FOSS4G2008WorkshopLabSubmissionFormv2.odt].

=== Results of the Call ===

We received 45 submissions, 27 for 3 hour workshops, 18 for labs.

== Selection Process ==

=== Philosophy===

Do you want to cater for the most established projects, in the hope of filling up rooms, at the risk of becoming stale? Do you wish to introduce new software tools to the audience and give a chance to emerging projects? Well, a mix of both seems appropriate, but one has to judge the potential audience a bit. For Cape Town we had local knowledge, for example, that MapWindow GIS was gaining some popularity in certain circles. As a result, we made sure that this project had several slots in the programme. The risk of having less well known projects as workshops is that attendance might be lower, affecting the conference bottom line. Labs are an opportunity to showcase such projects.

=== Ranking and Decisions ===

Google Docs was a neat way to do things. We each ranked each proposal on a scale of 1 to 5, based on importance to the FOSS4G community, likely interest, likely audience size and stated requirements, We added comments and then compared scores, imparted some local knowledge and gave an initial rank sort. We also considered whether some of the workshop proposals could be undertaken as labs.

Ot of this came a second rank, which ended up close to the eventual program. Instructors were then invited and given time to consider how serious they were about participating, which included registering on the conference site. Some on the list pulled out and were replaced from the next in line from the rankings.

== Communication with Instructors ==

Instructors should be *forced* onto the workshop-dev mail list - at 2008, some instructors did not join the list and were a bit incommunicado. Personal communications cannot be underestimated too.

== Preparation Process ==

Actually there is probably some sense in having a few stages to the workshop/lab development process. Probably difficult to do, but perhaps ensure that the material to be presented (software, data, printouts, slides etc) are ready at least a month before the time. Some projects want to show the latest and greatest features at the workshop or lab, but this creates stress and risk. We had workshop / lab presenters compiling their code for their session the night before. All in the spirit of things, but very stressful indeed. Avoid. Determinedly.

== Venues ==

At Cape Town, we had 2 big, dedicated venues at the main conference centre plus the main auditorium for one workshop, one venue at the hotel where most delegates were staying and two venues at the University, 15 minutes drive away.
<table border=1>
<tr>
<th>Venue Type</th><th>Pro's</th><th>Con's</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Large dedicated rooms at CTICC</td><td>Control! We could put in freshly imaged computers, our own LAN, good AV facilities, nice desks. Their size allowed us to hold large workshops and labs (capability for 100 pax, but max attendance was somewhere in the region of 80 folk). These rooms also acted (unintentionally) as places where folk could go and catch up on e-mail, have some quiet time, etc, when they were not in use</td><td>A little bit soulless, especially if not full. Some instructors felt un-engaged by the audience in these large venues</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Auditorium at CTICC</td><td>Ummm, an extra venue at no extra cost?</td><td>Power supply problems, network issues, cavernous place to instruct a few dozen folk. Not sure if it was a success to have a workshop where people had to supply their own notebooks - created config issues</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hotel</td><td>This was pretty much the same as the main venues: we had control, access and pleasant environment, plus the advantage of not being too huge. Plus, tea and snacks were thrown in as part of the price.</td><td>A 5 minute walk from the CTICC, not a big problem, but causes delays</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>University</td><td>The venues were a bit more intimate - instructors could engage with attendees more easily. Felt a lot less "corporate". Nice opportunity to raise awareness of FOSS4G. Lab owners were very enthusiastic and helpful</td><td>No Control! We had to work with PC's with no idea what was on them, other than the OS, and no ability to clear the environment. Who knows what students are doing on lab PC's? Network access and internet connectivity was THE major issue. The university bandwidth was limited such that one workshop in particular did not really work. Also, Internet access was controlled by a proxy, which required usernames and passwords, which the network admins were not too keen to hand out and which caused great annoyance for Firefox users. Transport to the venues was problematic, particularly if folk missed the buses</td>
</tr>
</table>

The logistical and control hurdles of having workshops at a University were big. Much better to keep venues in one place if possible, or otherwise have them in close walking distance of each other.
There is a lot to be said for having 'clean' venues, where you have control over how things work.
Try to encourage more interaction through careful choice and setup of venue

== Computers and Networks ==

Rule number 1: Work with a good technology supplier. We had the most amazing experience with our main IT suppliers - they were flexible, helpful, committed and technically sound. Okay, so the bandwidth was used up at times, but that had more to do with the cost of connectivity than the IT team.

Our approach was to allow several ways to present a workshop or lab. Instructors could build a LiveDVD / LiveUSB and run the session from that. Alternatively, instructors could prepare a VMWare image and run the session from VMWare Player. Thirdly, and most commonly, instructors could provide some software (and data) and provide setup instructions. We then ran through the setup on 2 slightly different machines, and then our IT supplier imaged this setup over the 98 other machines.

The LiveDVD/LiveUSB approach worked pretty well, putting all the onus onto the instructors to be ready. this approach incurs a higher hardware cost, as one needs more RAM.

The VMWare approach was mixed. It was most successful when a thin Linux image was used. Windows based images were '''huge''', and thus difficult to upload/download in preparation. Also, the VMWare approach definitely requires more punchy machines - minimum 2Gb RAM. With enough preparation time and upload/download bandwidth, this is a very solid approach though one needs to be careful to make sure networking is setup properly.

The third approach worked well on the whole. We could prepare the environment quite well if instructors came to the party early with their requirements and instructions. One thing that we tried to a limited extent was opening up a VNC/Remote Desktop Connection to the machines that we were preparing. Given more time, we could have had a slot where each instructor made sure that their setup worked. Agreement on port numbers beforehand was useful for this approach. This approach came a bit unstuck when instructors were not prepared well in advance. Installing a bunch of software across 50 machines the night before a workshop or lab is not conducive to good heart health. If this approach is followed, one thing that worked really well was having an identical network share on each machine. This allowed us to rapidly install software in-situ through an almost peer-to-peer method.

Whichever approach is followed, it is well worth having a conference Server, where last minute things can be served from, whether they be a patch, a set of data or a set of documents.

=== Software ===

We ran Windows XP as a base install. This worked quite well for the South African environment and for the particular conference, which included a lot of folk who were less exposed to Linux. I feel that this choice was determined by our audience in the end. Some FOSS4G attendees were annoyed by the use of Win XP in this way, but it was a pragmatic approach that worked, and also allowed certain FOSS4G projects that are Windows based to gain exposure. We needed to introduce many people to FOSS4G, not necessarily the whole FOSS universe out there. Perhaps the audience will be different in Sydney, but the choice does need to be carefully weighed up. We chose to offer a bridge into FOSS for the most people.

MS4W, OSGeo4W, PostGIS, Java, Tomcat, Firefox, Google Earth covered a lot of bases and were all easy to install and work with on Win XP.

== Printed Handouts ==

2008 provided printed handouts where instructors wished them to be provided. One issue is that for labs it is difficult to know how many to print, for the labs are essentially walk in affairs. Feedback from attendees at labs and workshops suggests that, on the whole, printed material is desirable. One downside to having printed material is that attendees often tend to race ahead of the instructor, which can be problematic if the workshop or lab content is complex or likely to cause problems if an attendee misses a step.

We found a very helpful professional printshop near (i.e. 2 minutes walk) to the conference venue. They were flexible, accommodating and very professional. We organised a kind of printing "slush fund" at the printshop, which was capped at a certain level.

On another track, printed material offers a sponsorship opportunity...

== Evaluation Forms ==

We provided evaluation forms, in paper format, for all workshops and labs. However, the use of paper forms has to end - it requires someone post-processing each and every one to convert to some digital format for sharing. A web form/survey could be used, since all workshops attendees are in front of a computer anyway. I think this is a must for 2009.

= Presentations =

== Call for Papers ==

=== Academic track ===
The 2008 call for papers is at [http://wiki.osgeo.org/wiki/FOSS4G2008_Call_for_papers#Academic_Papers_Track FOSS4G 2008 call for academic papers]

The call asked for abstracts of 500-600 words. This is a good length (better than 250 words) for making a decision on whether to invite a full paper on the academic track. However, because it is common to require abstracts of 250 words, there were quite a few submissions that were too short. Authors of early submissions were notified that their abstracts are too short and they re-submitted longer abstracts.

The blind peer-reviewed process is essential on the academic track and should not be compromised. It is also important to include a description of this process in the proceedings. Time constraints in 2008 allowed us to only peer-review the abstract and not the full paper. I would suggest that in future the full paper is also blind peer-reviewed by at least three reviewers. This will improve the quality of the academic proceedings considerably.

From the number of queries we received about publication of papers in SACJ, a peer-reviewed journal, one can conclude that this attracted authors to the academic track, especially authors from academia to whom such publications are important. It was unfortunate that the SACJ shortlist was announced after the conference. Ideally, the shortlist should be announced at the conference.

Some reviewers were confused because the 2008 conference included general GIS topics and was not restricted to open source only, and then rejected an abstract that did not mention OS. However, unless there is a joint conference again, this should not be an issue in future.

Suggestions for 2009:
* Emphasize that the academic track requires a longer abstract than the general track.
* Request 3 keywords. Not sure whether the conference system would allow this, and the keywords might have to be supplied in the Abstract text box.
* Request that the authors identify one or more of the conference topics to which their submission relates. This, as well as the keywords, will help with allocating papers to sessions.
* Allow enough time for a proper blind peer-review revision of the abstracts as well as the full papers.

=== General track ===
* abstract number of words (150-300 words + optionally 3 key references)
* request 3 keywords

== Submission Process ==
At some stage the OCS uploads stopped working, and we really had trouble in getting OCS support. In the end, we had to accept the full papers on the academic track via email, which obviously added a lot of work. After the conference, we discovered that the uploads stopped working due to a file permission error on the server, and we then had to manually upload all presentations and papers. Ideally, authors should be able to upload their full papers and presentations themselves, saving the track directors many hours of work.

Links to manuals of the conference system:
[http://pkp.sfu.ca/files/MapOCS2.pdf] and [http://pkp.sfu.ca/files/OCSinanHour.pdf]

== Community Ranking Process ==

=== Building Sessions ===

== Cancellations ==
There seemed to be less cancellations on the academic track because a submission was only included once a full paper was received. It might help to force authors on the general track to submit their presentations ahead of the conference (give a deadline). If the presentation is not received in time, it is not included in the program.

== Posters ==

= Wiki =

= Conference Evaluation =

== Workshop Evaluations ==

= Onsite Staff =

= Program handouts etc =

* convenient small flyer, nice to carry around
* presenter names would be desired (small font)

= Conference website software =
For the first time, OSGeo is making use of the [http://pkp.sfu.ca/ocs/ Open Conference Systems (OCS)] software to 'manage' a FOSS4G conference.

Links to OCS manuals:
[http://pkp.sfu.ca/files/MapOCS2.pdf] and [http://pkp.sfu.ca/files/OCSinanHour.pdf]

* See [[FOSS4G2008_Site_Upgrade]]
* and [[FOSS4G2008_Committee_Issues#OCS_website_management]]
* Limitations (to be fixed for 2009):
** No list of participants easily extractable
** No online session navigation (as supported Indico, see www.foss4g2006.org)
** When a user's email is updated in OCS, this is not automatically reflected in the submissions of that user. There was one case where an author changed his email in his user profile, however his paper notifications were still sent to the old email address. As a track director, there is no way of knowing that the author did not receive the notification.

[[Category:FOSS4G2008]]
[[Category:FOSS4G]]

FOSS4G2008 Lessons Learned

2008-12-11T14:25:02Z

Wiki-Serena: /* Submission Process */

Back to [[Conference_Committee]]

This page is a collection of information, comments, and suggestions, based on the planning, organizing, and hosting of the FOSS4G 2008 conference. The intent is to provide a resource that can be used by organizers of future FOSS4G conferences. This is not a forum for conference attendees to comment on the conference. Use [[FOSS4G2008_Comments]] for that.

= Bidding =

= Timetable =

= Money =

== Sponsorships ==

== Complimentary Registrations and Volunteers ==

== Workshop Pricing ==

= Registration =

== Support For Some Attendees ==

== Scams ==

== Discounts ==

== Breakdown by Country ==

== Attendance ==

=== At the Conference ===

=== Within the Conference ===

=== Within the Code Sprint ===

= Marketing =

== The Mail-out ==

== How People Heard about FOSS4G2007 ==

== Local / Regional / International ==

== Use Proxies ==

== Local Marketing is Key ==

== Web Site & Program ==

== Lists are Important ==

== Press Releases ==

= Social Venues =

= Conference Venue =

Using names of the national parks for the presentation venues sounded like a good idea but it created a lot of confusion on the first few days because the conference centre's signage obviously did include these names.

Suggestion for 2009:
* Stick to the names/numbers of rooms in the conference venue

== Audio-Visual ==

== Quirks ==

= Accommodations =

= Transportation =

= Workshops and Labs =

Workshops and labs were again very popular. In Cape Town, it presented a chance for many people to shake off their fears of working with FOSS. There is some talk of not running the 1.5 hour labs in 2009. Consider that some of the labs had over 70 people attending. There is certainly a demand. This needs to be balanced though. 2008 had '''too many''' workshops and labs - 15 workshops and 20 labs in total. This became difficult to manage logistically and technically - there are so many factors that can go wrong!

== Workshop Committee ==

This is a big task, even if at 2009, Sydney decides to scale back on the workshops and labs.

We had it roughly break out as follows:

A person responsible for the technical side of the workshops and labs (software, computer setup etc)
A person responsible for the logistical side (comms with the IT suppliers, other suppliers)
Advisor from 2007/ OSGeo
2008 Conference Chair, to ensure integration with the rest of the conference

For the scale of 2008, we probably needed another LOC member technically involved.

We used formal conference volunteers to an extent, but if we had more more of them, they could have been put to work quite happily on doing tests and installs.

The amazing part was the willingness to help out evident in the FOSS4G community. A gang of helpers made sure that we were all systems go for Monday by spending most of their Sunday helping to install, configure, test stuff. No complaining, just doing. Brilliant! Ideally, this spirit should not need to be tested though. Early preparation will avoid this to some extent.

== Terminology ==

== Call for Workshops ==

=== Timing ===

As early as possible to allow maximum time for instructors and workshop committee to prepare (though some instructors will always leave things to the last - human nature!). It should go out in a month or two's time from now - preferably before year end.

=== Format of the Call ===

We put out a document in pdf, odt and word that required instructors to fill out a bunch of info that would help us to assess the session. Best to read it at [http://conference.osgeo.org/index.php/foss4g/index/manager/files/schedConfs/foss4g2008/files/docs/FOSS4G2008WorkshopLabSubmissionFormv2.odt].

=== Results of the Call ===

We received 45 submissions, 27 for 3 hour workshops, 18 for labs.

== Selection Process ==

=== Philosophy===

Do you want to cater for the most established projects, in the hope of filling up rooms, at the risk of becoming stale? Do you wish to introduce new software tools to the audience and give a chance to emerging projects? Well, a mix of both seems appropriate, but one has to judge the potential audience a bit. For Cape Town we had local knowledge, for example, that MapWindow GIS was gaining some popularity in certain circles. As a result, we made sure that this project had several slots in the programme. The risk of having less well known projects as workshops is that attendance might be lower, affecting the conference bottom line. Labs are an opportunity to showcase such projects.

=== Ranking and Decisions ===

Google Docs was a neat way to do things. We each ranked each proposal on a scale of 1 to 5, based on importance to the FOSS4G community, likely interest, likely audience size and stated requirements, We added comments and then compared scores, imparted some local knowledge and gave an initial rank sort. We also considered whether some of the workshop proposals could be undertaken as labs.

Ot of this came a second rank, which ended up close to the eventual program. Instructors were then invited and given time to consider how serious they were about participating, which included registering on the conference site. Some on the list pulled out and were replaced from the next in line from the rankings.

== Communication with Instructors ==

Instructors should be *forced* onto the workshop-dev mail list - at 2008, some instructors did not join the list and were a bit incommunicado. Personal communications cannot be underestimated too.

== Preparation Process ==

Actually there is probably some sense in having a few stages to the workshop/lab development process. Probably difficult to do, but perhaps ensure that the material to be presented (software, data, printouts, slides etc) are ready at least a month before the time. Some projects want to show the latest and greatest features at the workshop or lab, but this creates stress and risk. We had workshop / lab presenters compiling their code for their session the night before. All in the spirit of things, but very stressful indeed. Avoid. Determinedly.

== Venues ==

At Cape Town, we had 2 big, dedicated venues at the main conference centre plus the main auditorium for one workshop, one venue at the hotel where most delegates were staying and two venues at the University, 15 minutes drive away.
<table border=1>
<tr>
<th>Venue Type</th><th>Pro's</th><th>Con's</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Large dedicated rooms at CTICC</td><td>Control! We could put in freshly imaged computers, our own LAN, good AV facilities, nice desks. Their size allowed us to hold large workshops and labs (capability for 100 pax, but max attendance was somewhere in the region of 80 folk). These rooms also acted (unintentionally) as places where folk could go and catch up on e-mail, have some quiet time, etc, when they were not in use</td><td>A little bit soulless, especially if not full. Some instructors felt un-engaged by the audience in these large venues</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Auditorium at CTICC</td><td>Ummm, an extra venue at no extra cost?</td><td>Power supply problems, network issues, cavernous place to instruct a few dozen folk. Not sure if it was a success to have a workshop where people had to supply their own notebooks - created config issues</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hotel</td><td>This was pretty much the same as the main venues: we had control, access and pleasant environment, plus the advantage of not being too huge. Plus, tea and snacks were thrown in as part of the price.</td><td>A 5 minute walk from the CTICC, not a big problem, but causes delays</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>University</td><td>The venues were a bit more intimate - instructors could engage with attendees more easily. Felt a lot less "corporate". Nice opportunity to raise awareness of FOSS4G. Lab owners were very enthusiastic and helpful</td><td>No Control! We had to work with PC's with no idea what was on them, other than the OS, and no ability to clear the environment. Who knows what students are doing on lab PC's? Network access and internet connectivity was THE major issue. The university bandwidth was limited such that one workshop in particular did not really work. Also, Internet access was controlled by a proxy, which required usernames and passwords, which the network admins were not too keen to hand out and which caused great annoyance for Firefox users. Transport to the venues was problematic, particularly if folk missed the buses</td>
</tr>
</table>

The logistical and control hurdles of having workshops at a University were big. Much better to keep venues in one place if possible, or otherwise have them in close walking distance of each other.
There is a lot to be said for having 'clean' venues, where you have control over how things work.
Try to encourage more interaction through careful choice and setup of venue

== Computers and Networks ==

Rule number 1: Work with a good technology supplier. We had the most amazing experience with our main IT suppliers - they were flexible, helpful, committed and technically sound. Okay, so the bandwidth was used up at times, but that had more to do with the cost of connectivity than the IT team.

Our approach was to allow several ways to present a workshop or lab. Instructors could build a LiveDVD / LiveUSB and run the session from that. Alternatively, instructors could prepare a VMWare image and run the session from VMWare Player. Thirdly, and most commonly, instructors could provide some software (and data) and provide setup instructions. We then ran through the setup on 2 slightly different machines, and then our IT supplier imaged this setup over the 98 other machines.

The LiveDVD/LiveUSB approach worked pretty well, putting all the onus onto the instructors to be ready. this approach incurs a higher hardware cost, as one needs more RAM.

The VMWare approach was mixed. It was most successful when a thin Linux image was used. Windows based images were '''huge''', and thus difficult to upload/download in preparation. Also, the VMWare approach definitely requires more punchy machines - minimum 2Gb RAM. With enough preparation time and upload/download bandwidth, this is a very solid approach though one needs to be careful to make sure networking is setup properly.

The third approach worked well on the whole. We could prepare the environment quite well if instructors came to the party early with their requirements and instructions. One thing that we tried to a limited extent was opening up a VNC/Remote Desktop Connection to the machines that we were preparing. Given more time, we could have had a slot where each instructor made sure that their setup worked. Agreement on port numbers beforehand was useful for this approach. This approach came a bit unstuck when instructors were not prepared well in advance. Installing a bunch of software across 50 machines the night before a workshop or lab is not conducive to good heart health. If this approach is followed, one thing that worked really well was having an identical network share on each machine. This allowed us to rapidly install software in-situ through an almost peer-to-peer method.

Whichever approach is followed, it is well worth having a conference Server, where last minute things can be served from, whether they be a patch, a set of data or a set of documents.

=== Software ===

We ran Windows XP as a base install. This worked quite well for the South African environment and for the particular conference, which included a lot of folk who were less exposed to Linux. I feel that this choice was determined by our audience in the end. Some FOSS4G attendees were annoyed by the use of Win XP in this way, but it was a pragmatic approach that worked, and also allowed certain FOSS4G projects that are Windows based to gain exposure. We needed to introduce many people to FOSS4G, not necessarily the whole FOSS universe out there. Perhaps the audience will be different in Sydney, but the choice does need to be carefully weighed up. We chose to offer a bridge into FOSS for the most people.

MS4W, OSGeo4W, PostGIS, Java, Tomcat, Firefox, Google Earth covered a lot of bases and were all easy to install and work with on Win XP.

== Printed Handouts ==

2008 provided printed handouts where instructors wished them to be provided. One issue is that for labs it is difficult to know how many to print, for the labs are essentially walk in affairs. Feedback from attendees at labs and workshops suggests that, on the whole, printed material is desirable. One downside to having printed material is that attendees often tend to race ahead of the instructor, which can be problematic if the workshop or lab content is complex or likely to cause problems if an attendee misses a step.

We found a very helpful professional printshop near (i.e. 2 minutes walk) to the conference venue. They were flexible, accommodating and very professional. We organised a kind of printing "slush fund" at the printshop, which was capped at a certain level.

On another track, printed material offers a sponsorship opportunity...

== Evaluation Forms ==

We provided evaluation forms, in paper format, for all workshops and labs. However, the use of paper forms has to end - it requires someone post-processing each and every one to convert to some digital format for sharing. A web form/survey could be used, since all workshops attendees are in front of a computer anyway. I think this is a must for 2009.

= Presentations =

== Call for Papers ==

=== Academic track ===
The 2008 call for papers is at [http://wiki.osgeo.org/wiki/FOSS4G2008_Call_for_papers#Academic_Papers_Track FOSS4G 2008 call for academic papers]

The call asked for abstracts of 500-600 words. This is a good length (better than 250 words) for making a decision on whether to invite a full paper on the academic track. However, because it is common to require abstracts of 250 words, there were quite a few submissions that were too short. Authors of early submissions were notified that their abstracts are too short and they re-submitted longer abstracts.

The blind peer-reviewed process is essential on the academic track and should not be compromised. It is also important to include a description of this process in the proceedings. Time constraints in 2008 allowed us to only peer-review the abstract and not the full paper. I would suggest that in future the full paper is also blind peer-reviewed by at least three reviewers. This will improve the quality of the academic proceedings considerably.

From the number of queries we received about publication of papers in SACJ, a peer-reviewed journal, one can conclude that this attracted authors to the academic track, especially authors from academia to whom such publications are important. It was unfortunate that the SACJ shortlist was announced after the conference. Ideally, the shortlist should be announced at the conference.

Some reviewers were confused because the 2008 conference included general GIS topics and was not restricted to open source only, and then rejected an abstract that did not mention OS. However, unless there is a joint conference again, this should not be an issue in future.

Suggestions for 2009:
* Emphasize that the academic track requires a longer abstract than the general track.
* Request 3 keywords. Not sure whether the conference system would allow this, and the keywords might have to be supplied in the Abstract text box.
* Request that the authors identify one or more of the conference topics to which their submission relates. This, as well as the keywords, will help with allocating papers to sessions.
* Allow enough time for a proper blind peer-review revision of the abstracts as well as the full papers.

=== General track ===
* abstract number of words (150-300 words + optionally 3 key references)
* request 3 keywords

== Submission Process ==
At some stage the OCS uploads stopped working, and we really had trouble in getting OCS support. In the end, we had to accept the full papers on the academic track via email, which obviously added a lot of work. After the conference, we discovered that the uploads stopped working due to a file permission error on the server, and we then had to manually upload all presentations and papers. Ideally, authors should be able to upload their full papers and presentations themselves, saving the track directors many hours of work.

Links to manuals of the conference system:
[http://pkp.sfu.ca/files/MapOCS2.pdf] and [http://pkp.sfu.ca/files/OCSinanHour.pdf]

== Community Ranking Process ==

=== Building Sessions ===

== Cancellations ==
There seemed to be less cancellations on the academic track because a submission was only included once a full paper was received. It might help to force authors on the general track to submit their presentations ahead of the conference (give a deadline). If the presentation is not received in time, it is not included in the program.

== Posters ==

= Wiki =

= Conference Evaluation =

== Workshop Evaluations ==

= Onsite Staff =

= Program handouts etc =

* convenient small flyer, nice to carry around
* presenter names would be desired (small font)

= Conference website software =
For the first time, OSGeo is making use of the [http://pkp.sfu.ca/ocs/ Open Conference Systems (OCS)] software to 'manage' a FOSS4G conference.

Links to OCS manuals:
[http://pkp.sfu.ca/files/MapOCS2.pdf] and [http://pkp.sfu.ca/files/OCSinanHour.pdf]

* See [[FOSS4G2008_Site_Upgrade]]
* and [[FOSS4G2008_Committee_Issues#OCS_website_management]]
* Limitations (to be fixed for 2009):
** No list of participants easily extractable
** No online session navigation (as supported Indico, see www.foss4g2006.org)

[[Category:FOSS4G2008]]
[[Category:FOSS4G]]

FOSS4G2008 Lessons Learned

2008-12-11T14:22:53Z

Wiki-Serena: /* Submission Process */

Back to [[Conference_Committee]]

This page is a collection of information, comments, and suggestions, based on the planning, organizing, and hosting of the FOSS4G 2008 conference. The intent is to provide a resource that can be used by organizers of future FOSS4G conferences. This is not a forum for conference attendees to comment on the conference. Use [[FOSS4G2008_Comments]] for that.

= Bidding =

= Timetable =

= Money =

== Sponsorships ==

== Complimentary Registrations and Volunteers ==

== Workshop Pricing ==

= Registration =

== Support For Some Attendees ==

== Scams ==

== Discounts ==

== Breakdown by Country ==

== Attendance ==

=== At the Conference ===

=== Within the Conference ===

=== Within the Code Sprint ===

= Marketing =

== The Mail-out ==

== How People Heard about FOSS4G2007 ==

== Local / Regional / International ==

== Use Proxies ==

== Local Marketing is Key ==

== Web Site & Program ==

== Lists are Important ==

== Press Releases ==

= Social Venues =

= Conference Venue =

Using names of the national parks for the presentation venues sounded like a good idea but it created a lot of confusion on the first few days because the conference centre's signage obviously did include these names.

Suggestion for 2009:
* Stick to the names/numbers of rooms in the conference venue

== Audio-Visual ==

== Quirks ==

= Accommodations =

= Transportation =

= Workshops and Labs =

Workshops and labs were again very popular. In Cape Town, it presented a chance for many people to shake off their fears of working with FOSS. There is some talk of not running the 1.5 hour labs in 2009. Consider that some of the labs had over 70 people attending. There is certainly a demand. This needs to be balanced though. 2008 had '''too many''' workshops and labs - 15 workshops and 20 labs in total. This became difficult to manage logistically and technically - there are so many factors that can go wrong!

== Workshop Committee ==

This is a big task, even if at 2009, Sydney decides to scale back on the workshops and labs.

We had it roughly break out as follows:

A person responsible for the technical side of the workshops and labs (software, computer setup etc)
A person responsible for the logistical side (comms with the IT suppliers, other suppliers)
Advisor from 2007/ OSGeo
2008 Conference Chair, to ensure integration with the rest of the conference

For the scale of 2008, we probably needed another LOC member technically involved.

We used formal conference volunteers to an extent, but if we had more more of them, they could have been put to work quite happily on doing tests and installs.

The amazing part was the willingness to help out evident in the FOSS4G community. A gang of helpers made sure that we were all systems go for Monday by spending most of their Sunday helping to install, configure, test stuff. No complaining, just doing. Brilliant! Ideally, this spirit should not need to be tested though. Early preparation will avoid this to some extent.

== Terminology ==

== Call for Workshops ==

=== Timing ===

As early as possible to allow maximum time for instructors and workshop committee to prepare (though some instructors will always leave things to the last - human nature!). It should go out in a month or two's time from now - preferably before year end.

=== Format of the Call ===

We put out a document in pdf, odt and word that required instructors to fill out a bunch of info that would help us to assess the session. Best to read it at [http://conference.osgeo.org/index.php/foss4g/index/manager/files/schedConfs/foss4g2008/files/docs/FOSS4G2008WorkshopLabSubmissionFormv2.odt].

=== Results of the Call ===

We received 45 submissions, 27 for 3 hour workshops, 18 for labs.

== Selection Process ==

=== Philosophy===

Do you want to cater for the most established projects, in the hope of filling up rooms, at the risk of becoming stale? Do you wish to introduce new software tools to the audience and give a chance to emerging projects? Well, a mix of both seems appropriate, but one has to judge the potential audience a bit. For Cape Town we had local knowledge, for example, that MapWindow GIS was gaining some popularity in certain circles. As a result, we made sure that this project had several slots in the programme. The risk of having less well known projects as workshops is that attendance might be lower, affecting the conference bottom line. Labs are an opportunity to showcase such projects.

=== Ranking and Decisions ===

Google Docs was a neat way to do things. We each ranked each proposal on a scale of 1 to 5, based on importance to the FOSS4G community, likely interest, likely audience size and stated requirements, We added comments and then compared scores, imparted some local knowledge and gave an initial rank sort. We also considered whether some of the workshop proposals could be undertaken as labs.

Ot of this came a second rank, which ended up close to the eventual program. Instructors were then invited and given time to consider how serious they were about participating, which included registering on the conference site. Some on the list pulled out and were replaced from the next in line from the rankings.

== Communication with Instructors ==

Instructors should be *forced* onto the workshop-dev mail list - at 2008, some instructors did not join the list and were a bit incommunicado. Personal communications cannot be underestimated too.

== Preparation Process ==

Actually there is probably some sense in having a few stages to the workshop/lab development process. Probably difficult to do, but perhaps ensure that the material to be presented (software, data, printouts, slides etc) are ready at least a month before the time. Some projects want to show the latest and greatest features at the workshop or lab, but this creates stress and risk. We had workshop / lab presenters compiling their code for their session the night before. All in the spirit of things, but very stressful indeed. Avoid. Determinedly.

== Venues ==

At Cape Town, we had 2 big, dedicated venues at the main conference centre plus the main auditorium for one workshop, one venue at the hotel where most delegates were staying and two venues at the University, 15 minutes drive away.
<table border=1>
<tr>
<th>Venue Type</th><th>Pro's</th><th>Con's</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Large dedicated rooms at CTICC</td><td>Control! We could put in freshly imaged computers, our own LAN, good AV facilities, nice desks. Their size allowed us to hold large workshops and labs (capability for 100 pax, but max attendance was somewhere in the region of 80 folk). These rooms also acted (unintentionally) as places where folk could go and catch up on e-mail, have some quiet time, etc, when they were not in use</td><td>A little bit soulless, especially if not full. Some instructors felt un-engaged by the audience in these large venues</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Auditorium at CTICC</td><td>Ummm, an extra venue at no extra cost?</td><td>Power supply problems, network issues, cavernous place to instruct a few dozen folk. Not sure if it was a success to have a workshop where people had to supply their own notebooks - created config issues</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hotel</td><td>This was pretty much the same as the main venues: we had control, access and pleasant environment, plus the advantage of not being too huge. Plus, tea and snacks were thrown in as part of the price.</td><td>A 5 minute walk from the CTICC, not a big problem, but causes delays</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>University</td><td>The venues were a bit more intimate - instructors could engage with attendees more easily. Felt a lot less "corporate". Nice opportunity to raise awareness of FOSS4G. Lab owners were very enthusiastic and helpful</td><td>No Control! We had to work with PC's with no idea what was on them, other than the OS, and no ability to clear the environment. Who knows what students are doing on lab PC's? Network access and internet connectivity was THE major issue. The university bandwidth was limited such that one workshop in particular did not really work. Also, Internet access was controlled by a proxy, which required usernames and passwords, which the network admins were not too keen to hand out and which caused great annoyance for Firefox users. Transport to the venues was problematic, particularly if folk missed the buses</td>
</tr>
</table>

The logistical and control hurdles of having workshops at a University were big. Much better to keep venues in one place if possible, or otherwise have them in close walking distance of each other.
There is a lot to be said for having 'clean' venues, where you have control over how things work.
Try to encourage more interaction through careful choice and setup of venue

== Computers and Networks ==

Rule number 1: Work with a good technology supplier. We had the most amazing experience with our main IT suppliers - they were flexible, helpful, committed and technically sound. Okay, so the bandwidth was used up at times, but that had more to do with the cost of connectivity than the IT team.

Our approach was to allow several ways to present a workshop or lab. Instructors could build a LiveDVD / LiveUSB and run the session from that. Alternatively, instructors could prepare a VMWare image and run the session from VMWare Player. Thirdly, and most commonly, instructors could provide some software (and data) and provide setup instructions. We then ran through the setup on 2 slightly different machines, and then our IT supplier imaged this setup over the 98 other machines.

The LiveDVD/LiveUSB approach worked pretty well, putting all the onus onto the instructors to be ready. this approach incurs a higher hardware cost, as one needs more RAM.

The VMWare approach was mixed. It was most successful when a thin Linux image was used. Windows based images were '''huge''', and thus difficult to upload/download in preparation. Also, the VMWare approach definitely requires more punchy machines - minimum 2Gb RAM. With enough preparation time and upload/download bandwidth, this is a very solid approach though one needs to be careful to make sure networking is setup properly.

The third approach worked well on the whole. We could prepare the environment quite well if instructors came to the party early with their requirements and instructions. One thing that we tried to a limited extent was opening up a VNC/Remote Desktop Connection to the machines that we were preparing. Given more time, we could have had a slot where each instructor made sure that their setup worked. Agreement on port numbers beforehand was useful for this approach. This approach came a bit unstuck when instructors were not prepared well in advance. Installing a bunch of software across 50 machines the night before a workshop or lab is not conducive to good heart health. If this approach is followed, one thing that worked really well was having an identical network share on each machine. This allowed us to rapidly install software in-situ through an almost peer-to-peer method.

Whichever approach is followed, it is well worth having a conference Server, where last minute things can be served from, whether they be a patch, a set of data or a set of documents.

=== Software ===

We ran Windows XP as a base install. This worked quite well for the South African environment and for the particular conference, which included a lot of folk who were less exposed to Linux. I feel that this choice was determined by our audience in the end. Some FOSS4G attendees were annoyed by the use of Win XP in this way, but it was a pragmatic approach that worked, and also allowed certain FOSS4G projects that are Windows based to gain exposure. We needed to introduce many people to FOSS4G, not necessarily the whole FOSS universe out there. Perhaps the audience will be different in Sydney, but the choice does need to be carefully weighed up. We chose to offer a bridge into FOSS for the most people.

MS4W, OSGeo4W, PostGIS, Java, Tomcat, Firefox, Google Earth covered a lot of bases and were all easy to install and work with on Win XP.

== Printed Handouts ==

2008 provided printed handouts where instructors wished them to be provided. One issue is that for labs it is difficult to know how many to print, for the labs are essentially walk in affairs. Feedback from attendees at labs and workshops suggests that, on the whole, printed material is desirable. One downside to having printed material is that attendees often tend to race ahead of the instructor, which can be problematic if the workshop or lab content is complex or likely to cause problems if an attendee misses a step.

We found a very helpful professional printshop near (i.e. 2 minutes walk) to the conference venue. They were flexible, accommodating and very professional. We organised a kind of printing "slush fund" at the printshop, which was capped at a certain level.

On another track, printed material offers a sponsorship opportunity...

== Evaluation Forms ==

We provided evaluation forms, in paper format, for all workshops and labs. However, the use of paper forms has to end - it requires someone post-processing each and every one to convert to some digital format for sharing. A web form/survey could be used, since all workshops attendees are in front of a computer anyway. I think this is a must for 2009.

= Presentations =

== Call for Papers ==

=== Academic track ===
The 2008 call for papers is at [http://wiki.osgeo.org/wiki/FOSS4G2008_Call_for_papers#Academic_Papers_Track FOSS4G 2008 call for academic papers]

The call asked for abstracts of 500-600 words. This is a good length (better than 250 words) for making a decision on whether to invite a full paper on the academic track. However, because it is common to require abstracts of 250 words, there were quite a few submissions that were too short. Authors of early submissions were notified that their abstracts are too short and they re-submitted longer abstracts.

The blind peer-reviewed process is essential on the academic track and should not be compromised. It is also important to include a description of this process in the proceedings. Time constraints in 2008 allowed us to only peer-review the abstract and not the full paper. I would suggest that in future the full paper is also blind peer-reviewed by at least three reviewers. This will improve the quality of the academic proceedings considerably.

From the number of queries we received about publication of papers in SACJ, a peer-reviewed journal, one can conclude that this attracted authors to the academic track, especially authors from academia to whom such publications are important. It was unfortunate that the SACJ shortlist was announced after the conference. Ideally, the shortlist should be announced at the conference.

Some reviewers were confused because the 2008 conference included general GIS topics and was not restricted to open source only, and then rejected an abstract that did not mention OS. However, unless there is a joint conference again, this should not be an issue in future.

Suggestions for 2009:
* Emphasize that the academic track requires a longer abstract than the general track.
* Request 3 keywords. Not sure whether the conference system would allow this, and the keywords might have to be supplied in the Abstract text box.
* Request that the authors identify one or more of the conference topics to which their submission relates. This, as well as the keywords, will help with allocating papers to sessions.
* Allow enough time for a proper blind peer-review revision of the abstracts as well as the full papers.

=== General track ===
* abstract number of words (150-300 words + optionally 3 key references)
* request 3 keywords

== Submission Process ==
At some stage the uploads stopped working, and we really had trouble in getting support on the conference system. In the end, we had to accept the full papers on the academic track via email, which obviously added a lot of work. It also meant that we had to upload full papers manually after the conference. Ideally, authors should be able to upload their full papers and presentations themselves, saving the track directors many hours of work.

Links to manuals of the conference system:
[http://pkp.sfu.ca/files/MapOCS2.pdf] and [http://pkp.sfu.ca/files/OCSinanHour.pdf]

== Community Ranking Process ==

=== Building Sessions ===

== Cancellations ==
There seemed to be less cancellations on the academic track because a submission was only included once a full paper was received. It might help to force authors on the general track to submit their presentations ahead of the conference (give a deadline). If the presentation is not received in time, it is not included in the program.

== Posters ==

= Wiki =

= Conference Evaluation =

== Workshop Evaluations ==

= Onsite Staff =

= Program handouts etc =

* convenient small flyer, nice to carry around
* presenter names would be desired (small font)

= Conference website software =
For the first time, OSGeo is making use of the [http://pkp.sfu.ca/ocs/ Open Conference Systems (OCS)] software to 'manage' a FOSS4G conference.

Links to OCS manuals:
[http://pkp.sfu.ca/files/MapOCS2.pdf] and [http://pkp.sfu.ca/files/OCSinanHour.pdf]

* See [[FOSS4G2008_Site_Upgrade]]
* and [[FOSS4G2008_Committee_Issues#OCS_website_management]]
* Limitations (to be fixed for 2009):
** No list of participants easily extractable
** No online session navigation (as supported Indico, see www.foss4g2006.org)

[[Category:FOSS4G2008]]
[[Category:FOSS4G]]

FOSS4G2008 Lessons Learned

2008-12-11T14:21:31Z

Wiki-Serena: /* Cancellations */

Back to [[Conference_Committee]]

This page is a collection of information, comments, and suggestions, based on the planning, organizing, and hosting of the FOSS4G 2008 conference. The intent is to provide a resource that can be used by organizers of future FOSS4G conferences. This is not a forum for conference attendees to comment on the conference. Use [[FOSS4G2008_Comments]] for that.

= Bidding =

= Timetable =

= Money =

== Sponsorships ==

== Complimentary Registrations and Volunteers ==

== Workshop Pricing ==

= Registration =

== Support For Some Attendees ==

== Scams ==

== Discounts ==

== Breakdown by Country ==

== Attendance ==

=== At the Conference ===

=== Within the Conference ===

=== Within the Code Sprint ===

= Marketing =

== The Mail-out ==

== How People Heard about FOSS4G2007 ==

== Local / Regional / International ==

== Use Proxies ==

== Local Marketing is Key ==

== Web Site & Program ==

== Lists are Important ==

== Press Releases ==

= Social Venues =

= Conference Venue =

Using names of the national parks for the presentation venues sounded like a good idea but it created a lot of confusion on the first few days because the conference centre's signage obviously did include these names.

Suggestion for 2009:
* Stick to the names/numbers of rooms in the conference venue

== Audio-Visual ==

== Quirks ==

= Accommodations =

= Transportation =

= Workshops and Labs =

Workshops and labs were again very popular. In Cape Town, it presented a chance for many people to shake off their fears of working with FOSS. There is some talk of not running the 1.5 hour labs in 2009. Consider that some of the labs had over 70 people attending. There is certainly a demand. This needs to be balanced though. 2008 had '''too many''' workshops and labs - 15 workshops and 20 labs in total. This became difficult to manage logistically and technically - there are so many factors that can go wrong!

== Workshop Committee ==

This is a big task, even if at 2009, Sydney decides to scale back on the workshops and labs.

We had it roughly break out as follows:

A person responsible for the technical side of the workshops and labs (software, computer setup etc)
A person responsible for the logistical side (comms with the IT suppliers, other suppliers)
Advisor from 2007/ OSGeo
2008 Conference Chair, to ensure integration with the rest of the conference

For the scale of 2008, we probably needed another LOC member technically involved.

We used formal conference volunteers to an extent, but if we had more more of them, they could have been put to work quite happily on doing tests and installs.

The amazing part was the willingness to help out evident in the FOSS4G community. A gang of helpers made sure that we were all systems go for Monday by spending most of their Sunday helping to install, configure, test stuff. No complaining, just doing. Brilliant! Ideally, this spirit should not need to be tested though. Early preparation will avoid this to some extent.

== Terminology ==

== Call for Workshops ==

=== Timing ===

As early as possible to allow maximum time for instructors and workshop committee to prepare (though some instructors will always leave things to the last - human nature!). It should go out in a month or two's time from now - preferably before year end.

=== Format of the Call ===

We put out a document in pdf, odt and word that required instructors to fill out a bunch of info that would help us to assess the session. Best to read it at [http://conference.osgeo.org/index.php/foss4g/index/manager/files/schedConfs/foss4g2008/files/docs/FOSS4G2008WorkshopLabSubmissionFormv2.odt].

=== Results of the Call ===

We received 45 submissions, 27 for 3 hour workshops, 18 for labs.

== Selection Process ==

=== Philosophy===

Do you want to cater for the most established projects, in the hope of filling up rooms, at the risk of becoming stale? Do you wish to introduce new software tools to the audience and give a chance to emerging projects? Well, a mix of both seems appropriate, but one has to judge the potential audience a bit. For Cape Town we had local knowledge, for example, that MapWindow GIS was gaining some popularity in certain circles. As a result, we made sure that this project had several slots in the programme. The risk of having less well known projects as workshops is that attendance might be lower, affecting the conference bottom line. Labs are an opportunity to showcase such projects.

=== Ranking and Decisions ===

Google Docs was a neat way to do things. We each ranked each proposal on a scale of 1 to 5, based on importance to the FOSS4G community, likely interest, likely audience size and stated requirements, We added comments and then compared scores, imparted some local knowledge and gave an initial rank sort. We also considered whether some of the workshop proposals could be undertaken as labs.

Ot of this came a second rank, which ended up close to the eventual program. Instructors were then invited and given time to consider how serious they were about participating, which included registering on the conference site. Some on the list pulled out and were replaced from the next in line from the rankings.

== Communication with Instructors ==

Instructors should be *forced* onto the workshop-dev mail list - at 2008, some instructors did not join the list and were a bit incommunicado. Personal communications cannot be underestimated too.

== Preparation Process ==

Actually there is probably some sense in having a few stages to the workshop/lab development process. Probably difficult to do, but perhaps ensure that the material to be presented (software, data, printouts, slides etc) are ready at least a month before the time. Some projects want to show the latest and greatest features at the workshop or lab, but this creates stress and risk. We had workshop / lab presenters compiling their code for their session the night before. All in the spirit of things, but very stressful indeed. Avoid. Determinedly.

== Venues ==

At Cape Town, we had 2 big, dedicated venues at the main conference centre plus the main auditorium for one workshop, one venue at the hotel where most delegates were staying and two venues at the University, 15 minutes drive away.
<table border=1>
<tr>
<th>Venue Type</th><th>Pro's</th><th>Con's</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Large dedicated rooms at CTICC</td><td>Control! We could put in freshly imaged computers, our own LAN, good AV facilities, nice desks. Their size allowed us to hold large workshops and labs (capability for 100 pax, but max attendance was somewhere in the region of 80 folk). These rooms also acted (unintentionally) as places where folk could go and catch up on e-mail, have some quiet time, etc, when they were not in use</td><td>A little bit soulless, especially if not full. Some instructors felt un-engaged by the audience in these large venues</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Auditorium at CTICC</td><td>Ummm, an extra venue at no extra cost?</td><td>Power supply problems, network issues, cavernous place to instruct a few dozen folk. Not sure if it was a success to have a workshop where people had to supply their own notebooks - created config issues</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hotel</td><td>This was pretty much the same as the main venues: we had control, access and pleasant environment, plus the advantage of not being too huge. Plus, tea and snacks were thrown in as part of the price.</td><td>A 5 minute walk from the CTICC, not a big problem, but causes delays</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>University</td><td>The venues were a bit more intimate - instructors could engage with attendees more easily. Felt a lot less "corporate". Nice opportunity to raise awareness of FOSS4G. Lab owners were very enthusiastic and helpful</td><td>No Control! We had to work with PC's with no idea what was on them, other than the OS, and no ability to clear the environment. Who knows what students are doing on lab PC's? Network access and internet connectivity was THE major issue. The university bandwidth was limited such that one workshop in particular did not really work. Also, Internet access was controlled by a proxy, which required usernames and passwords, which the network admins were not too keen to hand out and which caused great annoyance for Firefox users. Transport to the venues was problematic, particularly if folk missed the buses</td>
</tr>
</table>

The logistical and control hurdles of having workshops at a University were big. Much better to keep venues in one place if possible, or otherwise have them in close walking distance of each other.
There is a lot to be said for having 'clean' venues, where you have control over how things work.
Try to encourage more interaction through careful choice and setup of venue

== Computers and Networks ==

Rule number 1: Work with a good technology supplier. We had the most amazing experience with our main IT suppliers - they were flexible, helpful, committed and technically sound. Okay, so the bandwidth was used up at times, but that had more to do with the cost of connectivity than the IT team.

Our approach was to allow several ways to present a workshop or lab. Instructors could build a LiveDVD / LiveUSB and run the session from that. Alternatively, instructors could prepare a VMWare image and run the session from VMWare Player. Thirdly, and most commonly, instructors could provide some software (and data) and provide setup instructions. We then ran through the setup on 2 slightly different machines, and then our IT supplier imaged this setup over the 98 other machines.

The LiveDVD/LiveUSB approach worked pretty well, putting all the onus onto the instructors to be ready. this approach incurs a higher hardware cost, as one needs more RAM.

The VMWare approach was mixed. It was most successful when a thin Linux image was used. Windows based images were '''huge''', and thus difficult to upload/download in preparation. Also, the VMWare approach definitely requires more punchy machines - minimum 2Gb RAM. With enough preparation time and upload/download bandwidth, this is a very solid approach though one needs to be careful to make sure networking is setup properly.

The third approach worked well on the whole. We could prepare the environment quite well if instructors came to the party early with their requirements and instructions. One thing that we tried to a limited extent was opening up a VNC/Remote Desktop Connection to the machines that we were preparing. Given more time, we could have had a slot where each instructor made sure that their setup worked. Agreement on port numbers beforehand was useful for this approach. This approach came a bit unstuck when instructors were not prepared well in advance. Installing a bunch of software across 50 machines the night before a workshop or lab is not conducive to good heart health. If this approach is followed, one thing that worked really well was having an identical network share on each machine. This allowed us to rapidly install software in-situ through an almost peer-to-peer method.

Whichever approach is followed, it is well worth having a conference Server, where last minute things can be served from, whether they be a patch, a set of data or a set of documents.

=== Software ===

We ran Windows XP as a base install. This worked quite well for the South African environment and for the particular conference, which included a lot of folk who were less exposed to Linux. I feel that this choice was determined by our audience in the end. Some FOSS4G attendees were annoyed by the use of Win XP in this way, but it was a pragmatic approach that worked, and also allowed certain FOSS4G projects that are Windows based to gain exposure. We needed to introduce many people to FOSS4G, not necessarily the whole FOSS universe out there. Perhaps the audience will be different in Sydney, but the choice does need to be carefully weighed up. We chose to offer a bridge into FOSS for the most people.

MS4W, OSGeo4W, PostGIS, Java, Tomcat, Firefox, Google Earth covered a lot of bases and were all easy to install and work with on Win XP.

== Printed Handouts ==

2008 provided printed handouts where instructors wished them to be provided. One issue is that for labs it is difficult to know how many to print, for the labs are essentially walk in affairs. Feedback from attendees at labs and workshops suggests that, on the whole, printed material is desirable. One downside to having printed material is that attendees often tend to race ahead of the instructor, which can be problematic if the workshop or lab content is complex or likely to cause problems if an attendee misses a step.

We found a very helpful professional printshop near (i.e. 2 minutes walk) to the conference venue. They were flexible, accommodating and very professional. We organised a kind of printing "slush fund" at the printshop, which was capped at a certain level.

On another track, printed material offers a sponsorship opportunity...

== Evaluation Forms ==

We provided evaluation forms, in paper format, for all workshops and labs. However, the use of paper forms has to end - it requires someone post-processing each and every one to convert to some digital format for sharing. A web form/survey could be used, since all workshops attendees are in front of a computer anyway. I think this is a must for 2009.

= Presentations =

== Call for Papers ==

=== Academic track ===
The 2008 call for papers is at [http://wiki.osgeo.org/wiki/FOSS4G2008_Call_for_papers#Academic_Papers_Track FOSS4G 2008 call for academic papers]

The call asked for abstracts of 500-600 words. This is a good length (better than 250 words) for making a decision on whether to invite a full paper on the academic track. However, because it is common to require abstracts of 250 words, there were quite a few submissions that were too short. Authors of early submissions were notified that their abstracts are too short and they re-submitted longer abstracts.

The blind peer-reviewed process is essential on the academic track and should not be compromised. It is also important to include a description of this process in the proceedings. Time constraints in 2008 allowed us to only peer-review the abstract and not the full paper. I would suggest that in future the full paper is also blind peer-reviewed by at least three reviewers. This will improve the quality of the academic proceedings considerably.

From the number of queries we received about publication of papers in SACJ, a peer-reviewed journal, one can conclude that this attracted authors to the academic track, especially authors from academia to whom such publications are important. It was unfortunate that the SACJ shortlist was announced after the conference. Ideally, the shortlist should be announced at the conference.

Some reviewers were confused because the 2008 conference included general GIS topics and was not restricted to open source only, and then rejected an abstract that did not mention OS. However, unless there is a joint conference again, this should not be an issue in future.

Suggestions for 2009:
* Emphasize that the academic track requires a longer abstract than the general track.
* Request 3 keywords. Not sure whether the conference system would allow this, and the keywords might have to be supplied in the Abstract text box.
* Request that the authors identify one or more of the conference topics to which their submission relates. This, as well as the keywords, will help with allocating papers to sessions.
* Allow enough time for a proper blind peer-review revision of the abstracts as well as the full papers.

=== General track ===
* abstract number of words (150-300 words + optionally 3 key references)
* request 3 keywords

== Submission Process ==
At some stage the uploads stopped working, and we really had trouble in getting support on the conference system. In the end, we had to accept the full papers on the academic track via email, which obviously added a lot of work. It also meant that we had to upload full papers manually after the conference. Ideally, authors should be able to upload their full papers and presentations themselves.

Links to manuals of the conference system:
[http://pkp.sfu.ca/files/MapOCS2.pdf] and [http://pkp.sfu.ca/files/OCSinanHour.pdf]

== Community Ranking Process ==

=== Building Sessions ===

== Cancellations ==
There seemed to be less cancellations on the academic track because a submission was only included once a full paper was received. It might help to force authors on the general track to submit their presentations ahead of the conference (give a deadline). If the presentation is not received in time, it is not included in the program.

== Posters ==

= Wiki =

= Conference Evaluation =

== Workshop Evaluations ==

= Onsite Staff =

= Program handouts etc =

* convenient small flyer, nice to carry around
* presenter names would be desired (small font)

= Conference website software =
For the first time, OSGeo is making use of the [http://pkp.sfu.ca/ocs/ Open Conference Systems (OCS)] software to 'manage' a FOSS4G conference.

Links to OCS manuals:
[http://pkp.sfu.ca/files/MapOCS2.pdf] and [http://pkp.sfu.ca/files/OCSinanHour.pdf]

* See [[FOSS4G2008_Site_Upgrade]]
* and [[FOSS4G2008_Committee_Issues#OCS_website_management]]
* Limitations (to be fixed for 2009):
** No list of participants easily extractable
** No online session navigation (as supported Indico, see www.foss4g2006.org)

[[Category:FOSS4G2008]]
[[Category:FOSS4G]]

FOSS4G2008 Lessons Learned

2008-12-11T14:19:18Z

Wiki-Serena: /* Conference website software */

Back to [[Conference_Committee]]

This page is a collection of information, comments, and suggestions, based on the planning, organizing, and hosting of the FOSS4G 2008 conference. The intent is to provide a resource that can be used by organizers of future FOSS4G conferences. This is not a forum for conference attendees to comment on the conference. Use [[FOSS4G2008_Comments]] for that.

= Bidding =

= Timetable =

= Money =

== Sponsorships ==

== Complimentary Registrations and Volunteers ==

== Workshop Pricing ==

= Registration =

== Support For Some Attendees ==

== Scams ==

== Discounts ==

== Breakdown by Country ==

== Attendance ==

=== At the Conference ===

=== Within the Conference ===

=== Within the Code Sprint ===

= Marketing =

== The Mail-out ==

== How People Heard about FOSS4G2007 ==

== Local / Regional / International ==

== Use Proxies ==

== Local Marketing is Key ==

== Web Site & Program ==

== Lists are Important ==

== Press Releases ==

= Social Venues =

= Conference Venue =

Using names of the national parks for the presentation venues sounded like a good idea but it created a lot of confusion on the first few days because the conference centre's signage obviously did include these names.

Suggestion for 2009:
* Stick to the names/numbers of rooms in the conference venue

== Audio-Visual ==

== Quirks ==

= Accommodations =

= Transportation =

= Workshops and Labs =

Workshops and labs were again very popular. In Cape Town, it presented a chance for many people to shake off their fears of working with FOSS. There is some talk of not running the 1.5 hour labs in 2009. Consider that some of the labs had over 70 people attending. There is certainly a demand. This needs to be balanced though. 2008 had '''too many''' workshops and labs - 15 workshops and 20 labs in total. This became difficult to manage logistically and technically - there are so many factors that can go wrong!

== Workshop Committee ==

This is a big task, even if at 2009, Sydney decides to scale back on the workshops and labs.

We had it roughly break out as follows:

A person responsible for the technical side of the workshops and labs (software, computer setup etc)
A person responsible for the logistical side (comms with the IT suppliers, other suppliers)
Advisor from 2007/ OSGeo
2008 Conference Chair, to ensure integration with the rest of the conference

For the scale of 2008, we probably needed another LOC member technically involved.

We used formal conference volunteers to an extent, but if we had more more of them, they could have been put to work quite happily on doing tests and installs.

The amazing part was the willingness to help out evident in the FOSS4G community. A gang of helpers made sure that we were all systems go for Monday by spending most of their Sunday helping to install, configure, test stuff. No complaining, just doing. Brilliant! Ideally, this spirit should not need to be tested though. Early preparation will avoid this to some extent.

== Terminology ==

== Call for Workshops ==

=== Timing ===

As early as possible to allow maximum time for instructors and workshop committee to prepare (though some instructors will always leave things to the last - human nature!). It should go out in a month or two's time from now - preferably before year end.

=== Format of the Call ===

We put out a document in pdf, odt and word that required instructors to fill out a bunch of info that would help us to assess the session. Best to read it at [http://conference.osgeo.org/index.php/foss4g/index/manager/files/schedConfs/foss4g2008/files/docs/FOSS4G2008WorkshopLabSubmissionFormv2.odt].

=== Results of the Call ===

We received 45 submissions, 27 for 3 hour workshops, 18 for labs.

== Selection Process ==

=== Philosophy===

Do you want to cater for the most established projects, in the hope of filling up rooms, at the risk of becoming stale? Do you wish to introduce new software tools to the audience and give a chance to emerging projects? Well, a mix of both seems appropriate, but one has to judge the potential audience a bit. For Cape Town we had local knowledge, for example, that MapWindow GIS was gaining some popularity in certain circles. As a result, we made sure that this project had several slots in the programme. The risk of having less well known projects as workshops is that attendance might be lower, affecting the conference bottom line. Labs are an opportunity to showcase such projects.

=== Ranking and Decisions ===

Google Docs was a neat way to do things. We each ranked each proposal on a scale of 1 to 5, based on importance to the FOSS4G community, likely interest, likely audience size and stated requirements, We added comments and then compared scores, imparted some local knowledge and gave an initial rank sort. We also considered whether some of the workshop proposals could be undertaken as labs.

Ot of this came a second rank, which ended up close to the eventual program. Instructors were then invited and given time to consider how serious they were about participating, which included registering on the conference site. Some on the list pulled out and were replaced from the next in line from the rankings.

== Communication with Instructors ==

Instructors should be *forced* onto the workshop-dev mail list - at 2008, some instructors did not join the list and were a bit incommunicado. Personal communications cannot be underestimated too.

== Preparation Process ==

Actually there is probably some sense in having a few stages to the workshop/lab development process. Probably difficult to do, but perhaps ensure that the material to be presented (software, data, printouts, slides etc) are ready at least a month before the time. Some projects want to show the latest and greatest features at the workshop or lab, but this creates stress and risk. We had workshop / lab presenters compiling their code for their session the night before. All in the spirit of things, but very stressful indeed. Avoid. Determinedly.

== Venues ==

At Cape Town, we had 2 big, dedicated venues at the main conference centre plus the main auditorium for one workshop, one venue at the hotel where most delegates were staying and two venues at the University, 15 minutes drive away.
<table border=1>
<tr>
<th>Venue Type</th><th>Pro's</th><th>Con's</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Large dedicated rooms at CTICC</td><td>Control! We could put in freshly imaged computers, our own LAN, good AV facilities, nice desks. Their size allowed us to hold large workshops and labs (capability for 100 pax, but max attendance was somewhere in the region of 80 folk). These rooms also acted (unintentionally) as places where folk could go and catch up on e-mail, have some quiet time, etc, when they were not in use</td><td>A little bit soulless, especially if not full. Some instructors felt un-engaged by the audience in these large venues</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Auditorium at CTICC</td><td>Ummm, an extra venue at no extra cost?</td><td>Power supply problems, network issues, cavernous place to instruct a few dozen folk. Not sure if it was a success to have a workshop where people had to supply their own notebooks - created config issues</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hotel</td><td>This was pretty much the same as the main venues: we had control, access and pleasant environment, plus the advantage of not being too huge. Plus, tea and snacks were thrown in as part of the price.</td><td>A 5 minute walk from the CTICC, not a big problem, but causes delays</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>University</td><td>The venues were a bit more intimate - instructors could engage with attendees more easily. Felt a lot less "corporate". Nice opportunity to raise awareness of FOSS4G. Lab owners were very enthusiastic and helpful</td><td>No Control! We had to work with PC's with no idea what was on them, other than the OS, and no ability to clear the environment. Who knows what students are doing on lab PC's? Network access and internet connectivity was THE major issue. The university bandwidth was limited such that one workshop in particular did not really work. Also, Internet access was controlled by a proxy, which required usernames and passwords, which the network admins were not too keen to hand out and which caused great annoyance for Firefox users. Transport to the venues was problematic, particularly if folk missed the buses</td>
</tr>
</table>

The logistical and control hurdles of having workshops at a University were big. Much better to keep venues in one place if possible, or otherwise have them in close walking distance of each other.
There is a lot to be said for having 'clean' venues, where you have control over how things work.
Try to encourage more interaction through careful choice and setup of venue

== Computers and Networks ==

Rule number 1: Work with a good technology supplier. We had the most amazing experience with our main IT suppliers - they were flexible, helpful, committed and technically sound. Okay, so the bandwidth was used up at times, but that had more to do with the cost of connectivity than the IT team.

Our approach was to allow several ways to present a workshop or lab. Instructors could build a LiveDVD / LiveUSB and run the session from that. Alternatively, instructors could prepare a VMWare image and run the session from VMWare Player. Thirdly, and most commonly, instructors could provide some software (and data) and provide setup instructions. We then ran through the setup on 2 slightly different machines, and then our IT supplier imaged this setup over the 98 other machines.

The LiveDVD/LiveUSB approach worked pretty well, putting all the onus onto the instructors to be ready. this approach incurs a higher hardware cost, as one needs more RAM.

The VMWare approach was mixed. It was most successful when a thin Linux image was used. Windows based images were '''huge''', and thus difficult to upload/download in preparation. Also, the VMWare approach definitely requires more punchy machines - minimum 2Gb RAM. With enough preparation time and upload/download bandwidth, this is a very solid approach though one needs to be careful to make sure networking is setup properly.

The third approach worked well on the whole. We could prepare the environment quite well if instructors came to the party early with their requirements and instructions. One thing that we tried to a limited extent was opening up a VNC/Remote Desktop Connection to the machines that we were preparing. Given more time, we could have had a slot where each instructor made sure that their setup worked. Agreement on port numbers beforehand was useful for this approach. This approach came a bit unstuck when instructors were not prepared well in advance. Installing a bunch of software across 50 machines the night before a workshop or lab is not conducive to good heart health. If this approach is followed, one thing that worked really well was having an identical network share on each machine. This allowed us to rapidly install software in-situ through an almost peer-to-peer method.

Whichever approach is followed, it is well worth having a conference Server, where last minute things can be served from, whether they be a patch, a set of data or a set of documents.

=== Software ===

We ran Windows XP as a base install. This worked quite well for the South African environment and for the particular conference, which included a lot of folk who were less exposed to Linux. I feel that this choice was determined by our audience in the end. Some FOSS4G attendees were annoyed by the use of Win XP in this way, but it was a pragmatic approach that worked, and also allowed certain FOSS4G projects that are Windows based to gain exposure. We needed to introduce many people to FOSS4G, not necessarily the whole FOSS universe out there. Perhaps the audience will be different in Sydney, but the choice does need to be carefully weighed up. We chose to offer a bridge into FOSS for the most people.

MS4W, OSGeo4W, PostGIS, Java, Tomcat, Firefox, Google Earth covered a lot of bases and were all easy to install and work with on Win XP.

== Printed Handouts ==

2008 provided printed handouts where instructors wished them to be provided. One issue is that for labs it is difficult to know how many to print, for the labs are essentially walk in affairs. Feedback from attendees at labs and workshops suggests that, on the whole, printed material is desirable. One downside to having printed material is that attendees often tend to race ahead of the instructor, which can be problematic if the workshop or lab content is complex or likely to cause problems if an attendee misses a step.

We found a very helpful professional printshop near (i.e. 2 minutes walk) to the conference venue. They were flexible, accommodating and very professional. We organised a kind of printing "slush fund" at the printshop, which was capped at a certain level.

On another track, printed material offers a sponsorship opportunity...

== Evaluation Forms ==

We provided evaluation forms, in paper format, for all workshops and labs. However, the use of paper forms has to end - it requires someone post-processing each and every one to convert to some digital format for sharing. A web form/survey could be used, since all workshops attendees are in front of a computer anyway. I think this is a must for 2009.

= Presentations =

== Call for Papers ==

=== Academic track ===
The 2008 call for papers is at [http://wiki.osgeo.org/wiki/FOSS4G2008_Call_for_papers#Academic_Papers_Track FOSS4G 2008 call for academic papers]

The call asked for abstracts of 500-600 words. This is a good length (better than 250 words) for making a decision on whether to invite a full paper on the academic track. However, because it is common to require abstracts of 250 words, there were quite a few submissions that were too short. Authors of early submissions were notified that their abstracts are too short and they re-submitted longer abstracts.

The blind peer-reviewed process is essential on the academic track and should not be compromised. It is also important to include a description of this process in the proceedings. Time constraints in 2008 allowed us to only peer-review the abstract and not the full paper. I would suggest that in future the full paper is also blind peer-reviewed by at least three reviewers. This will improve the quality of the academic proceedings considerably.

From the number of queries we received about publication of papers in SACJ, a peer-reviewed journal, one can conclude that this attracted authors to the academic track, especially authors from academia to whom such publications are important. It was unfortunate that the SACJ shortlist was announced after the conference. Ideally, the shortlist should be announced at the conference.

Some reviewers were confused because the 2008 conference included general GIS topics and was not restricted to open source only, and then rejected an abstract that did not mention OS. However, unless there is a joint conference again, this should not be an issue in future.

Suggestions for 2009:
* Emphasize that the academic track requires a longer abstract than the general track.
* Request 3 keywords. Not sure whether the conference system would allow this, and the keywords might have to be supplied in the Abstract text box.
* Request that the authors identify one or more of the conference topics to which their submission relates. This, as well as the keywords, will help with allocating papers to sessions.
* Allow enough time for a proper blind peer-review revision of the abstracts as well as the full papers.

=== General track ===
* abstract number of words (150-300 words + optionally 3 key references)
* request 3 keywords

== Submission Process ==
At some stage the uploads stopped working, and we really had trouble in getting support on the conference system. In the end, we had to accept the full papers on the academic track via email, which obviously added a lot of work. It also meant that we had to upload full papers manually after the conference. Ideally, authors should be able to upload their full papers and presentations themselves.

Links to manuals of the conference system:
[http://pkp.sfu.ca/files/MapOCS2.pdf] and [http://pkp.sfu.ca/files/OCSinanHour.pdf]

== Community Ranking Process ==

=== Building Sessions ===

== Cancellations ==

== Posters ==

= Wiki =

= Conference Evaluation =

== Workshop Evaluations ==

= Onsite Staff =

= Program handouts etc =

* convenient small flyer, nice to carry around
* presenter names would be desired (small font)

= Conference website software =
For the first time, OSGeo is making use of the [http://pkp.sfu.ca/ocs/ Open Conference Systems (OCS)] software to 'manage' a FOSS4G conference.

Links to OCS manuals:
[http://pkp.sfu.ca/files/MapOCS2.pdf] and [http://pkp.sfu.ca/files/OCSinanHour.pdf]

* See [[FOSS4G2008_Site_Upgrade]]
* and [[FOSS4G2008_Committee_Issues#OCS_website_management]]
* Limitations (to be fixed for 2009):
** No list of participants easily extractable
** No online session navigation (as supported Indico, see www.foss4g2006.org)

[[Category:FOSS4G2008]]
[[Category:FOSS4G]]

FOSS4G2008 Lessons Learned

2008-12-11T14:18:18Z

Wiki-Serena: /* Submission Process */

Back to [[Conference_Committee]]

This page is a collection of information, comments, and suggestions, based on the planning, organizing, and hosting of the FOSS4G 2008 conference. The intent is to provide a resource that can be used by organizers of future FOSS4G conferences. This is not a forum for conference attendees to comment on the conference. Use [[FOSS4G2008_Comments]] for that.

= Bidding =

= Timetable =

= Money =

== Sponsorships ==

== Complimentary Registrations and Volunteers ==

== Workshop Pricing ==

= Registration =

== Support For Some Attendees ==

== Scams ==

== Discounts ==

== Breakdown by Country ==

== Attendance ==

=== At the Conference ===

=== Within the Conference ===

=== Within the Code Sprint ===

= Marketing =

== The Mail-out ==

== How People Heard about FOSS4G2007 ==

== Local / Regional / International ==

== Use Proxies ==

== Local Marketing is Key ==

== Web Site & Program ==

== Lists are Important ==

== Press Releases ==

= Social Venues =

= Conference Venue =

Using names of the national parks for the presentation venues sounded like a good idea but it created a lot of confusion on the first few days because the conference centre's signage obviously did include these names.

Suggestion for 2009:
* Stick to the names/numbers of rooms in the conference venue

== Audio-Visual ==

== Quirks ==

= Accommodations =

= Transportation =

= Workshops and Labs =

Workshops and labs were again very popular. In Cape Town, it presented a chance for many people to shake off their fears of working with FOSS. There is some talk of not running the 1.5 hour labs in 2009. Consider that some of the labs had over 70 people attending. There is certainly a demand. This needs to be balanced though. 2008 had '''too many''' workshops and labs - 15 workshops and 20 labs in total. This became difficult to manage logistically and technically - there are so many factors that can go wrong!

== Workshop Committee ==

This is a big task, even if at 2009, Sydney decides to scale back on the workshops and labs.

We had it roughly break out as follows:

A person responsible for the technical side of the workshops and labs (software, computer setup etc)
A person responsible for the logistical side (comms with the IT suppliers, other suppliers)
Advisor from 2007/ OSGeo
2008 Conference Chair, to ensure integration with the rest of the conference

For the scale of 2008, we probably needed another LOC member technically involved.

We used formal conference volunteers to an extent, but if we had more more of them, they could have been put to work quite happily on doing tests and installs.

The amazing part was the willingness to help out evident in the FOSS4G community. A gang of helpers made sure that we were all systems go for Monday by spending most of their Sunday helping to install, configure, test stuff. No complaining, just doing. Brilliant! Ideally, this spirit should not need to be tested though. Early preparation will avoid this to some extent.

== Terminology ==

== Call for Workshops ==

=== Timing ===

As early as possible to allow maximum time for instructors and workshop committee to prepare (though some instructors will always leave things to the last - human nature!). It should go out in a month or two's time from now - preferably before year end.

=== Format of the Call ===

We put out a document in pdf, odt and word that required instructors to fill out a bunch of info that would help us to assess the session. Best to read it at [http://conference.osgeo.org/index.php/foss4g/index/manager/files/schedConfs/foss4g2008/files/docs/FOSS4G2008WorkshopLabSubmissionFormv2.odt].

=== Results of the Call ===

We received 45 submissions, 27 for 3 hour workshops, 18 for labs.

== Selection Process ==

=== Philosophy===

Do you want to cater for the most established projects, in the hope of filling up rooms, at the risk of becoming stale? Do you wish to introduce new software tools to the audience and give a chance to emerging projects? Well, a mix of both seems appropriate, but one has to judge the potential audience a bit. For Cape Town we had local knowledge, for example, that MapWindow GIS was gaining some popularity in certain circles. As a result, we made sure that this project had several slots in the programme. The risk of having less well known projects as workshops is that attendance might be lower, affecting the conference bottom line. Labs are an opportunity to showcase such projects.

=== Ranking and Decisions ===

Google Docs was a neat way to do things. We each ranked each proposal on a scale of 1 to 5, based on importance to the FOSS4G community, likely interest, likely audience size and stated requirements, We added comments and then compared scores, imparted some local knowledge and gave an initial rank sort. We also considered whether some of the workshop proposals could be undertaken as labs.

Ot of this came a second rank, which ended up close to the eventual program. Instructors were then invited and given time to consider how serious they were about participating, which included registering on the conference site. Some on the list pulled out and were replaced from the next in line from the rankings.

== Communication with Instructors ==

Instructors should be *forced* onto the workshop-dev mail list - at 2008, some instructors did not join the list and were a bit incommunicado. Personal communications cannot be underestimated too.

== Preparation Process ==

Actually there is probably some sense in having a few stages to the workshop/lab development process. Probably difficult to do, but perhaps ensure that the material to be presented (software, data, printouts, slides etc) are ready at least a month before the time. Some projects want to show the latest and greatest features at the workshop or lab, but this creates stress and risk. We had workshop / lab presenters compiling their code for their session the night before. All in the spirit of things, but very stressful indeed. Avoid. Determinedly.

== Venues ==

At Cape Town, we had 2 big, dedicated venues at the main conference centre plus the main auditorium for one workshop, one venue at the hotel where most delegates were staying and two venues at the University, 15 minutes drive away.
<table border=1>
<tr>
<th>Venue Type</th><th>Pro's</th><th>Con's</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Large dedicated rooms at CTICC</td><td>Control! We could put in freshly imaged computers, our own LAN, good AV facilities, nice desks. Their size allowed us to hold large workshops and labs (capability for 100 pax, but max attendance was somewhere in the region of 80 folk). These rooms also acted (unintentionally) as places where folk could go and catch up on e-mail, have some quiet time, etc, when they were not in use</td><td>A little bit soulless, especially if not full. Some instructors felt un-engaged by the audience in these large venues</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Auditorium at CTICC</td><td>Ummm, an extra venue at no extra cost?</td><td>Power supply problems, network issues, cavernous place to instruct a few dozen folk. Not sure if it was a success to have a workshop where people had to supply their own notebooks - created config issues</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hotel</td><td>This was pretty much the same as the main venues: we had control, access and pleasant environment, plus the advantage of not being too huge. Plus, tea and snacks were thrown in as part of the price.</td><td>A 5 minute walk from the CTICC, not a big problem, but causes delays</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>University</td><td>The venues were a bit more intimate - instructors could engage with attendees more easily. Felt a lot less "corporate". Nice opportunity to raise awareness of FOSS4G. Lab owners were very enthusiastic and helpful</td><td>No Control! We had to work with PC's with no idea what was on them, other than the OS, and no ability to clear the environment. Who knows what students are doing on lab PC's? Network access and internet connectivity was THE major issue. The university bandwidth was limited such that one workshop in particular did not really work. Also, Internet access was controlled by a proxy, which required usernames and passwords, which the network admins were not too keen to hand out and which caused great annoyance for Firefox users. Transport to the venues was problematic, particularly if folk missed the buses</td>
</tr>
</table>

The logistical and control hurdles of having workshops at a University were big. Much better to keep venues in one place if possible, or otherwise have them in close walking distance of each other.
There is a lot to be said for having 'clean' venues, where you have control over how things work.
Try to encourage more interaction through careful choice and setup of venue

== Computers and Networks ==

Rule number 1: Work with a good technology supplier. We had the most amazing experience with our main IT suppliers - they were flexible, helpful, committed and technically sound. Okay, so the bandwidth was used up at times, but that had more to do with the cost of connectivity than the IT team.

Our approach was to allow several ways to present a workshop or lab. Instructors could build a LiveDVD / LiveUSB and run the session from that. Alternatively, instructors could prepare a VMWare image and run the session from VMWare Player. Thirdly, and most commonly, instructors could provide some software (and data) and provide setup instructions. We then ran through the setup on 2 slightly different machines, and then our IT supplier imaged this setup over the 98 other machines.

The LiveDVD/LiveUSB approach worked pretty well, putting all the onus onto the instructors to be ready. this approach incurs a higher hardware cost, as one needs more RAM.

The VMWare approach was mixed. It was most successful when a thin Linux image was used. Windows based images were '''huge''', and thus difficult to upload/download in preparation. Also, the VMWare approach definitely requires more punchy machines - minimum 2Gb RAM. With enough preparation time and upload/download bandwidth, this is a very solid approach though one needs to be careful to make sure networking is setup properly.

The third approach worked well on the whole. We could prepare the environment quite well if instructors came to the party early with their requirements and instructions. One thing that we tried to a limited extent was opening up a VNC/Remote Desktop Connection to the machines that we were preparing. Given more time, we could have had a slot where each instructor made sure that their setup worked. Agreement on port numbers beforehand was useful for this approach. This approach came a bit unstuck when instructors were not prepared well in advance. Installing a bunch of software across 50 machines the night before a workshop or lab is not conducive to good heart health. If this approach is followed, one thing that worked really well was having an identical network share on each machine. This allowed us to rapidly install software in-situ through an almost peer-to-peer method.

Whichever approach is followed, it is well worth having a conference Server, where last minute things can be served from, whether they be a patch, a set of data or a set of documents.

=== Software ===

We ran Windows XP as a base install. This worked quite well for the South African environment and for the particular conference, which included a lot of folk who were less exposed to Linux. I feel that this choice was determined by our audience in the end. Some FOSS4G attendees were annoyed by the use of Win XP in this way, but it was a pragmatic approach that worked, and also allowed certain FOSS4G projects that are Windows based to gain exposure. We needed to introduce many people to FOSS4G, not necessarily the whole FOSS universe out there. Perhaps the audience will be different in Sydney, but the choice does need to be carefully weighed up. We chose to offer a bridge into FOSS for the most people.

MS4W, OSGeo4W, PostGIS, Java, Tomcat, Firefox, Google Earth covered a lot of bases and were all easy to install and work with on Win XP.

== Printed Handouts ==

2008 provided printed handouts where instructors wished them to be provided. One issue is that for labs it is difficult to know how many to print, for the labs are essentially walk in affairs. Feedback from attendees at labs and workshops suggests that, on the whole, printed material is desirable. One downside to having printed material is that attendees often tend to race ahead of the instructor, which can be problematic if the workshop or lab content is complex or likely to cause problems if an attendee misses a step.

We found a very helpful professional printshop near (i.e. 2 minutes walk) to the conference venue. They were flexible, accommodating and very professional. We organised a kind of printing "slush fund" at the printshop, which was capped at a certain level.

On another track, printed material offers a sponsorship opportunity...

== Evaluation Forms ==

We provided evaluation forms, in paper format, for all workshops and labs. However, the use of paper forms has to end - it requires someone post-processing each and every one to convert to some digital format for sharing. A web form/survey could be used, since all workshops attendees are in front of a computer anyway. I think this is a must for 2009.

= Presentations =

== Call for Papers ==

=== Academic track ===
The 2008 call for papers is at [http://wiki.osgeo.org/wiki/FOSS4G2008_Call_for_papers#Academic_Papers_Track FOSS4G 2008 call for academic papers]

The call asked for abstracts of 500-600 words. This is a good length (better than 250 words) for making a decision on whether to invite a full paper on the academic track. However, because it is common to require abstracts of 250 words, there were quite a few submissions that were too short. Authors of early submissions were notified that their abstracts are too short and they re-submitted longer abstracts.

The blind peer-reviewed process is essential on the academic track and should not be compromised. It is also important to include a description of this process in the proceedings. Time constraints in 2008 allowed us to only peer-review the abstract and not the full paper. I would suggest that in future the full paper is also blind peer-reviewed by at least three reviewers. This will improve the quality of the academic proceedings considerably.

From the number of queries we received about publication of papers in SACJ, a peer-reviewed journal, one can conclude that this attracted authors to the academic track, especially authors from academia to whom such publications are important. It was unfortunate that the SACJ shortlist was announced after the conference. Ideally, the shortlist should be announced at the conference.

Some reviewers were confused because the 2008 conference included general GIS topics and was not restricted to open source only, and then rejected an abstract that did not mention OS. However, unless there is a joint conference again, this should not be an issue in future.

Suggestions for 2009:
* Emphasize that the academic track requires a longer abstract than the general track.
* Request 3 keywords. Not sure whether the conference system would allow this, and the keywords might have to be supplied in the Abstract text box.
* Request that the authors identify one or more of the conference topics to which their submission relates. This, as well as the keywords, will help with allocating papers to sessions.
* Allow enough time for a proper blind peer-review revision of the abstracts as well as the full papers.

=== General track ===
* abstract number of words (150-300 words + optionally 3 key references)
* request 3 keywords

== Submission Process ==
At some stage the uploads stopped working, and we really had trouble in getting support on the conference system. In the end, we had to accept the full papers on the academic track via email, which obviously added a lot of work. It also meant that we had to upload full papers manually after the conference. Ideally, authors should be able to upload their full papers and presentations themselves.

Links to manuals of the conference system:
[http://pkp.sfu.ca/files/MapOCS2.pdf] and [http://pkp.sfu.ca/files/OCSinanHour.pdf]

== Community Ranking Process ==

=== Building Sessions ===

== Cancellations ==

== Posters ==

= Wiki =

= Conference Evaluation =

== Workshop Evaluations ==

= Onsite Staff =

= Program handouts etc =

* convenient small flyer, nice to carry around
* presenter names would be desired (small font)

= Conference website software =
For the first time, OSGeo is making use of the [http://pkp.sfu.ca/ocs/ Open Conference Systems (OCS)] software to 'manage' a FOSS4G conference.

* See [[FOSS4G2008_Site_Upgrade]]
* and [[FOSS4G2008_Committee_Issues#OCS_website_management]]
* Limitations (to be fixed for 2009):
** No list of participants easily extractable
** No online session navigation (as supported Indico, see www.foss4g2006.org)

[[Category:FOSS4G2008]]
[[Category:FOSS4G]]

FOSS4G2008 Lessons Learned

2008-12-11T14:16:57Z

Wiki-Serena: /* Conference Venue */

Back to [[Conference_Committee]]

This page is a collection of information, comments, and suggestions, based on the planning, organizing, and hosting of the FOSS4G 2008 conference. The intent is to provide a resource that can be used by organizers of future FOSS4G conferences. This is not a forum for conference attendees to comment on the conference. Use [[FOSS4G2008_Comments]] for that.

= Bidding =

= Timetable =

= Money =

== Sponsorships ==

== Complimentary Registrations and Volunteers ==

== Workshop Pricing ==

= Registration =

== Support For Some Attendees ==

== Scams ==

== Discounts ==

== Breakdown by Country ==

== Attendance ==

=== At the Conference ===

=== Within the Conference ===

=== Within the Code Sprint ===

= Marketing =

== The Mail-out ==

== How People Heard about FOSS4G2007 ==

== Local / Regional / International ==

== Use Proxies ==

== Local Marketing is Key ==

== Web Site & Program ==

== Lists are Important ==

== Press Releases ==

= Social Venues =

= Conference Venue =

Using names of the national parks for the presentation venues sounded like a good idea but it created a lot of confusion on the first few days because the conference centre's signage obviously did include these names.

Suggestion for 2009:
* Stick to the names/numbers of rooms in the conference venue

== Audio-Visual ==

== Quirks ==

= Accommodations =

= Transportation =

= Workshops and Labs =

Workshops and labs were again very popular. In Cape Town, it presented a chance for many people to shake off their fears of working with FOSS. There is some talk of not running the 1.5 hour labs in 2009. Consider that some of the labs had over 70 people attending. There is certainly a demand. This needs to be balanced though. 2008 had '''too many''' workshops and labs - 15 workshops and 20 labs in total. This became difficult to manage logistically and technically - there are so many factors that can go wrong!

== Workshop Committee ==

This is a big task, even if at 2009, Sydney decides to scale back on the workshops and labs.

We had it roughly break out as follows:

A person responsible for the technical side of the workshops and labs (software, computer setup etc)
A person responsible for the logistical side (comms with the IT suppliers, other suppliers)
Advisor from 2007/ OSGeo
2008 Conference Chair, to ensure integration with the rest of the conference

For the scale of 2008, we probably needed another LOC member technically involved.

We used formal conference volunteers to an extent, but if we had more more of them, they could have been put to work quite happily on doing tests and installs.

The amazing part was the willingness to help out evident in the FOSS4G community. A gang of helpers made sure that we were all systems go for Monday by spending most of their Sunday helping to install, configure, test stuff. No complaining, just doing. Brilliant! Ideally, this spirit should not need to be tested though. Early preparation will avoid this to some extent.

== Terminology ==

== Call for Workshops ==

=== Timing ===

As early as possible to allow maximum time for instructors and workshop committee to prepare (though some instructors will always leave things to the last - human nature!). It should go out in a month or two's time from now - preferably before year end.

=== Format of the Call ===

We put out a document in pdf, odt and word that required instructors to fill out a bunch of info that would help us to assess the session. Best to read it at [http://conference.osgeo.org/index.php/foss4g/index/manager/files/schedConfs/foss4g2008/files/docs/FOSS4G2008WorkshopLabSubmissionFormv2.odt].

=== Results of the Call ===

We received 45 submissions, 27 for 3 hour workshops, 18 for labs.

== Selection Process ==

=== Philosophy===

Do you want to cater for the most established projects, in the hope of filling up rooms, at the risk of becoming stale? Do you wish to introduce new software tools to the audience and give a chance to emerging projects? Well, a mix of both seems appropriate, but one has to judge the potential audience a bit. For Cape Town we had local knowledge, for example, that MapWindow GIS was gaining some popularity in certain circles. As a result, we made sure that this project had several slots in the programme. The risk of having less well known projects as workshops is that attendance might be lower, affecting the conference bottom line. Labs are an opportunity to showcase such projects.

=== Ranking and Decisions ===

Google Docs was a neat way to do things. We each ranked each proposal on a scale of 1 to 5, based on importance to the FOSS4G community, likely interest, likely audience size and stated requirements, We added comments and then compared scores, imparted some local knowledge and gave an initial rank sort. We also considered whether some of the workshop proposals could be undertaken as labs.

Ot of this came a second rank, which ended up close to the eventual program. Instructors were then invited and given time to consider how serious they were about participating, which included registering on the conference site. Some on the list pulled out and were replaced from the next in line from the rankings.

== Communication with Instructors ==

Instructors should be *forced* onto the workshop-dev mail list - at 2008, some instructors did not join the list and were a bit incommunicado. Personal communications cannot be underestimated too.

== Preparation Process ==

Actually there is probably some sense in having a few stages to the workshop/lab development process. Probably difficult to do, but perhaps ensure that the material to be presented (software, data, printouts, slides etc) are ready at least a month before the time. Some projects want to show the latest and greatest features at the workshop or lab, but this creates stress and risk. We had workshop / lab presenters compiling their code for their session the night before. All in the spirit of things, but very stressful indeed. Avoid. Determinedly.

== Venues ==

At Cape Town, we had 2 big, dedicated venues at the main conference centre plus the main auditorium for one workshop, one venue at the hotel where most delegates were staying and two venues at the University, 15 minutes drive away.
<table border=1>
<tr>
<th>Venue Type</th><th>Pro's</th><th>Con's</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Large dedicated rooms at CTICC</td><td>Control! We could put in freshly imaged computers, our own LAN, good AV facilities, nice desks. Their size allowed us to hold large workshops and labs (capability for 100 pax, but max attendance was somewhere in the region of 80 folk). These rooms also acted (unintentionally) as places where folk could go and catch up on e-mail, have some quiet time, etc, when they were not in use</td><td>A little bit soulless, especially if not full. Some instructors felt un-engaged by the audience in these large venues</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Auditorium at CTICC</td><td>Ummm, an extra venue at no extra cost?</td><td>Power supply problems, network issues, cavernous place to instruct a few dozen folk. Not sure if it was a success to have a workshop where people had to supply their own notebooks - created config issues</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hotel</td><td>This was pretty much the same as the main venues: we had control, access and pleasant environment, plus the advantage of not being too huge. Plus, tea and snacks were thrown in as part of the price.</td><td>A 5 minute walk from the CTICC, not a big problem, but causes delays</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>University</td><td>The venues were a bit more intimate - instructors could engage with attendees more easily. Felt a lot less "corporate". Nice opportunity to raise awareness of FOSS4G. Lab owners were very enthusiastic and helpful</td><td>No Control! We had to work with PC's with no idea what was on them, other than the OS, and no ability to clear the environment. Who knows what students are doing on lab PC's? Network access and internet connectivity was THE major issue. The university bandwidth was limited such that one workshop in particular did not really work. Also, Internet access was controlled by a proxy, which required usernames and passwords, which the network admins were not too keen to hand out and which caused great annoyance for Firefox users. Transport to the venues was problematic, particularly if folk missed the buses</td>
</tr>
</table>

The logistical and control hurdles of having workshops at a University were big. Much better to keep venues in one place if possible, or otherwise have them in close walking distance of each other.
There is a lot to be said for having 'clean' venues, where you have control over how things work.
Try to encourage more interaction through careful choice and setup of venue

== Computers and Networks ==

Rule number 1: Work with a good technology supplier. We had the most amazing experience with our main IT suppliers - they were flexible, helpful, committed and technically sound. Okay, so the bandwidth was used up at times, but that had more to do with the cost of connectivity than the IT team.

Our approach was to allow several ways to present a workshop or lab. Instructors could build a LiveDVD / LiveUSB and run the session from that. Alternatively, instructors could prepare a VMWare image and run the session from VMWare Player. Thirdly, and most commonly, instructors could provide some software (and data) and provide setup instructions. We then ran through the setup on 2 slightly different machines, and then our IT supplier imaged this setup over the 98 other machines.

The LiveDVD/LiveUSB approach worked pretty well, putting all the onus onto the instructors to be ready. this approach incurs a higher hardware cost, as one needs more RAM.

The VMWare approach was mixed. It was most successful when a thin Linux image was used. Windows based images were '''huge''', and thus difficult to upload/download in preparation. Also, the VMWare approach definitely requires more punchy machines - minimum 2Gb RAM. With enough preparation time and upload/download bandwidth, this is a very solid approach though one needs to be careful to make sure networking is setup properly.

The third approach worked well on the whole. We could prepare the environment quite well if instructors came to the party early with their requirements and instructions. One thing that we tried to a limited extent was opening up a VNC/Remote Desktop Connection to the machines that we were preparing. Given more time, we could have had a slot where each instructor made sure that their setup worked. Agreement on port numbers beforehand was useful for this approach. This approach came a bit unstuck when instructors were not prepared well in advance. Installing a bunch of software across 50 machines the night before a workshop or lab is not conducive to good heart health. If this approach is followed, one thing that worked really well was having an identical network share on each machine. This allowed us to rapidly install software in-situ through an almost peer-to-peer method.

Whichever approach is followed, it is well worth having a conference Server, where last minute things can be served from, whether they be a patch, a set of data or a set of documents.

=== Software ===

We ran Windows XP as a base install. This worked quite well for the South African environment and for the particular conference, which included a lot of folk who were less exposed to Linux. I feel that this choice was determined by our audience in the end. Some FOSS4G attendees were annoyed by the use of Win XP in this way, but it was a pragmatic approach that worked, and also allowed certain FOSS4G projects that are Windows based to gain exposure. We needed to introduce many people to FOSS4G, not necessarily the whole FOSS universe out there. Perhaps the audience will be different in Sydney, but the choice does need to be carefully weighed up. We chose to offer a bridge into FOSS for the most people.

MS4W, OSGeo4W, PostGIS, Java, Tomcat, Firefox, Google Earth covered a lot of bases and were all easy to install and work with on Win XP.

== Printed Handouts ==

2008 provided printed handouts where instructors wished them to be provided. One issue is that for labs it is difficult to know how many to print, for the labs are essentially walk in affairs. Feedback from attendees at labs and workshops suggests that, on the whole, printed material is desirable. One downside to having printed material is that attendees often tend to race ahead of the instructor, which can be problematic if the workshop or lab content is complex or likely to cause problems if an attendee misses a step.

We found a very helpful professional printshop near (i.e. 2 minutes walk) to the conference venue. They were flexible, accommodating and very professional. We organised a kind of printing "slush fund" at the printshop, which was capped at a certain level.

On another track, printed material offers a sponsorship opportunity...

== Evaluation Forms ==

We provided evaluation forms, in paper format, for all workshops and labs. However, the use of paper forms has to end - it requires someone post-processing each and every one to convert to some digital format for sharing. A web form/survey could be used, since all workshops attendees are in front of a computer anyway. I think this is a must for 2009.

= Presentations =

== Call for Papers ==

=== Academic track ===
The 2008 call for papers is at [http://wiki.osgeo.org/wiki/FOSS4G2008_Call_for_papers#Academic_Papers_Track FOSS4G 2008 call for academic papers]

The call asked for abstracts of 500-600 words. This is a good length (better than 250 words) for making a decision on whether to invite a full paper on the academic track. However, because it is common to require abstracts of 250 words, there were quite a few submissions that were too short. Authors of early submissions were notified that their abstracts are too short and they re-submitted longer abstracts.

The blind peer-reviewed process is essential on the academic track and should not be compromised. It is also important to include a description of this process in the proceedings. Time constraints in 2008 allowed us to only peer-review the abstract and not the full paper. I would suggest that in future the full paper is also blind peer-reviewed by at least three reviewers. This will improve the quality of the academic proceedings considerably.

From the number of queries we received about publication of papers in SACJ, a peer-reviewed journal, one can conclude that this attracted authors to the academic track, especially authors from academia to whom such publications are important. It was unfortunate that the SACJ shortlist was announced after the conference. Ideally, the shortlist should be announced at the conference.

Some reviewers were confused because the 2008 conference included general GIS topics and was not restricted to open source only, and then rejected an abstract that did not mention OS. However, unless there is a joint conference again, this should not be an issue in future.

Suggestions for 2009:
* Emphasize that the academic track requires a longer abstract than the general track.
* Request 3 keywords. Not sure whether the conference system would allow this, and the keywords might have to be supplied in the Abstract text box.
* Request that the authors identify one or more of the conference topics to which their submission relates. This, as well as the keywords, will help with allocating papers to sessions.
* Allow enough time for a proper blind peer-review revision of the abstracts as well as the full papers.

=== General track ===
* abstract number of words (150-300 words + optionally 3 key references)
* request 3 keywords

== Submission Process ==
At some stage the uploads stopped working, and we really had trouble in getting support on the conference system. In the end, we had to accept the full papers on the academic track via email, which obviously added a lot of work. It also meant that we had to upload full papers manually after the conference. Ideally, authors should be able to upload their full papers and presentations themselves.

Here are some links that help explain the conference system
[http://pkp.sfu.ca/files/MapOCS2.pdf] and [http://pkp.sfu.ca/files/OCSinanHour.pdf]

== Community Ranking Process ==

=== Building Sessions ===

== Cancellations ==

== Posters ==

= Wiki =

= Conference Evaluation =

== Workshop Evaluations ==

= Onsite Staff =

= Program handouts etc =

* convenient small flyer, nice to carry around
* presenter names would be desired (small font)

= Conference website software =
For the first time, OSGeo is making use of the [http://pkp.sfu.ca/ocs/ Open Conference Systems (OCS)] software to 'manage' a FOSS4G conference.

* See [[FOSS4G2008_Site_Upgrade]]
* and [[FOSS4G2008_Committee_Issues#OCS_website_management]]
* Limitations (to be fixed for 2009):
** No list of participants easily extractable
** No online session navigation (as supported Indico, see www.foss4g2006.org)

[[Category:FOSS4G2008]]
[[Category:FOSS4G]]

FOSS4G2008 Lessons Learned

2008-12-11T14:14:13Z

Wiki-Serena: /* Submission Process */

Back to [[Conference_Committee]]

This page is a collection of information, comments, and suggestions, based on the planning, organizing, and hosting of the FOSS4G 2008 conference. The intent is to provide a resource that can be used by organizers of future FOSS4G conferences. This is not a forum for conference attendees to comment on the conference. Use [[FOSS4G2008_Comments]] for that.

= Bidding =

= Timetable =

= Money =

== Sponsorships ==

== Complimentary Registrations and Volunteers ==

== Workshop Pricing ==

= Registration =

== Support For Some Attendees ==

== Scams ==

== Discounts ==

== Breakdown by Country ==

== Attendance ==

=== At the Conference ===

=== Within the Conference ===

=== Within the Code Sprint ===

= Marketing =

== The Mail-out ==

== How People Heard about FOSS4G2007 ==

== Local / Regional / International ==

== Use Proxies ==

== Local Marketing is Key ==

== Web Site & Program ==

== Lists are Important ==

== Press Releases ==

= Social Venues =

= Conference Venue =

== Audio-Visual ==

== Quirks ==

= Accommodations =

= Transportation =

= Workshops and Labs =

Workshops and labs were again very popular. In Cape Town, it presented a chance for many people to shake off their fears of working with FOSS. There is some talk of not running the 1.5 hour labs in 2009. Consider that some of the labs had over 70 people attending. There is certainly a demand. This needs to be balanced though. 2008 had '''too many''' workshops and labs - 15 workshops and 20 labs in total. This became difficult to manage logistically and technically - there are so many factors that can go wrong!

== Workshop Committee ==

This is a big task, even if at 2009, Sydney decides to scale back on the workshops and labs.

We had it roughly break out as follows:

A person responsible for the technical side of the workshops and labs (software, computer setup etc)
A person responsible for the logistical side (comms with the IT suppliers, other suppliers)
Advisor from 2007/ OSGeo
2008 Conference Chair, to ensure integration with the rest of the conference

For the scale of 2008, we probably needed another LOC member technically involved.

We used formal conference volunteers to an extent, but if we had more more of them, they could have been put to work quite happily on doing tests and installs.

The amazing part was the willingness to help out evident in the FOSS4G community. A gang of helpers made sure that we were all systems go for Monday by spending most of their Sunday helping to install, configure, test stuff. No complaining, just doing. Brilliant! Ideally, this spirit should not need to be tested though. Early preparation will avoid this to some extent.

== Terminology ==

== Call for Workshops ==

=== Timing ===

As early as possible to allow maximum time for instructors and workshop committee to prepare (though some instructors will always leave things to the last - human nature!). It should go out in a month or two's time from now - preferably before year end.

=== Format of the Call ===

We put out a document in pdf, odt and word that required instructors to fill out a bunch of info that would help us to assess the session. Best to read it at [http://conference.osgeo.org/index.php/foss4g/index/manager/files/schedConfs/foss4g2008/files/docs/FOSS4G2008WorkshopLabSubmissionFormv2.odt].

=== Results of the Call ===

We received 45 submissions, 27 for 3 hour workshops, 18 for labs.

== Selection Process ==

=== Philosophy===

Do you want to cater for the most established projects, in the hope of filling up rooms, at the risk of becoming stale? Do you wish to introduce new software tools to the audience and give a chance to emerging projects? Well, a mix of both seems appropriate, but one has to judge the potential audience a bit. For Cape Town we had local knowledge, for example, that MapWindow GIS was gaining some popularity in certain circles. As a result, we made sure that this project had several slots in the programme. The risk of having less well known projects as workshops is that attendance might be lower, affecting the conference bottom line. Labs are an opportunity to showcase such projects.

=== Ranking and Decisions ===

Google Docs was a neat way to do things. We each ranked each proposal on a scale of 1 to 5, based on importance to the FOSS4G community, likely interest, likely audience size and stated requirements, We added comments and then compared scores, imparted some local knowledge and gave an initial rank sort. We also considered whether some of the workshop proposals could be undertaken as labs.

Ot of this came a second rank, which ended up close to the eventual program. Instructors were then invited and given time to consider how serious they were about participating, which included registering on the conference site. Some on the list pulled out and were replaced from the next in line from the rankings.

== Communication with Instructors ==

Instructors should be *forced* onto the workshop-dev mail list - at 2008, some instructors did not join the list and were a bit incommunicado. Personal communications cannot be underestimated too.

== Preparation Process ==

Actually there is probably some sense in having a few stages to the workshop/lab development process. Probably difficult to do, but perhaps ensure that the material to be presented (software, data, printouts, slides etc) are ready at least a month before the time. Some projects want to show the latest and greatest features at the workshop or lab, but this creates stress and risk. We had workshop / lab presenters compiling their code for their session the night before. All in the spirit of things, but very stressful indeed. Avoid. Determinedly.

== Venues ==

At Cape Town, we had 2 big, dedicated venues at the main conference centre plus the main auditorium for one workshop, one venue at the hotel where most delegates were staying and two venues at the University, 15 minutes drive away.
<table border=1>
<tr>
<th>Venue Type</th><th>Pro's</th><th>Con's</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Large dedicated rooms at CTICC</td><td>Control! We could put in freshly imaged computers, our own LAN, good AV facilities, nice desks. Their size allowed us to hold large workshops and labs (capability for 100 pax, but max attendance was somewhere in the region of 80 folk). These rooms also acted (unintentionally) as places where folk could go and catch up on e-mail, have some quiet time, etc, when they were not in use</td><td>A little bit soulless, especially if not full. Some instructors felt un-engaged by the audience in these large venues</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Auditorium at CTICC</td><td>Ummm, an extra venue at no extra cost?</td><td>Power supply problems, network issues, cavernous place to instruct a few dozen folk. Not sure if it was a success to have a workshop where people had to supply their own notebooks - created config issues</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hotel</td><td>This was pretty much the same as the main venues: we had control, access and pleasant environment, plus the advantage of not being too huge. Plus, tea and snacks were thrown in as part of the price.</td><td>A 5 minute walk from the CTICC, not a big problem, but causes delays</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>University</td><td>The venues were a bit more intimate - instructors could engage with attendees more easily. Felt a lot less "corporate". Nice opportunity to raise awareness of FOSS4G. Lab owners were very enthusiastic and helpful</td><td>No Control! We had to work with PC's with no idea what was on them, other than the OS, and no ability to clear the environment. Who knows what students are doing on lab PC's? Network access and internet connectivity was THE major issue. The university bandwidth was limited such that one workshop in particular did not really work. Also, Internet access was controlled by a proxy, which required usernames and passwords, which the network admins were not too keen to hand out and which caused great annoyance for Firefox users. Transport to the venues was problematic, particularly if folk missed the buses</td>
</tr>
</table>

The logistical and control hurdles of having workshops at a University were big. Much better to keep venues in one place if possible, or otherwise have them in close walking distance of each other.
There is a lot to be said for having 'clean' venues, where you have control over how things work.
Try to encourage more interaction through careful choice and setup of venue

== Computers and Networks ==

Rule number 1: Work with a good technology supplier. We had the most amazing experience with our main IT suppliers - they were flexible, helpful, committed and technically sound. Okay, so the bandwidth was used up at times, but that had more to do with the cost of connectivity than the IT team.

Our approach was to allow several ways to present a workshop or lab. Instructors could build a LiveDVD / LiveUSB and run the session from that. Alternatively, instructors could prepare a VMWare image and run the session from VMWare Player. Thirdly, and most commonly, instructors could provide some software (and data) and provide setup instructions. We then ran through the setup on 2 slightly different machines, and then our IT supplier imaged this setup over the 98 other machines.

The LiveDVD/LiveUSB approach worked pretty well, putting all the onus onto the instructors to be ready. this approach incurs a higher hardware cost, as one needs more RAM.

The VMWare approach was mixed. It was most successful when a thin Linux image was used. Windows based images were '''huge''', and thus difficult to upload/download in preparation. Also, the VMWare approach definitely requires more punchy machines - minimum 2Gb RAM. With enough preparation time and upload/download bandwidth, this is a very solid approach though one needs to be careful to make sure networking is setup properly.

The third approach worked well on the whole. We could prepare the environment quite well if instructors came to the party early with their requirements and instructions. One thing that we tried to a limited extent was opening up a VNC/Remote Desktop Connection to the machines that we were preparing. Given more time, we could have had a slot where each instructor made sure that their setup worked. Agreement on port numbers beforehand was useful for this approach. This approach came a bit unstuck when instructors were not prepared well in advance. Installing a bunch of software across 50 machines the night before a workshop or lab is not conducive to good heart health. If this approach is followed, one thing that worked really well was having an identical network share on each machine. This allowed us to rapidly install software in-situ through an almost peer-to-peer method.

Whichever approach is followed, it is well worth having a conference Server, where last minute things can be served from, whether they be a patch, a set of data or a set of documents.

=== Software ===

We ran Windows XP as a base install. This worked quite well for the South African environment and for the particular conference, which included a lot of folk who were less exposed to Linux. I feel that this choice was determined by our audience in the end. Some FOSS4G attendees were annoyed by the use of Win XP in this way, but it was a pragmatic approach that worked, and also allowed certain FOSS4G projects that are Windows based to gain exposure. We needed to introduce many people to FOSS4G, not necessarily the whole FOSS universe out there. Perhaps the audience will be different in Sydney, but the choice does need to be carefully weighed up. We chose to offer a bridge into FOSS for the most people.

MS4W, OSGeo4W, PostGIS, Java, Tomcat, Firefox, Google Earth covered a lot of bases and were all easy to install and work with on Win XP.

== Printed Handouts ==

2008 provided printed handouts where instructors wished them to be provided. One issue is that for labs it is difficult to know how many to print, for the labs are essentially walk in affairs. Feedback from attendees at labs and workshops suggests that, on the whole, printed material is desirable. One downside to having printed material is that attendees often tend to race ahead of the instructor, which can be problematic if the workshop or lab content is complex or likely to cause problems if an attendee misses a step.

We found a very helpful professional printshop near (i.e. 2 minutes walk) to the conference venue. They were flexible, accommodating and very professional. We organised a kind of printing "slush fund" at the printshop, which was capped at a certain level.

On another track, printed material offers a sponsorship opportunity...

== Evaluation Forms ==

We provided evaluation forms, in paper format, for all workshops and labs. However, the use of paper forms has to end - it requires someone post-processing each and every one to convert to some digital format for sharing. A web form/survey could be used, since all workshops attendees are in front of a computer anyway. I think this is a must for 2009.

= Presentations =

== Call for Papers ==

=== Academic track ===
The 2008 call for papers is at [http://wiki.osgeo.org/wiki/FOSS4G2008_Call_for_papers#Academic_Papers_Track FOSS4G 2008 call for academic papers]

The call asked for abstracts of 500-600 words. This is a good length (better than 250 words) for making a decision on whether to invite a full paper on the academic track. However, because it is common to require abstracts of 250 words, there were quite a few submissions that were too short. Authors of early submissions were notified that their abstracts are too short and they re-submitted longer abstracts.

The blind peer-reviewed process is essential on the academic track and should not be compromised. It is also important to include a description of this process in the proceedings. Time constraints in 2008 allowed us to only peer-review the abstract and not the full paper. I would suggest that in future the full paper is also blind peer-reviewed by at least three reviewers. This will improve the quality of the academic proceedings considerably.

From the number of queries we received about publication of papers in SACJ, a peer-reviewed journal, one can conclude that this attracted authors to the academic track, especially authors from academia to whom such publications are important. It was unfortunate that the SACJ shortlist was announced after the conference. Ideally, the shortlist should be announced at the conference.

Some reviewers were confused because the 2008 conference included general GIS topics and was not restricted to open source only, and then rejected an abstract that did not mention OS. However, unless there is a joint conference again, this should not be an issue in future.

Suggestions for 2009:
* Emphasize that the academic track requires a longer abstract than the general track.
* Request 3 keywords. Not sure whether the conference system would allow this, and the keywords might have to be supplied in the Abstract text box.
* Request that the authors identify one or more of the conference topics to which their submission relates. This, as well as the keywords, will help with allocating papers to sessions.
* Allow enough time for a proper blind peer-review revision of the abstracts as well as the full papers.

=== General track ===
* abstract number of words (150-300 words + optionally 3 key references)
* request 3 keywords

== Submission Process ==
At some stage the uploads stopped working, and we really had trouble in getting support on the conference system. In the end, we had to accept the full papers on the academic track via email, which obviously added a lot of work. It also meant that we had to upload full papers manually after the conference. Ideally, authors should be able to upload their full papers and presentations themselves.

Here are some links that help explain the conference system
[http://pkp.sfu.ca/files/MapOCS2.pdf] and [http://pkp.sfu.ca/files/OCSinanHour.pdf]

== Community Ranking Process ==

=== Building Sessions ===

== Cancellations ==

== Posters ==

= Wiki =

= Conference Evaluation =

== Workshop Evaluations ==

= Onsite Staff =

= Program handouts etc =

* convenient small flyer, nice to carry around
* presenter names would be desired (small font)

= Conference website software =
For the first time, OSGeo is making use of the [http://pkp.sfu.ca/ocs/ Open Conference Systems (OCS)] software to 'manage' a FOSS4G conference.

* See [[FOSS4G2008_Site_Upgrade]]
* and [[FOSS4G2008_Committee_Issues#OCS_website_management]]
* Limitations (to be fixed for 2009):
** No list of participants easily extractable
** No online session navigation (as supported Indico, see www.foss4g2006.org)

[[Category:FOSS4G2008]]
[[Category:FOSS4G]]

FOSS4G2008 Lessons Learned

2008-12-11T14:08:41Z

Wiki-Serena: /* Academic track */

Back to [[Conference_Committee]]

This page is a collection of information, comments, and suggestions, based on the planning, organizing, and hosting of the FOSS4G 2008 conference. The intent is to provide a resource that can be used by organizers of future FOSS4G conferences. This is not a forum for conference attendees to comment on the conference. Use [[FOSS4G2008_Comments]] for that.

= Bidding =

= Timetable =

= Money =

== Sponsorships ==

== Complimentary Registrations and Volunteers ==

== Workshop Pricing ==

= Registration =

== Support For Some Attendees ==

== Scams ==

== Discounts ==

== Breakdown by Country ==

== Attendance ==

=== At the Conference ===

=== Within the Conference ===

=== Within the Code Sprint ===

= Marketing =

== The Mail-out ==

== How People Heard about FOSS4G2007 ==

== Local / Regional / International ==

== Use Proxies ==

== Local Marketing is Key ==

== Web Site & Program ==

== Lists are Important ==

== Press Releases ==

= Social Venues =

= Conference Venue =

== Audio-Visual ==

== Quirks ==

= Accommodations =

= Transportation =

= Workshops and Labs =

Workshops and labs were again very popular. In Cape Town, it presented a chance for many people to shake off their fears of working with FOSS. There is some talk of not running the 1.5 hour labs in 2009. Consider that some of the labs had over 70 people attending. There is certainly a demand. This needs to be balanced though. 2008 had '''too many''' workshops and labs - 15 workshops and 20 labs in total. This became difficult to manage logistically and technically - there are so many factors that can go wrong!

== Workshop Committee ==

This is a big task, even if at 2009, Sydney decides to scale back on the workshops and labs.

We had it roughly break out as follows:

A person responsible for the technical side of the workshops and labs (software, computer setup etc)
A person responsible for the logistical side (comms with the IT suppliers, other suppliers)
Advisor from 2007/ OSGeo
2008 Conference Chair, to ensure integration with the rest of the conference

For the scale of 2008, we probably needed another LOC member technically involved.

We used formal conference volunteers to an extent, but if we had more more of them, they could have been put to work quite happily on doing tests and installs.

The amazing part was the willingness to help out evident in the FOSS4G community. A gang of helpers made sure that we were all systems go for Monday by spending most of their Sunday helping to install, configure, test stuff. No complaining, just doing. Brilliant! Ideally, this spirit should not need to be tested though. Early preparation will avoid this to some extent.

== Terminology ==

== Call for Workshops ==

=== Timing ===

As early as possible to allow maximum time for instructors and workshop committee to prepare (though some instructors will always leave things to the last - human nature!). It should go out in a month or two's time from now - preferably before year end.

=== Format of the Call ===

We put out a document in pdf, odt and word that required instructors to fill out a bunch of info that would help us to assess the session. Best to read it at [http://conference.osgeo.org/index.php/foss4g/index/manager/files/schedConfs/foss4g2008/files/docs/FOSS4G2008WorkshopLabSubmissionFormv2.odt].

=== Results of the Call ===

We received 45 submissions, 27 for 3 hour workshops, 18 for labs.

== Selection Process ==

=== Philosophy===

Do you want to cater for the most established projects, in the hope of filling up rooms, at the risk of becoming stale? Do you wish to introduce new software tools to the audience and give a chance to emerging projects? Well, a mix of both seems appropriate, but one has to judge the potential audience a bit. For Cape Town we had local knowledge, for example, that MapWindow GIS was gaining some popularity in certain circles. As a result, we made sure that this project had several slots in the programme. The risk of having less well known projects as workshops is that attendance might be lower, affecting the conference bottom line. Labs are an opportunity to showcase such projects.

=== Ranking and Decisions ===

Google Docs was a neat way to do things. We each ranked each proposal on a scale of 1 to 5, based on importance to the FOSS4G community, likely interest, likely audience size and stated requirements, We added comments and then compared scores, imparted some local knowledge and gave an initial rank sort. We also considered whether some of the workshop proposals could be undertaken as labs.

Ot of this came a second rank, which ended up close to the eventual program. Instructors were then invited and given time to consider how serious they were about participating, which included registering on the conference site. Some on the list pulled out and were replaced from the next in line from the rankings.

== Communication with Instructors ==

Instructors should be *forced* onto the workshop-dev mail list - at 2008, some instructors did not join the list and were a bit incommunicado. Personal communications cannot be underestimated too.

== Preparation Process ==

Actually there is probably some sense in having a few stages to the workshop/lab development process. Probably difficult to do, but perhaps ensure that the material to be presented (software, data, printouts, slides etc) are ready at least a month before the time. Some projects want to show the latest and greatest features at the workshop or lab, but this creates stress and risk. We had workshop / lab presenters compiling their code for their session the night before. All in the spirit of things, but very stressful indeed. Avoid. Determinedly.

== Venues ==

At Cape Town, we had 2 big, dedicated venues at the main conference centre plus the main auditorium for one workshop, one venue at the hotel where most delegates were staying and two venues at the University, 15 minutes drive away.
<table border=1>
<tr>
<th>Venue Type</th><th>Pro's</th><th>Con's</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Large dedicated rooms at CTICC</td><td>Control! We could put in freshly imaged computers, our own LAN, good AV facilities, nice desks. Their size allowed us to hold large workshops and labs (capability for 100 pax, but max attendance was somewhere in the region of 80 folk). These rooms also acted (unintentionally) as places where folk could go and catch up on e-mail, have some quiet time, etc, when they were not in use</td><td>A little bit soulless, especially if not full. Some instructors felt un-engaged by the audience in these large venues</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Auditorium at CTICC</td><td>Ummm, an extra venue at no extra cost?</td><td>Power supply problems, network issues, cavernous place to instruct a few dozen folk. Not sure if it was a success to have a workshop where people had to supply their own notebooks - created config issues</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hotel</td><td>This was pretty much the same as the main venues: we had control, access and pleasant environment, plus the advantage of not being too huge. Plus, tea and snacks were thrown in as part of the price.</td><td>A 5 minute walk from the CTICC, not a big problem, but causes delays</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>University</td><td>The venues were a bit more intimate - instructors could engage with attendees more easily. Felt a lot less "corporate". Nice opportunity to raise awareness of FOSS4G. Lab owners were very enthusiastic and helpful</td><td>No Control! We had to work with PC's with no idea what was on them, other than the OS, and no ability to clear the environment. Who knows what students are doing on lab PC's? Network access and internet connectivity was THE major issue. The university bandwidth was limited such that one workshop in particular did not really work. Also, Internet access was controlled by a proxy, which required usernames and passwords, which the network admins were not too keen to hand out and which caused great annoyance for Firefox users. Transport to the venues was problematic, particularly if folk missed the buses</td>
</tr>
</table>

The logistical and control hurdles of having workshops at a University were big. Much better to keep venues in one place if possible, or otherwise have them in close walking distance of each other.
There is a lot to be said for having 'clean' venues, where you have control over how things work.
Try to encourage more interaction through careful choice and setup of venue

== Computers and Networks ==

Rule number 1: Work with a good technology supplier. We had the most amazing experience with our main IT suppliers - they were flexible, helpful, committed and technically sound. Okay, so the bandwidth was used up at times, but that had more to do with the cost of connectivity than the IT team.

Our approach was to allow several ways to present a workshop or lab. Instructors could build a LiveDVD / LiveUSB and run the session from that. Alternatively, instructors could prepare a VMWare image and run the session from VMWare Player. Thirdly, and most commonly, instructors could provide some software (and data) and provide setup instructions. We then ran through the setup on 2 slightly different machines, and then our IT supplier imaged this setup over the 98 other machines.

The LiveDVD/LiveUSB approach worked pretty well, putting all the onus onto the instructors to be ready. this approach incurs a higher hardware cost, as one needs more RAM.

The VMWare approach was mixed. It was most successful when a thin Linux image was used. Windows based images were '''huge''', and thus difficult to upload/download in preparation. Also, the VMWare approach definitely requires more punchy machines - minimum 2Gb RAM. With enough preparation time and upload/download bandwidth, this is a very solid approach though one needs to be careful to make sure networking is setup properly.

The third approach worked well on the whole. We could prepare the environment quite well if instructors came to the party early with their requirements and instructions. One thing that we tried to a limited extent was opening up a VNC/Remote Desktop Connection to the machines that we were preparing. Given more time, we could have had a slot where each instructor made sure that their setup worked. Agreement on port numbers beforehand was useful for this approach. This approach came a bit unstuck when instructors were not prepared well in advance. Installing a bunch of software across 50 machines the night before a workshop or lab is not conducive to good heart health. If this approach is followed, one thing that worked really well was having an identical network share on each machine. This allowed us to rapidly install software in-situ through an almost peer-to-peer method.

Whichever approach is followed, it is well worth having a conference Server, where last minute things can be served from, whether they be a patch, a set of data or a set of documents.

=== Software ===

We ran Windows XP as a base install. This worked quite well for the South African environment and for the particular conference, which included a lot of folk who were less exposed to Linux. I feel that this choice was determined by our audience in the end. Some FOSS4G attendees were annoyed by the use of Win XP in this way, but it was a pragmatic approach that worked, and also allowed certain FOSS4G projects that are Windows based to gain exposure. We needed to introduce many people to FOSS4G, not necessarily the whole FOSS universe out there. Perhaps the audience will be different in Sydney, but the choice does need to be carefully weighed up. We chose to offer a bridge into FOSS for the most people.

MS4W, OSGeo4W, PostGIS, Java, Tomcat, Firefox, Google Earth covered a lot of bases and were all easy to install and work with on Win XP.

== Printed Handouts ==

2008 provided printed handouts where instructors wished them to be provided. One issue is that for labs it is difficult to know how many to print, for the labs are essentially walk in affairs. Feedback from attendees at labs and workshops suggests that, on the whole, printed material is desirable. One downside to having printed material is that attendees often tend to race ahead of the instructor, which can be problematic if the workshop or lab content is complex or likely to cause problems if an attendee misses a step.

We found a very helpful professional printshop near (i.e. 2 minutes walk) to the conference venue. They were flexible, accommodating and very professional. We organised a kind of printing "slush fund" at the printshop, which was capped at a certain level.

On another track, printed material offers a sponsorship opportunity...

== Evaluation Forms ==

We provided evaluation forms, in paper format, for all workshops and labs. However, the use of paper forms has to end - it requires someone post-processing each and every one to convert to some digital format for sharing. A web form/survey could be used, since all workshops attendees are in front of a computer anyway. I think this is a must for 2009.

= Presentations =

== Call for Papers ==

=== Academic track ===
The 2008 call for papers is at [http://wiki.osgeo.org/wiki/FOSS4G2008_Call_for_papers#Academic_Papers_Track FOSS4G 2008 call for academic papers]

The call asked for abstracts of 500-600 words. This is a good length (better than 250 words) for making a decision on whether to invite a full paper on the academic track. However, because it is common to require abstracts of 250 words, there were quite a few submissions that were too short. Authors of early submissions were notified that their abstracts are too short and they re-submitted longer abstracts.

The blind peer-reviewed process is essential on the academic track and should not be compromised. It is also important to include a description of this process in the proceedings. Time constraints in 2008 allowed us to only peer-review the abstract and not the full paper. I would suggest that in future the full paper is also blind peer-reviewed by at least three reviewers. This will improve the quality of the academic proceedings considerably.

From the number of queries we received about publication of papers in SACJ, a peer-reviewed journal, one can conclude that this attracted authors to the academic track, especially authors from academia to whom such publications are important. It was unfortunate that the SACJ shortlist was announced after the conference. Ideally, the shortlist should be announced at the conference.

Some reviewers were confused because the 2008 conference included general GIS topics and was not restricted to open source only, and then rejected an abstract that did not mention OS. However, unless there is a joint conference again, this should not be an issue in future.

Suggestions for 2009:
* Emphasize that the academic track requires a longer abstract than the general track.
* Request 3 keywords. Not sure whether the conference system would allow this, and the keywords might have to be supplied in the Abstract text box.
* Request that the authors identify one or more of the conference topics to which their submission relates. This, as well as the keywords, will help with allocating papers to sessions.
* Allow enough time for a proper blind peer-review revision of the abstracts as well as the full papers.

=== General track ===
* abstract number of words (150-300 words + optionally 3 key references)
* request 3 keywords

== Submission Process ==

== Community Ranking Process ==

=== Building Sessions ===

== Cancellations ==

== Posters ==

= Wiki =

= Conference Evaluation =

== Workshop Evaluations ==

= Onsite Staff =

= Program handouts etc =

* convenient small flyer, nice to carry around
* presenter names would be desired (small font)

= Conference website software =
For the first time, OSGeo is making use of the [http://pkp.sfu.ca/ocs/ Open Conference Systems (OCS)] software to 'manage' a FOSS4G conference.

* See [[FOSS4G2008_Site_Upgrade]]
* and [[FOSS4G2008_Committee_Issues#OCS_website_management]]
* Limitations (to be fixed for 2009):
** No list of participants easily extractable
** No online session navigation (as supported Indico, see www.foss4g2006.org)

[[Category:FOSS4G2008]]
[[Category:FOSS4G]]

FOSS4G2008 Lessons Learned

2008-12-11T14:06:47Z

Wiki-Serena: /* Academic track */

Back to [[Conference_Committee]]

This page is a collection of information, comments, and suggestions, based on the planning, organizing, and hosting of the FOSS4G 2008 conference. The intent is to provide a resource that can be used by organizers of future FOSS4G conferences. This is not a forum for conference attendees to comment on the conference. Use [[FOSS4G2008_Comments]] for that.

= Bidding =

= Timetable =

= Money =

== Sponsorships ==

== Complimentary Registrations and Volunteers ==

== Workshop Pricing ==

= Registration =

== Support For Some Attendees ==

== Scams ==

== Discounts ==

== Breakdown by Country ==

== Attendance ==

=== At the Conference ===

=== Within the Conference ===

=== Within the Code Sprint ===

= Marketing =

== The Mail-out ==

== How People Heard about FOSS4G2007 ==

== Local / Regional / International ==

== Use Proxies ==

== Local Marketing is Key ==

== Web Site & Program ==

== Lists are Important ==

== Press Releases ==

= Social Venues =

= Conference Venue =

== Audio-Visual ==

== Quirks ==

= Accommodations =

= Transportation =

= Workshops and Labs =

Workshops and labs were again very popular. In Cape Town, it presented a chance for many people to shake off their fears of working with FOSS. There is some talk of not running the 1.5 hour labs in 2009. Consider that some of the labs had over 70 people attending. There is certainly a demand. This needs to be balanced though. 2008 had '''too many''' workshops and labs - 15 workshops and 20 labs in total. This became difficult to manage logistically and technically - there are so many factors that can go wrong!

== Workshop Committee ==

This is a big task, even if at 2009, Sydney decides to scale back on the workshops and labs.

We had it roughly break out as follows:

A person responsible for the technical side of the workshops and labs (software, computer setup etc)
A person responsible for the logistical side (comms with the IT suppliers, other suppliers)
Advisor from 2007/ OSGeo
2008 Conference Chair, to ensure integration with the rest of the conference

For the scale of 2008, we probably needed another LOC member technically involved.

We used formal conference volunteers to an extent, but if we had more more of them, they could have been put to work quite happily on doing tests and installs.

The amazing part was the willingness to help out evident in the FOSS4G community. A gang of helpers made sure that we were all systems go for Monday by spending most of their Sunday helping to install, configure, test stuff. No complaining, just doing. Brilliant! Ideally, this spirit should not need to be tested though. Early preparation will avoid this to some extent.

== Terminology ==

== Call for Workshops ==

=== Timing ===

As early as possible to allow maximum time for instructors and workshop committee to prepare (though some instructors will always leave things to the last - human nature!). It should go out in a month or two's time from now - preferably before year end.

=== Format of the Call ===

We put out a document in pdf, odt and word that required instructors to fill out a bunch of info that would help us to assess the session. Best to read it at [http://conference.osgeo.org/index.php/foss4g/index/manager/files/schedConfs/foss4g2008/files/docs/FOSS4G2008WorkshopLabSubmissionFormv2.odt].

=== Results of the Call ===

We received 45 submissions, 27 for 3 hour workshops, 18 for labs.

== Selection Process ==

=== Philosophy===

Do you want to cater for the most established projects, in the hope of filling up rooms, at the risk of becoming stale? Do you wish to introduce new software tools to the audience and give a chance to emerging projects? Well, a mix of both seems appropriate, but one has to judge the potential audience a bit. For Cape Town we had local knowledge, for example, that MapWindow GIS was gaining some popularity in certain circles. As a result, we made sure that this project had several slots in the programme. The risk of having less well known projects as workshops is that attendance might be lower, affecting the conference bottom line. Labs are an opportunity to showcase such projects.

=== Ranking and Decisions ===

Google Docs was a neat way to do things. We each ranked each proposal on a scale of 1 to 5, based on importance to the FOSS4G community, likely interest, likely audience size and stated requirements, We added comments and then compared scores, imparted some local knowledge and gave an initial rank sort. We also considered whether some of the workshop proposals could be undertaken as labs.

Ot of this came a second rank, which ended up close to the eventual program. Instructors were then invited and given time to consider how serious they were about participating, which included registering on the conference site. Some on the list pulled out and were replaced from the next in line from the rankings.

== Communication with Instructors ==

Instructors should be *forced* onto the workshop-dev mail list - at 2008, some instructors did not join the list and were a bit incommunicado. Personal communications cannot be underestimated too.

== Preparation Process ==

Actually there is probably some sense in having a few stages to the workshop/lab development process. Probably difficult to do, but perhaps ensure that the material to be presented (software, data, printouts, slides etc) are ready at least a month before the time. Some projects want to show the latest and greatest features at the workshop or lab, but this creates stress and risk. We had workshop / lab presenters compiling their code for their session the night before. All in the spirit of things, but very stressful indeed. Avoid. Determinedly.

== Venues ==

At Cape Town, we had 2 big, dedicated venues at the main conference centre plus the main auditorium for one workshop, one venue at the hotel where most delegates were staying and two venues at the University, 15 minutes drive away.
<table border=1>
<tr>
<th>Venue Type</th><th>Pro's</th><th>Con's</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Large dedicated rooms at CTICC</td><td>Control! We could put in freshly imaged computers, our own LAN, good AV facilities, nice desks. Their size allowed us to hold large workshops and labs (capability for 100 pax, but max attendance was somewhere in the region of 80 folk). These rooms also acted (unintentionally) as places where folk could go and catch up on e-mail, have some quiet time, etc, when they were not in use</td><td>A little bit soulless, especially if not full. Some instructors felt un-engaged by the audience in these large venues</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Auditorium at CTICC</td><td>Ummm, an extra venue at no extra cost?</td><td>Power supply problems, network issues, cavernous place to instruct a few dozen folk. Not sure if it was a success to have a workshop where people had to supply their own notebooks - created config issues</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hotel</td><td>This was pretty much the same as the main venues: we had control, access and pleasant environment, plus the advantage of not being too huge. Plus, tea and snacks were thrown in as part of the price.</td><td>A 5 minute walk from the CTICC, not a big problem, but causes delays</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>University</td><td>The venues were a bit more intimate - instructors could engage with attendees more easily. Felt a lot less "corporate". Nice opportunity to raise awareness of FOSS4G. Lab owners were very enthusiastic and helpful</td><td>No Control! We had to work with PC's with no idea what was on them, other than the OS, and no ability to clear the environment. Who knows what students are doing on lab PC's? Network access and internet connectivity was THE major issue. The university bandwidth was limited such that one workshop in particular did not really work. Also, Internet access was controlled by a proxy, which required usernames and passwords, which the network admins were not too keen to hand out and which caused great annoyance for Firefox users. Transport to the venues was problematic, particularly if folk missed the buses</td>
</tr>
</table>

The logistical and control hurdles of having workshops at a University were big. Much better to keep venues in one place if possible, or otherwise have them in close walking distance of each other.
There is a lot to be said for having 'clean' venues, where you have control over how things work.
Try to encourage more interaction through careful choice and setup of venue

== Computers and Networks ==

Rule number 1: Work with a good technology supplier. We had the most amazing experience with our main IT suppliers - they were flexible, helpful, committed and technically sound. Okay, so the bandwidth was used up at times, but that had more to do with the cost of connectivity than the IT team.

Our approach was to allow several ways to present a workshop or lab. Instructors could build a LiveDVD / LiveUSB and run the session from that. Alternatively, instructors could prepare a VMWare image and run the session from VMWare Player. Thirdly, and most commonly, instructors could provide some software (and data) and provide setup instructions. We then ran through the setup on 2 slightly different machines, and then our IT supplier imaged this setup over the 98 other machines.

The LiveDVD/LiveUSB approach worked pretty well, putting all the onus onto the instructors to be ready. this approach incurs a higher hardware cost, as one needs more RAM.

The VMWare approach was mixed. It was most successful when a thin Linux image was used. Windows based images were '''huge''', and thus difficult to upload/download in preparation. Also, the VMWare approach definitely requires more punchy machines - minimum 2Gb RAM. With enough preparation time and upload/download bandwidth, this is a very solid approach though one needs to be careful to make sure networking is setup properly.

The third approach worked well on the whole. We could prepare the environment quite well if instructors came to the party early with their requirements and instructions. One thing that we tried to a limited extent was opening up a VNC/Remote Desktop Connection to the machines that we were preparing. Given more time, we could have had a slot where each instructor made sure that their setup worked. Agreement on port numbers beforehand was useful for this approach. This approach came a bit unstuck when instructors were not prepared well in advance. Installing a bunch of software across 50 machines the night before a workshop or lab is not conducive to good heart health. If this approach is followed, one thing that worked really well was having an identical network share on each machine. This allowed us to rapidly install software in-situ through an almost peer-to-peer method.

Whichever approach is followed, it is well worth having a conference Server, where last minute things can be served from, whether they be a patch, a set of data or a set of documents.

=== Software ===

We ran Windows XP as a base install. This worked quite well for the South African environment and for the particular conference, which included a lot of folk who were less exposed to Linux. I feel that this choice was determined by our audience in the end. Some FOSS4G attendees were annoyed by the use of Win XP in this way, but it was a pragmatic approach that worked, and also allowed certain FOSS4G projects that are Windows based to gain exposure. We needed to introduce many people to FOSS4G, not necessarily the whole FOSS universe out there. Perhaps the audience will be different in Sydney, but the choice does need to be carefully weighed up. We chose to offer a bridge into FOSS for the most people.

MS4W, OSGeo4W, PostGIS, Java, Tomcat, Firefox, Google Earth covered a lot of bases and were all easy to install and work with on Win XP.

== Printed Handouts ==

2008 provided printed handouts where instructors wished them to be provided. One issue is that for labs it is difficult to know how many to print, for the labs are essentially walk in affairs. Feedback from attendees at labs and workshops suggests that, on the whole, printed material is desirable. One downside to having printed material is that attendees often tend to race ahead of the instructor, which can be problematic if the workshop or lab content is complex or likely to cause problems if an attendee misses a step.

We found a very helpful professional printshop near (i.e. 2 minutes walk) to the conference venue. They were flexible, accommodating and very professional. We organised a kind of printing "slush fund" at the printshop, which was capped at a certain level.

On another track, printed material offers a sponsorship opportunity...

== Evaluation Forms ==

We provided evaluation forms, in paper format, for all workshops and labs. However, the use of paper forms has to end - it requires someone post-processing each and every one to convert to some digital format for sharing. A web form/survey could be used, since all workshops attendees are in front of a computer anyway. I think this is a must for 2009.

= Presentations =

== Call for Papers ==

=== Academic track ===
The 2008 call for papers is at [http://wiki.osgeo.org/wiki/FOSS4G2008_Call_for_papers#Academic_Papers_Track FOSS4G 2008 call for academic papers]

The call asked for abstracts of 500-600 words. This is a more sensible length than 250 words to make on whether to invite a paper or not. However, because it is common to require abstracts of 250 words, there were quite a few submissions that were too short. Authors of early submissions were notified that their abstracts are too short and they re-submitted longer abstracts.

The blind peer-reviewed process is essential on the academic track and should not be compromised. It is also important to include a description of this process in the proceedings. Time constraints in 2008 allowed us to only peer-review the abstract and not the full paper. I would suggest that in future the full paper is also blind peer-reviewed by at least three reviewers. This will improve the quality of the academic proceedings considerably.

From the number of queries we received about publication of papers in SACJ, a peer-reviewed journal, one can conclude that this attracted authors to the academic track, especially authors from academia to whom such publications are important. It was unfortunate that the SACJ shortlist was announced after the conference. Ideally, the shortlist should be announced at the conference.

Some reviewers were confused because the 2008 conference included general GIS topics and was not restricted to open source only, and then rejected an abstract that did not mention OS. However, unless there is a joint conference again, this should not be an issue in future.

Suggestions for 2009:
* Emphasize that the academic track requires a longer abstract than the general track.
* Request 3 keywords. Note that the conference system does not allow this, and the keywords would have to be supplied in the Abstract text box.
* Request that the authors identify one or more of the conference topics to which their submission relates. This, as well as the keywords, will help with allocating papers to sessions.
* Allow enough time for a proper blind peer-review revision of the abstracts as well as the full papers.

=== General track ===
* abstract number of words (150-300 words + optionally 3 key references)
* request 3 keywords

== Submission Process ==

== Community Ranking Process ==

=== Building Sessions ===

== Cancellations ==

== Posters ==

= Wiki =

= Conference Evaluation =

== Workshop Evaluations ==

= Onsite Staff =

= Program handouts etc =

* convenient small flyer, nice to carry around
* presenter names would be desired (small font)

= Conference website software =
For the first time, OSGeo is making use of the [http://pkp.sfu.ca/ocs/ Open Conference Systems (OCS)] software to 'manage' a FOSS4G conference.

* See [[FOSS4G2008_Site_Upgrade]]
* and [[FOSS4G2008_Committee_Issues#OCS_website_management]]
* Limitations (to be fixed for 2009):
** No list of participants easily extractable
** No online session navigation (as supported Indico, see www.foss4g2006.org)

[[Category:FOSS4G2008]]
[[Category:FOSS4G]]

FOSS4G2008 Lessons Learned

2008-12-11T14:06:19Z

Wiki-Serena: /* Academic track */

Back to [[Conference_Committee]]

This page is a collection of information, comments, and suggestions, based on the planning, organizing, and hosting of the FOSS4G 2008 conference. The intent is to provide a resource that can be used by organizers of future FOSS4G conferences. This is not a forum for conference attendees to comment on the conference. Use [[FOSS4G2008_Comments]] for that.

= Bidding =

= Timetable =

= Money =

== Sponsorships ==

== Complimentary Registrations and Volunteers ==

== Workshop Pricing ==

= Registration =

== Support For Some Attendees ==

== Scams ==

== Discounts ==

== Breakdown by Country ==

== Attendance ==

=== At the Conference ===

=== Within the Conference ===

=== Within the Code Sprint ===

= Marketing =

== The Mail-out ==

== How People Heard about FOSS4G2007 ==

== Local / Regional / International ==

== Use Proxies ==

== Local Marketing is Key ==

== Web Site & Program ==

== Lists are Important ==

== Press Releases ==

= Social Venues =

= Conference Venue =

== Audio-Visual ==

== Quirks ==

= Accommodations =

= Transportation =

= Workshops and Labs =

Workshops and labs were again very popular. In Cape Town, it presented a chance for many people to shake off their fears of working with FOSS. There is some talk of not running the 1.5 hour labs in 2009. Consider that some of the labs had over 70 people attending. There is certainly a demand. This needs to be balanced though. 2008 had '''too many''' workshops and labs - 15 workshops and 20 labs in total. This became difficult to manage logistically and technically - there are so many factors that can go wrong!

== Workshop Committee ==

This is a big task, even if at 2009, Sydney decides to scale back on the workshops and labs.

We had it roughly break out as follows:

A person responsible for the technical side of the workshops and labs (software, computer setup etc)
A person responsible for the logistical side (comms with the IT suppliers, other suppliers)
Advisor from 2007/ OSGeo
2008 Conference Chair, to ensure integration with the rest of the conference

For the scale of 2008, we probably needed another LOC member technically involved.

We used formal conference volunteers to an extent, but if we had more more of them, they could have been put to work quite happily on doing tests and installs.

The amazing part was the willingness to help out evident in the FOSS4G community. A gang of helpers made sure that we were all systems go for Monday by spending most of their Sunday helping to install, configure, test stuff. No complaining, just doing. Brilliant! Ideally, this spirit should not need to be tested though. Early preparation will avoid this to some extent.

== Terminology ==

== Call for Workshops ==

=== Timing ===

As early as possible to allow maximum time for instructors and workshop committee to prepare (though some instructors will always leave things to the last - human nature!). It should go out in a month or two's time from now - preferably before year end.

=== Format of the Call ===

We put out a document in pdf, odt and word that required instructors to fill out a bunch of info that would help us to assess the session. Best to read it at [http://conference.osgeo.org/index.php/foss4g/index/manager/files/schedConfs/foss4g2008/files/docs/FOSS4G2008WorkshopLabSubmissionFormv2.odt].

=== Results of the Call ===

We received 45 submissions, 27 for 3 hour workshops, 18 for labs.

== Selection Process ==

=== Philosophy===

Do you want to cater for the most established projects, in the hope of filling up rooms, at the risk of becoming stale? Do you wish to introduce new software tools to the audience and give a chance to emerging projects? Well, a mix of both seems appropriate, but one has to judge the potential audience a bit. For Cape Town we had local knowledge, for example, that MapWindow GIS was gaining some popularity in certain circles. As a result, we made sure that this project had several slots in the programme. The risk of having less well known projects as workshops is that attendance might be lower, affecting the conference bottom line. Labs are an opportunity to showcase such projects.

=== Ranking and Decisions ===

Google Docs was a neat way to do things. We each ranked each proposal on a scale of 1 to 5, based on importance to the FOSS4G community, likely interest, likely audience size and stated requirements, We added comments and then compared scores, imparted some local knowledge and gave an initial rank sort. We also considered whether some of the workshop proposals could be undertaken as labs.

Ot of this came a second rank, which ended up close to the eventual program. Instructors were then invited and given time to consider how serious they were about participating, which included registering on the conference site. Some on the list pulled out and were replaced from the next in line from the rankings.

== Communication with Instructors ==

Instructors should be *forced* onto the workshop-dev mail list - at 2008, some instructors did not join the list and were a bit incommunicado. Personal communications cannot be underestimated too.

== Preparation Process ==

Actually there is probably some sense in having a few stages to the workshop/lab development process. Probably difficult to do, but perhaps ensure that the material to be presented (software, data, printouts, slides etc) are ready at least a month before the time. Some projects want to show the latest and greatest features at the workshop or lab, but this creates stress and risk. We had workshop / lab presenters compiling their code for their session the night before. All in the spirit of things, but very stressful indeed. Avoid. Determinedly.

== Venues ==

At Cape Town, we had 2 big, dedicated venues at the main conference centre plus the main auditorium for one workshop, one venue at the hotel where most delegates were staying and two venues at the University, 15 minutes drive away.
<table border=1>
<tr>
<th>Venue Type</th><th>Pro's</th><th>Con's</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Large dedicated rooms at CTICC</td><td>Control! We could put in freshly imaged computers, our own LAN, good AV facilities, nice desks. Their size allowed us to hold large workshops and labs (capability for 100 pax, but max attendance was somewhere in the region of 80 folk). These rooms also acted (unintentionally) as places where folk could go and catch up on e-mail, have some quiet time, etc, when they were not in use</td><td>A little bit soulless, especially if not full. Some instructors felt un-engaged by the audience in these large venues</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Auditorium at CTICC</td><td>Ummm, an extra venue at no extra cost?</td><td>Power supply problems, network issues, cavernous place to instruct a few dozen folk. Not sure if it was a success to have a workshop where people had to supply their own notebooks - created config issues</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hotel</td><td>This was pretty much the same as the main venues: we had control, access and pleasant environment, plus the advantage of not being too huge. Plus, tea and snacks were thrown in as part of the price.</td><td>A 5 minute walk from the CTICC, not a big problem, but causes delays</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>University</td><td>The venues were a bit more intimate - instructors could engage with attendees more easily. Felt a lot less "corporate". Nice opportunity to raise awareness of FOSS4G. Lab owners were very enthusiastic and helpful</td><td>No Control! We had to work with PC's with no idea what was on them, other than the OS, and no ability to clear the environment. Who knows what students are doing on lab PC's? Network access and internet connectivity was THE major issue. The university bandwidth was limited such that one workshop in particular did not really work. Also, Internet access was controlled by a proxy, which required usernames and passwords, which the network admins were not too keen to hand out and which caused great annoyance for Firefox users. Transport to the venues was problematic, particularly if folk missed the buses</td>
</tr>
</table>

The logistical and control hurdles of having workshops at a University were big. Much better to keep venues in one place if possible, or otherwise have them in close walking distance of each other.
There is a lot to be said for having 'clean' venues, where you have control over how things work.
Try to encourage more interaction through careful choice and setup of venue

== Computers and Networks ==

Rule number 1: Work with a good technology supplier. We had the most amazing experience with our main IT suppliers - they were flexible, helpful, committed and technically sound. Okay, so the bandwidth was used up at times, but that had more to do with the cost of connectivity than the IT team.

Our approach was to allow several ways to present a workshop or lab. Instructors could build a LiveDVD / LiveUSB and run the session from that. Alternatively, instructors could prepare a VMWare image and run the session from VMWare Player. Thirdly, and most commonly, instructors could provide some software (and data) and provide setup instructions. We then ran through the setup on 2 slightly different machines, and then our IT supplier imaged this setup over the 98 other machines.

The LiveDVD/LiveUSB approach worked pretty well, putting all the onus onto the instructors to be ready. this approach incurs a higher hardware cost, as one needs more RAM.

The VMWare approach was mixed. It was most successful when a thin Linux image was used. Windows based images were '''huge''', and thus difficult to upload/download in preparation. Also, the VMWare approach definitely requires more punchy machines - minimum 2Gb RAM. With enough preparation time and upload/download bandwidth, this is a very solid approach though one needs to be careful to make sure networking is setup properly.

The third approach worked well on the whole. We could prepare the environment quite well if instructors came to the party early with their requirements and instructions. One thing that we tried to a limited extent was opening up a VNC/Remote Desktop Connection to the machines that we were preparing. Given more time, we could have had a slot where each instructor made sure that their setup worked. Agreement on port numbers beforehand was useful for this approach. This approach came a bit unstuck when instructors were not prepared well in advance. Installing a bunch of software across 50 machines the night before a workshop or lab is not conducive to good heart health. If this approach is followed, one thing that worked really well was having an identical network share on each machine. This allowed us to rapidly install software in-situ through an almost peer-to-peer method.

Whichever approach is followed, it is well worth having a conference Server, where last minute things can be served from, whether they be a patch, a set of data or a set of documents.

=== Software ===

We ran Windows XP as a base install. This worked quite well for the South African environment and for the particular conference, which included a lot of folk who were less exposed to Linux. I feel that this choice was determined by our audience in the end. Some FOSS4G attendees were annoyed by the use of Win XP in this way, but it was a pragmatic approach that worked, and also allowed certain FOSS4G projects that are Windows based to gain exposure. We needed to introduce many people to FOSS4G, not necessarily the whole FOSS universe out there. Perhaps the audience will be different in Sydney, but the choice does need to be carefully weighed up. We chose to offer a bridge into FOSS for the most people.

MS4W, OSGeo4W, PostGIS, Java, Tomcat, Firefox, Google Earth covered a lot of bases and were all easy to install and work with on Win XP.

== Printed Handouts ==

2008 provided printed handouts where instructors wished them to be provided. One issue is that for labs it is difficult to know how many to print, for the labs are essentially walk in affairs. Feedback from attendees at labs and workshops suggests that, on the whole, printed material is desirable. One downside to having printed material is that attendees often tend to race ahead of the instructor, which can be problematic if the workshop or lab content is complex or likely to cause problems if an attendee misses a step.

We found a very helpful professional printshop near (i.e. 2 minutes walk) to the conference venue. They were flexible, accommodating and very professional. We organised a kind of printing "slush fund" at the printshop, which was capped at a certain level.

On another track, printed material offers a sponsorship opportunity...

== Evaluation Forms ==

We provided evaluation forms, in paper format, for all workshops and labs. However, the use of paper forms has to end - it requires someone post-processing each and every one to convert to some digital format for sharing. A web form/survey could be used, since all workshops attendees are in front of a computer anyway. I think this is a must for 2009.

= Presentations =

== Call for Papers ==

=== Academic track ===
The 2008 call for papers is at [http://wiki.osgeo.org/wiki/FOSS4G2008_Call_for_papers#Academic_Papers_Track Call for academic papers]

The call asked for abstracts of 500-600 words. This is a more sensible length than 250 words to make on whether to invite a paper or not. However, because it is common to require abstracts of 250 words, there were quite a few submissions that were too short. Authors of early submissions were notified that their abstracts are too short and they re-submitted longer abstracts.

The blind peer-reviewed process is essential on the academic track and should not be compromised. It is also important to include a description of this process in the proceedings. Time constraints in 2008 allowed us to only peer-review the abstract and not the full paper. I would suggest that in future the full paper is also blind peer-reviewed by at least three reviewers. This will improve the quality of the academic proceedings considerably.

From the number of queries we received about publication of papers in SACJ, a peer-reviewed journal, one can conclude that this attracted authors to the academic track, especially authors from academia to whom such publications are important. It was unfortunate that the SACJ shortlist was announced after the conference. Ideally, the shortlist should be announced at the conference.

Some reviewers were confused because the 2008 conference included general GIS topics and was not restricted to open source only, and then rejected an abstract that did not mention OS. However, unless there is a joint conference again, this should not be an issue in future.

Suggestions for 2009:
* Emphasize that the academic track requires a longer abstract than the general track.
* Request 3 keywords. Note that the conference system does not allow this, and the keywords would have to be supplied in the Abstract text box.
* Request that the authors identify one or more of the conference topics to which their submission relates. This, as well as the keywords, will help with allocating papers to sessions.
* Allow enough time for a proper blind peer-review revision of the abstracts as well as the full papers.

=== General track ===
* abstract number of words (150-300 words + optionally 3 key references)
* request 3 keywords

== Submission Process ==

== Community Ranking Process ==

=== Building Sessions ===

== Cancellations ==

== Posters ==

= Wiki =

= Conference Evaluation =

== Workshop Evaluations ==

= Onsite Staff =

= Program handouts etc =

* convenient small flyer, nice to carry around
* presenter names would be desired (small font)

= Conference website software =
For the first time, OSGeo is making use of the [http://pkp.sfu.ca/ocs/ Open Conference Systems (OCS)] software to 'manage' a FOSS4G conference.

* See [[FOSS4G2008_Site_Upgrade]]
* and [[FOSS4G2008_Committee_Issues#OCS_website_management]]
* Limitations (to be fixed for 2009):
** No list of participants easily extractable
** No online session navigation (as supported Indico, see www.foss4g2006.org)

[[Category:FOSS4G2008]]
[[Category:FOSS4G]]

FOSS4G2008 Lessons Learned

2008-12-11T13:55:50Z

Wiki-Serena: /* Academic track */

Back to [[Conference_Committee]]

This page is a collection of information, comments, and suggestions, based on the planning, organizing, and hosting of the FOSS4G 2008 conference. The intent is to provide a resource that can be used by organizers of future FOSS4G conferences. This is not a forum for conference attendees to comment on the conference. Use [[FOSS4G2008_Comments]] for that.

= Bidding =

= Timetable =

= Money =

== Sponsorships ==

== Complimentary Registrations and Volunteers ==

== Workshop Pricing ==

= Registration =

== Support For Some Attendees ==

== Scams ==

== Discounts ==

== Breakdown by Country ==

== Attendance ==

=== At the Conference ===

=== Within the Conference ===

=== Within the Code Sprint ===

= Marketing =

== The Mail-out ==

== How People Heard about FOSS4G2007 ==

== Local / Regional / International ==

== Use Proxies ==

== Local Marketing is Key ==

== Web Site & Program ==

== Lists are Important ==

== Press Releases ==

= Social Venues =

= Conference Venue =

== Audio-Visual ==

== Quirks ==

= Accommodations =

= Transportation =

= Workshops and Labs =

Workshops and labs were again very popular. In Cape Town, it presented a chance for many people to shake off their fears of working with FOSS. There is some talk of not running the 1.5 hour labs in 2009. Consider that some of the labs had over 70 people attending. There is certainly a demand. This needs to be balanced though. 2008 had '''too many''' workshops and labs - 15 workshops and 20 labs in total. This became difficult to manage logistically and technically - there are so many factors that can go wrong!

== Workshop Committee ==

This is a big task, even if at 2009, Sydney decides to scale back on the workshops and labs.

We had it roughly break out as follows:

A person responsible for the technical side of the workshops and labs (software, computer setup etc)
A person responsible for the logistical side (comms with the IT suppliers, other suppliers)
Advisor from 2007/ OSGeo
2008 Conference Chair, to ensure integration with the rest of the conference

For the scale of 2008, we probably needed another LOC member technically involved.

We used formal conference volunteers to an extent, but if we had more more of them, they could have been put to work quite happily on doing tests and installs.

The amazing part was the willingness to help out evident in the FOSS4G community. A gang of helpers made sure that we were all systems go for Monday by spending most of their Sunday helping to install, configure, test stuff. No complaining, just doing. Brilliant! Ideally, this spirit should not need to be tested though. Early preparation will avoid this to some extent.

== Terminology ==

== Call for Workshops ==

=== Timing ===

As early as possible to allow maximum time for instructors and workshop committee to prepare (though some instructors will always leave things to the last - human nature!). It should go out in a month or two's time from now - preferably before year end.

=== Format of the Call ===

We put out a document in pdf, odt and word that required instructors to fill out a bunch of info that would help us to assess the session. Best to read it at [http://conference.osgeo.org/index.php/foss4g/index/manager/files/schedConfs/foss4g2008/files/docs/FOSS4G2008WorkshopLabSubmissionFormv2.odt].

=== Results of the Call ===

We received 45 submissions, 27 for 3 hour workshops, 18 for labs.

== Selection Process ==

=== Philosophy===

Do you want to cater for the most established projects, in the hope of filling up rooms, at the risk of becoming stale? Do you wish to introduce new software tools to the audience and give a chance to emerging projects? Well, a mix of both seems appropriate, but one has to judge the potential audience a bit. For Cape Town we had local knowledge, for example, that MapWindow GIS was gaining some popularity in certain circles. As a result, we made sure that this project had several slots in the programme. The risk of having less well known projects as workshops is that attendance might be lower, affecting the conference bottom line. Labs are an opportunity to showcase such projects.

=== Ranking and Decisions ===

Google Docs was a neat way to do things. We each ranked each proposal on a scale of 1 to 5, based on importance to the FOSS4G community, likely interest, likely audience size and stated requirements, We added comments and then compared scores, imparted some local knowledge and gave an initial rank sort. We also considered whether some of the workshop proposals could be undertaken as labs.

Ot of this came a second rank, which ended up close to the eventual program. Instructors were then invited and given time to consider how serious they were about participating, which included registering on the conference site. Some on the list pulled out and were replaced from the next in line from the rankings.

== Communication with Instructors ==

Instructors should be *forced* onto the workshop-dev mail list - at 2008, some instructors did not join the list and were a bit incommunicado. Personal communications cannot be underestimated too.

== Preparation Process ==

Actually there is probably some sense in having a few stages to the workshop/lab development process. Probably difficult to do, but perhaps ensure that the material to be presented (software, data, printouts, slides etc) are ready at least a month before the time. Some projects want to show the latest and greatest features at the workshop or lab, but this creates stress and risk. We had workshop / lab presenters compiling their code for their session the night before. All in the spirit of things, but very stressful indeed. Avoid. Determinedly.

== Venues ==

At Cape Town, we had 2 big, dedicated venues at the main conference centre plus the main auditorium for one workshop, one venue at the hotel where most delegates were staying and two venues at the University, 15 minutes drive away.
<table border=1>
<tr>
<th>Venue Type</th><th>Pro's</th><th>Con's</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Large dedicated rooms at CTICC</td><td>Control! We could put in freshly imaged computers, our own LAN, good AV facilities, nice desks. Their size allowed us to hold large workshops and labs (capability for 100 pax, but max attendance was somewhere in the region of 80 folk). These rooms also acted (unintentionally) as places where folk could go and catch up on e-mail, have some quiet time, etc, when they were not in use</td><td>A little bit soulless, especially if not full. Some instructors felt un-engaged by the audience in these large venues</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Auditorium at CTICC</td><td>Ummm, an extra venue at no extra cost?</td><td>Power supply problems, network issues, cavernous place to instruct a few dozen folk. Not sure if it was a success to have a workshop where people had to supply their own notebooks - created config issues</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hotel</td><td>This was pretty much the same as the main venues: we had control, access and pleasant environment, plus the advantage of not being too huge. Plus, tea and snacks were thrown in as part of the price.</td><td>A 5 minute walk from the CTICC, not a big problem, but causes delays</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>University</td><td>The venues were a bit more intimate - instructors could engage with attendees more easily. Felt a lot less "corporate". Nice opportunity to raise awareness of FOSS4G. Lab owners were very enthusiastic and helpful</td><td>No Control! We had to work with PC's with no idea what was on them, other than the OS, and no ability to clear the environment. Who knows what students are doing on lab PC's? Network access and internet connectivity was THE major issue. The university bandwidth was limited such that one workshop in particular did not really work. Also, Internet access was controlled by a proxy, which required usernames and passwords, which the network admins were not too keen to hand out and which caused great annoyance for Firefox users. Transport to the venues was problematic, particularly if folk missed the buses</td>
</tr>
</table>

The logistical and control hurdles of having workshops at a University were big. Much better to keep venues in one place if possible, or otherwise have them in close walking distance of each other.
There is a lot to be said for having 'clean' venues, where you have control over how things work.
Try to encourage more interaction through careful choice and setup of venue

== Computers and Networks ==

Rule number 1: Work with a good technology supplier. We had the most amazing experience with our main IT suppliers - they were flexible, helpful, committed and technically sound. Okay, so the bandwidth was used up at times, but that had more to do with the cost of connectivity than the IT team.

Our approach was to allow several ways to present a workshop or lab. Instructors could build a LiveDVD / LiveUSB and run the session from that. Alternatively, instructors could prepare a VMWare image and run the session from VMWare Player. Thirdly, and most commonly, instructors could provide some software (and data) and provide setup instructions. We then ran through the setup on 2 slightly different machines, and then our IT supplier imaged this setup over the 98 other machines.

The LiveDVD/LiveUSB approach worked pretty well, putting all the onus onto the instructors to be ready. this approach incurs a higher hardware cost, as one needs more RAM.

The VMWare approach was mixed. It was most successful when a thin Linux image was used. Windows based images were '''huge''', and thus difficult to upload/download in preparation. Also, the VMWare approach definitely requires more punchy machines - minimum 2Gb RAM. With enough preparation time and upload/download bandwidth, this is a very solid approach though one needs to be careful to make sure networking is setup properly.

The third approach worked well on the whole. We could prepare the environment quite well if instructors came to the party early with their requirements and instructions. One thing that we tried to a limited extent was opening up a VNC/Remote Desktop Connection to the machines that we were preparing. Given more time, we could have had a slot where each instructor made sure that their setup worked. Agreement on port numbers beforehand was useful for this approach. This approach came a bit unstuck when instructors were not prepared well in advance. Installing a bunch of software across 50 machines the night before a workshop or lab is not conducive to good heart health. If this approach is followed, one thing that worked really well was having an identical network share on each machine. This allowed us to rapidly install software in-situ through an almost peer-to-peer method.

Whichever approach is followed, it is well worth having a conference Server, where last minute things can be served from, whether they be a patch, a set of data or a set of documents.

=== Software ===

We ran Windows XP as a base install. This worked quite well for the South African environment and for the particular conference, which included a lot of folk who were less exposed to Linux. I feel that this choice was determined by our audience in the end. Some FOSS4G attendees were annoyed by the use of Win XP in this way, but it was a pragmatic approach that worked, and also allowed certain FOSS4G projects that are Windows based to gain exposure. We needed to introduce many people to FOSS4G, not necessarily the whole FOSS universe out there. Perhaps the audience will be different in Sydney, but the choice does need to be carefully weighed up. We chose to offer a bridge into FOSS for the most people.

MS4W, OSGeo4W, PostGIS, Java, Tomcat, Firefox, Google Earth covered a lot of bases and were all easy to install and work with on Win XP.

== Printed Handouts ==

2008 provided printed handouts where instructors wished them to be provided. One issue is that for labs it is difficult to know how many to print, for the labs are essentially walk in affairs. Feedback from attendees at labs and workshops suggests that, on the whole, printed material is desirable. One downside to having printed material is that attendees often tend to race ahead of the instructor, which can be problematic if the workshop or lab content is complex or likely to cause problems if an attendee misses a step.

We found a very helpful professional printshop near (i.e. 2 minutes walk) to the conference venue. They were flexible, accommodating and very professional. We organised a kind of printing "slush fund" at the printshop, which was capped at a certain level.

On another track, printed material offers a sponsorship opportunity...

== Evaluation Forms ==

We provided evaluation forms, in paper format, for all workshops and labs. However, the use of paper forms has to end - it requires someone post-processing each and every one to convert to some digital format for sharing. A web form/survey could be used, since all workshops attendees are in front of a computer anyway. I think this is a must for 2009.

= Presentations =

== Call for Papers ==

=== Academic track ===
The 2008 call for papers is at [http://wiki.osgeo.org/wiki/FOSS4G2008_Call_for_papers#Academic_Papers_Track Call for academic papers]

The call asked for abstracts of 500-600 words. This is a more sensible length than 250 words to make on whether to invite a paper or not. However, because it is common to require abstracts of 250 words, there were quite a few submissions that were too short. Authors of early submissions were notified that their abstracts are too short and they re-submitted longer abstracts.

Suggestions for 2009:
* Emphasize that the academic track requires a longer abstract than the general track.
* Request 3 keywords. Note that the conference system does not allow this, and the keywords would have to be supplied in the Abstract text box.
* Request that the authors identify one or more of the conference topics to which their submission relates.
* Allow enough time for a proper blind peer-review revision of the full papers. This should improve the quality of the proceedings considerably.

=== General track ===
* abstract number of words (150-300 words + optionally 3 key references)
* request 3 keywords

== Submission Process ==

== Community Ranking Process ==

=== Building Sessions ===

== Cancellations ==

== Posters ==

= Wiki =

= Conference Evaluation =

== Workshop Evaluations ==

= Onsite Staff =

= Program handouts etc =

* convenient small flyer, nice to carry around
* presenter names would be desired (small font)

= Conference website software =
For the first time, OSGeo is making use of the [http://pkp.sfu.ca/ocs/ Open Conference Systems (OCS)] software to 'manage' a FOSS4G conference.

* See [[FOSS4G2008_Site_Upgrade]]
* and [[FOSS4G2008_Committee_Issues#OCS_website_management]]
* Limitations (to be fixed for 2009):
** No list of participants easily extractable
** No online session navigation (as supported Indico, see www.foss4g2006.org)

[[Category:FOSS4G2008]]
[[Category:FOSS4G]]

FOSS4G2008 Session Chairs

2008-09-29T07:48:00Z

Wiki-Serena:

'''Back to [[FOSS4G2008]] ...'''


'''Announcement to session chairs at the conference'''

There will be a session chair briefing every morning at 8:00 in Room 1.6.

If you are a session chair, please attend the briefing on the day of your session.

At the briefing we will give you any announcements that need to be made for the day.

Session chairs on the academic track will also receive CDs of the academic proceedings which they have to hand out to the academic presenters of their session.


The 2008 programme subcommittee is updating this, firstly with invited chairs, then they will ask for volunteers, who will put their names down for sessions. Currently, all the session chairs are presenting papers in the sessions to which they have been assigned, so there should not be any conflict for them with other events.

Session chairs serve as the "master of ceremonies" for one 90 minute session of presentations. Each session has four 20 minute presentations, with a 2 minute question-and-answer period after each. Chairs are expected to:
* arrive 10 min early to meet the speakers,
* ensure that speakers' presentations are ready beforehand, either loaded onto the venue notebook, or running on their own notebook.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, check projector connection (resolutions, cable, etc) before the session.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, capture their presentation on a memory stick.
* introduce the speakers,
* ensure each speaker stays within his or her 22 minute combined presentations-plus-questions presentation limit,
* ensure the next presentation starts promptly as scheduled, and
* occasionally read off a few reminders and announcements at the end of the session.

Please add your name and email to one or more of the time slots below.

'''We need 5 session chairs for each time slot.'''

Check to ensure you are not presenting or teaching a lab during the session timeslot you are volunteering for.
([http://tinyurl.com/foss4g2008schedule FOSS4G2008 Schedule])
If you have a particular room you want to chair, please note it in your entry.

== Monday, 29 September 2008 ==
=== 14:00-15:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Gavin Fleming

=== 15:30-17:30 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Carrin Martin

== Tuesday, 30 September 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 1-2.6a Academic track - FOSS GIS tools & components ====
Rob Lemmens (registered, presents in general track on Wednesday)

==== 1-2.6b Academic track - Land classification & climate change ====
Karen Steenkamp (registered, does not present at FOSS4G 2008)

==== 1-2.4a General track - Disaster Management ====
David Bitner

==== 1-2.4b General track - Improving FOSS GIS cartography and map production ====
Stuart Martin

==== 1-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
Frank Warmerdam

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 2-2.6a Academic track - Standards & Interoperability ====
Antony Cooper (registered, presents in this session)

==== 2-2.6b Working session: FOSS GIS in Government ====
SITA
==== 2-2.4a General track - Case Studies ====
Peter Mooney

==== 2-2.4b General track - Environment ====
Sam Hiatt

==== 2-1.6 General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Torsten Drey

=== 13:30-15:00 ===

==== 3-2.6a Academic track - Software engineering & GIS production ====
Peter Schmitz (registered, presents in this session)

==== 3-2.6b Academic track - Water resource management ====
Marco Ciolli (registered, presents in this session)

==== 3-2.4a General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Alessandro Furieri

==== 3-2.4b General track - Government & Participatory GIS ====
Juan Jose Del Toro

==== 3-1.6 General track - FOSS GIS Business ====
Maria Antonia Brovelli

=== 15:30-17:00 ===

==== 4-2.6a Academic track - Disaster management ====
Massimiliano Cannata (registered, presents in this session)

==== 4-2.6b General track - Water ====
Hester Marais

==== 4-2.4a General track - Education ====
Lizette Rust

==== 4-2.4b General track - Remote Sensing ====
Mateusz Loskot

==== 4-1.6 General track - Web Services ====
Daniele Nascimento

== Wednesday, 1 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 5-2.6a Academic track - Spatial data ====
Paul Hasenohr (registered, presents in this session)

==== 5-2.6b Academic track - Models, simulations and risk assessment ====
Peter Loewe (registered, presents in this session)

==== 5-2.4a General track - FOSS Implementation ====
Andrea Antonello

==== 5-2.4b General track - Open data ====
Jeff Mckenna

==== 5-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Franz-Josef Behr

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 6-2.6a Academic track - Collaborative GIS ====
Alwyn Moolman (registered, does not present at FOSS4G 2008)

==== 6-2.6b Academic track - Environmental monitoring & wireless networking ====
Sarel Coetzer (registered, presents on the general track later on Wednesday 13:30)

==== 6-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Ismail Wadembere

==== 6-2.4b General track - Water & Education ====
Elsworth McPherson

==== 6-1.6 General track - Case Studies ====
Eric Lemoine

=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== 7-2.6a General track - Participatory GIS ====
Denis Giroux

==== 7-2.6b General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Jeroen Ticheler

==== 7-2.4a General track - Government ====
Claudia A Engel

==== 7-2.4b General track - Health ====
Josh Livni

==== 7-1.6 General track - Web & Environment ====
Harold Atkinson Dunsford

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
Workshops and other meetings. No session chairs required.

== Thursday, 2 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 8-2.6a Academic track - Health, nature conservation & biodiversity ====
Markus Neteler (registered, presents in this session)

==== 8-2.6b Academic track - SDI ====
Giuseppe Conti (registered, presents in this session)

==== 8-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Alexander Borghuis

==== 8-2.4b General track - Web Services ====
Theodor Foerster

==== 8-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
Arnulf Christl

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 9-2.6a Academic track - Education & Training, FOSS in corporates and government====
Julian Smit - (registered, does not present at FOSS4G 2008)

==== 9-2.6b Academic track - Web services ====
Jorge Gustavo Rocha (registered, presents in another academic session that does not overlap)

==== 9-2.4a General track - Government ====
Alize Botha

==== 9-2.4b General track Case Studies ====
Jeff Hamm

==== 9-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Chris Holmes

=== 13:30-15:30 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Serena Coetzee

=== 15:30-17:30 ===
==== OSGeo AGM ====
OSGeo will supply their own chair

== Examples of notices that might need to be given by session chairs ==

'''Notices:''' The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the tea and lunch breaks in the Exhibition Hall.

'''Notices:''' Bird-of-Feather Sessions are starting in 30 minutes. Check the booking board by registration to see what BoF session are on, and what rooms they are in.

'''Notices:''' Lunch is being served in the Exhibition Hall. The Poster Session is happening outside venues 1.6 and 1.4 on Level One. Go down and meet the poster presenters, and ask them questions. The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the lunch hour in the Exhibtion Hall.

'''Notices:''' Tonight is the reception at the Moyo. The busses for the reception leave at 18:00 sharp. Bird-of-Feather sessions start in 15 minutes, check the notice board at registration for room assignments.

= "On call" =
* Steve Lime (I hope...)
* [[User:blake | Dane Springmeyer]]

[[Category:FOSS4G2008]]

FOSS4G2008 Session Chairs

2008-09-29T07:47:39Z

Wiki-Serena:

'''Back to [[FOSS4G2008]] ...'''


'''Announcement to session chairs at the conference'''

There will be a session chair briefing every morning at 8:00 in Room 1.6. If you are a session chair, please attend the briefing on the day of your session.
At the briefing we will give you any announcements that need to be made for the day.
Session chairs on the academic track will also receive CDs of the academic proceedings which they have to hand out to the academic presenters of their session.


The 2008 programme subcommittee is updating this, firstly with invited chairs, then they will ask for volunteers, who will put their names down for sessions. Currently, all the session chairs are presenting papers in the sessions to which they have been assigned, so there should not be any conflict for them with other events.

Session chairs serve as the "master of ceremonies" for one 90 minute session of presentations. Each session has four 20 minute presentations, with a 2 minute question-and-answer period after each. Chairs are expected to:
* arrive 10 min early to meet the speakers,
* ensure that speakers' presentations are ready beforehand, either loaded onto the venue notebook, or running on their own notebook.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, check projector connection (resolutions, cable, etc) before the session.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, capture their presentation on a memory stick.
* introduce the speakers,
* ensure each speaker stays within his or her 22 minute combined presentations-plus-questions presentation limit,
* ensure the next presentation starts promptly as scheduled, and
* occasionally read off a few reminders and announcements at the end of the session.

Please add your name and email to one or more of the time slots below.

'''We need 5 session chairs for each time slot.'''

Check to ensure you are not presenting or teaching a lab during the session timeslot you are volunteering for.
([http://tinyurl.com/foss4g2008schedule FOSS4G2008 Schedule])
If you have a particular room you want to chair, please note it in your entry.

== Monday, 29 September 2008 ==
=== 14:00-15:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Gavin Fleming

=== 15:30-17:30 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Carrin Martin

== Tuesday, 30 September 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 1-2.6a Academic track - FOSS GIS tools & components ====
Rob Lemmens (registered, presents in general track on Wednesday)

==== 1-2.6b Academic track - Land classification & climate change ====
Karen Steenkamp (registered, does not present at FOSS4G 2008)

==== 1-2.4a General track - Disaster Management ====
David Bitner

==== 1-2.4b General track - Improving FOSS GIS cartography and map production ====
Stuart Martin

==== 1-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
Frank Warmerdam

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 2-2.6a Academic track - Standards & Interoperability ====
Antony Cooper (registered, presents in this session)

==== 2-2.6b Working session: FOSS GIS in Government ====
SITA
==== 2-2.4a General track - Case Studies ====
Peter Mooney

==== 2-2.4b General track - Environment ====
Sam Hiatt

==== 2-1.6 General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Torsten Drey

=== 13:30-15:00 ===

==== 3-2.6a Academic track - Software engineering & GIS production ====
Peter Schmitz (registered, presents in this session)

==== 3-2.6b Academic track - Water resource management ====
Marco Ciolli (registered, presents in this session)

==== 3-2.4a General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Alessandro Furieri

==== 3-2.4b General track - Government & Participatory GIS ====
Juan Jose Del Toro

==== 3-1.6 General track - FOSS GIS Business ====
Maria Antonia Brovelli

=== 15:30-17:00 ===

==== 4-2.6a Academic track - Disaster management ====
Massimiliano Cannata (registered, presents in this session)

==== 4-2.6b General track - Water ====
Hester Marais

==== 4-2.4a General track - Education ====
Lizette Rust

==== 4-2.4b General track - Remote Sensing ====
Mateusz Loskot

==== 4-1.6 General track - Web Services ====
Daniele Nascimento

== Wednesday, 1 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 5-2.6a Academic track - Spatial data ====
Paul Hasenohr (registered, presents in this session)

==== 5-2.6b Academic track - Models, simulations and risk assessment ====
Peter Loewe (registered, presents in this session)

==== 5-2.4a General track - FOSS Implementation ====
Andrea Antonello

==== 5-2.4b General track - Open data ====
Jeff Mckenna

==== 5-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Franz-Josef Behr

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 6-2.6a Academic track - Collaborative GIS ====
Alwyn Moolman (registered, does not present at FOSS4G 2008)

==== 6-2.6b Academic track - Environmental monitoring & wireless networking ====
Sarel Coetzer (registered, presents on the general track later on Wednesday 13:30)

==== 6-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Ismail Wadembere

==== 6-2.4b General track - Water & Education ====
Elsworth McPherson

==== 6-1.6 General track - Case Studies ====
Eric Lemoine

=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== 7-2.6a General track - Participatory GIS ====
Denis Giroux

==== 7-2.6b General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Jeroen Ticheler

==== 7-2.4a General track - Government ====
Claudia A Engel

==== 7-2.4b General track - Health ====
Josh Livni

==== 7-1.6 General track - Web & Environment ====
Harold Atkinson Dunsford

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
Workshops and other meetings. No session chairs required.

== Thursday, 2 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 8-2.6a Academic track - Health, nature conservation & biodiversity ====
Markus Neteler (registered, presents in this session)

==== 8-2.6b Academic track - SDI ====
Giuseppe Conti (registered, presents in this session)

==== 8-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Alexander Borghuis

==== 8-2.4b General track - Web Services ====
Theodor Foerster

==== 8-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
Arnulf Christl

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 9-2.6a Academic track - Education & Training, FOSS in corporates and government====
Julian Smit - (registered, does not present at FOSS4G 2008)

==== 9-2.6b Academic track - Web services ====
Jorge Gustavo Rocha (registered, presents in another academic session that does not overlap)

==== 9-2.4a General track - Government ====
Alize Botha

==== 9-2.4b General track Case Studies ====
Jeff Hamm

==== 9-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Chris Holmes

=== 13:30-15:30 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Serena Coetzee

=== 15:30-17:30 ===
==== OSGeo AGM ====
OSGeo will supply their own chair

== Examples of notices that might need to be given by session chairs ==

'''Notices:''' The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the tea and lunch breaks in the Exhibition Hall.

'''Notices:''' Bird-of-Feather Sessions are starting in 30 minutes. Check the booking board by registration to see what BoF session are on, and what rooms they are in.

'''Notices:''' Lunch is being served in the Exhibition Hall. The Poster Session is happening outside venues 1.6 and 1.4 on Level One. Go down and meet the poster presenters, and ask them questions. The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the lunch hour in the Exhibtion Hall.

'''Notices:''' Tonight is the reception at the Moyo. The busses for the reception leave at 18:00 sharp. Bird-of-Feather sessions start in 15 minutes, check the notice board at registration for room assignments.

= "On call" =
* Steve Lime (I hope...)
* [[User:blake | Dane Springmeyer]]

[[Category:FOSS4G2008]]

FOSS4G2008 Session Chairs

2008-09-29T07:47:10Z

Wiki-Serena:

'''Back to [[FOSS4G2008]] ...'''


'''Announcement to session chairs at the conference'''


There will be a session chair briefing every morning at 8:00 in Room 1.6. If you are a session chair, please attend the briefing on the day of your session.
At the briefing we will give you any announcements that need to be made for the day.
Session chairs on the academic track will also receive CDs of the academic proceedings which they have to hand out to the academic presenters of their session.

The 2008 programme subcommittee is updating this, firstly with invited chairs, then they will ask for volunteers, who will put their names down for sessions. Currently, all the session chairs are presenting papers in the sessions to which they have been assigned, so there should not be any conflict for them with other events.

Session chairs serve as the "master of ceremonies" for one 90 minute session of presentations. Each session has four 20 minute presentations, with a 2 minute question-and-answer period after each. Chairs are expected to:
* arrive 10 min early to meet the speakers,
* ensure that speakers' presentations are ready beforehand, either loaded onto the venue notebook, or running on their own notebook.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, check projector connection (resolutions, cable, etc) before the session.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, capture their presentation on a memory stick.
* introduce the speakers,
* ensure each speaker stays within his or her 22 minute combined presentations-plus-questions presentation limit,
* ensure the next presentation starts promptly as scheduled, and
* occasionally read off a few reminders and announcements at the end of the session.

Please add your name and email to one or more of the time slots below.

'''We need 5 session chairs for each time slot.'''

Check to ensure you are not presenting or teaching a lab during the session timeslot you are volunteering for.
([http://tinyurl.com/foss4g2008schedule FOSS4G2008 Schedule])
If you have a particular room you want to chair, please note it in your entry.

== Monday, 29 September 2008 ==
=== 14:00-15:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Gavin Fleming

=== 15:30-17:30 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Carrin Martin

== Tuesday, 30 September 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 1-2.6a Academic track - FOSS GIS tools & components ====
Rob Lemmens (registered, presents in general track on Wednesday)

==== 1-2.6b Academic track - Land classification & climate change ====
Karen Steenkamp (registered, does not present at FOSS4G 2008)

==== 1-2.4a General track - Disaster Management ====
David Bitner

==== 1-2.4b General track - Improving FOSS GIS cartography and map production ====
Stuart Martin

==== 1-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
Frank Warmerdam

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 2-2.6a Academic track - Standards & Interoperability ====
Antony Cooper (registered, presents in this session)

==== 2-2.6b Working session: FOSS GIS in Government ====
SITA
==== 2-2.4a General track - Case Studies ====
Peter Mooney

==== 2-2.4b General track - Environment ====
Sam Hiatt

==== 2-1.6 General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Torsten Drey

=== 13:30-15:00 ===

==== 3-2.6a Academic track - Software engineering & GIS production ====
Peter Schmitz (registered, presents in this session)

==== 3-2.6b Academic track - Water resource management ====
Marco Ciolli (registered, presents in this session)

==== 3-2.4a General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Alessandro Furieri

==== 3-2.4b General track - Government & Participatory GIS ====
Juan Jose Del Toro

==== 3-1.6 General track - FOSS GIS Business ====
Maria Antonia Brovelli

=== 15:30-17:00 ===

==== 4-2.6a Academic track - Disaster management ====
Massimiliano Cannata (registered, presents in this session)

==== 4-2.6b General track - Water ====
Hester Marais

==== 4-2.4a General track - Education ====
Lizette Rust

==== 4-2.4b General track - Remote Sensing ====
Mateusz Loskot

==== 4-1.6 General track - Web Services ====
Daniele Nascimento

== Wednesday, 1 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 5-2.6a Academic track - Spatial data ====
Paul Hasenohr (registered, presents in this session)

==== 5-2.6b Academic track - Models, simulations and risk assessment ====
Peter Loewe (registered, presents in this session)

==== 5-2.4a General track - FOSS Implementation ====
Andrea Antonello

==== 5-2.4b General track - Open data ====
Jeff Mckenna

==== 5-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Franz-Josef Behr

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 6-2.6a Academic track - Collaborative GIS ====
Alwyn Moolman (registered, does not present at FOSS4G 2008)

==== 6-2.6b Academic track - Environmental monitoring & wireless networking ====
Sarel Coetzer (registered, presents on the general track later on Wednesday 13:30)

==== 6-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Ismail Wadembere

==== 6-2.4b General track - Water & Education ====
Elsworth McPherson

==== 6-1.6 General track - Case Studies ====
Eric Lemoine

=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== 7-2.6a General track - Participatory GIS ====
Denis Giroux

==== 7-2.6b General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Jeroen Ticheler

==== 7-2.4a General track - Government ====
Claudia A Engel

==== 7-2.4b General track - Health ====
Josh Livni

==== 7-1.6 General track - Web & Environment ====
Harold Atkinson Dunsford

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
Workshops and other meetings. No session chairs required.

== Thursday, 2 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 8-2.6a Academic track - Health, nature conservation & biodiversity ====
Markus Neteler (registered, presents in this session)

==== 8-2.6b Academic track - SDI ====
Giuseppe Conti (registered, presents in this session)

==== 8-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Alexander Borghuis

==== 8-2.4b General track - Web Services ====
Theodor Foerster

==== 8-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
Arnulf Christl

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 9-2.6a Academic track - Education & Training, FOSS in corporates and government====
Julian Smit - (registered, does not present at FOSS4G 2008)

==== 9-2.6b Academic track - Web services ====
Jorge Gustavo Rocha (registered, presents in another academic session that does not overlap)

==== 9-2.4a General track - Government ====
Alize Botha

==== 9-2.4b General track Case Studies ====
Jeff Hamm

==== 9-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Chris Holmes

=== 13:30-15:30 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Serena Coetzee

=== 15:30-17:30 ===
==== OSGeo AGM ====
OSGeo will supply their own chair

== Examples of notices that might need to be given by session chairs ==

'''Notices:''' The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the tea and lunch breaks in the Exhibition Hall.

'''Notices:''' Bird-of-Feather Sessions are starting in 30 minutes. Check the booking board by registration to see what BoF session are on, and what rooms they are in.

'''Notices:''' Lunch is being served in the Exhibition Hall. The Poster Session is happening outside venues 1.6 and 1.4 on Level One. Go down and meet the poster presenters, and ask them questions. The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the lunch hour in the Exhibtion Hall.

'''Notices:''' Tonight is the reception at the Moyo. The busses for the reception leave at 18:00 sharp. Bird-of-Feather sessions start in 15 minutes, check the notice board at registration for room assignments.

= "On call" =
* Steve Lime (I hope...)
* [[User:blake | Dane Springmeyer]]

[[Category:FOSS4G2008]]

FOSS4G2008 Session Chairs

2008-09-29T07:46:25Z

Wiki-Serena:

'''Back to [[FOSS4G2008]] ...'''


'''Announcement to session chairs at the conference'''
There will be a session chair briefing every morning at 8:00 in Room 1.6. If you are a session chair, please attend the briefing on the day of your session.
At the briefing we will give you any announcements that need to be made for the day.
Session chairs on the academic track will also receive CDs of the academic proceedings which they have to hand out to the academic presenters of their session.


The 2008 programme subcommittee is updating this, firstly with invited chairs, then they will ask for volunteers, who will put their names down for sessions. Currently, all the session chairs are presenting papers in the sessions to which they have been assigned, so there should not be any conflict for them with other events.

Session chairs serve as the "master of ceremonies" for one 90 minute session of presentations. Each session has four 20 minute presentations, with a 2 minute question-and-answer period after each. Chairs are expected to:
* arrive 10 min early to meet the speakers,
* ensure that speakers' presentations are ready beforehand, either loaded onto the venue notebook, or running on their own notebook.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, check projector connection (resolutions, cable, etc) before the session.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, capture their presentation on a memory stick.
* introduce the speakers,
* ensure each speaker stays within his or her 22 minute combined presentations-plus-questions presentation limit,
* ensure the next presentation starts promptly as scheduled, and
* occasionally read off a few reminders and announcements at the end of the session.

Please add your name and email to one or more of the time slots below.

'''We need 5 session chairs for each time slot.'''

Check to ensure you are not presenting or teaching a lab during the session timeslot you are volunteering for.
([http://tinyurl.com/foss4g2008schedule FOSS4G2008 Schedule])
If you have a particular room you want to chair, please note it in your entry.

== Monday, 29 September 2008 ==
=== 14:00-15:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Gavin Fleming

=== 15:30-17:30 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Carrin Martin

== Tuesday, 30 September 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 1-2.6a Academic track - FOSS GIS tools & components ====
Rob Lemmens (registered, presents in general track on Wednesday)

==== 1-2.6b Academic track - Land classification & climate change ====
Karen Steenkamp (registered, does not present at FOSS4G 2008)

==== 1-2.4a General track - Disaster Management ====
David Bitner

==== 1-2.4b General track - Improving FOSS GIS cartography and map production ====
Stuart Martin

==== 1-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
Frank Warmerdam

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 2-2.6a Academic track - Standards & Interoperability ====
Antony Cooper (registered, presents in this session)

==== 2-2.6b Working session: FOSS GIS in Government ====
SITA
==== 2-2.4a General track - Case Studies ====
Peter Mooney

==== 2-2.4b General track - Environment ====
Sam Hiatt

==== 2-1.6 General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Torsten Drey

=== 13:30-15:00 ===

==== 3-2.6a Academic track - Software engineering & GIS production ====
Peter Schmitz (registered, presents in this session)

==== 3-2.6b Academic track - Water resource management ====
Marco Ciolli (registered, presents in this session)

==== 3-2.4a General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Alessandro Furieri

==== 3-2.4b General track - Government & Participatory GIS ====
Juan Jose Del Toro

==== 3-1.6 General track - FOSS GIS Business ====
Maria Antonia Brovelli

=== 15:30-17:00 ===

==== 4-2.6a Academic track - Disaster management ====
Massimiliano Cannata (registered, presents in this session)

==== 4-2.6b General track - Water ====
Hester Marais

==== 4-2.4a General track - Education ====
Lizette Rust

==== 4-2.4b General track - Remote Sensing ====
Mateusz Loskot

==== 4-1.6 General track - Web Services ====
Daniele Nascimento

== Wednesday, 1 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 5-2.6a Academic track - Spatial data ====
Paul Hasenohr (registered, presents in this session)

==== 5-2.6b Academic track - Models, simulations and risk assessment ====
Peter Loewe (registered, presents in this session)

==== 5-2.4a General track - FOSS Implementation ====
Andrea Antonello

==== 5-2.4b General track - Open data ====
Jeff Mckenna

==== 5-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Franz-Josef Behr

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 6-2.6a Academic track - Collaborative GIS ====
Alwyn Moolman (registered, does not present at FOSS4G 2008)

==== 6-2.6b Academic track - Environmental monitoring & wireless networking ====
Sarel Coetzer (registered, presents on the general track later on Wednesday 13:30)

==== 6-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Ismail Wadembere

==== 6-2.4b General track - Water & Education ====
Elsworth McPherson

==== 6-1.6 General track - Case Studies ====
Eric Lemoine

=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== 7-2.6a General track - Participatory GIS ====
Denis Giroux

==== 7-2.6b General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Jeroen Ticheler

==== 7-2.4a General track - Government ====
Claudia A Engel

==== 7-2.4b General track - Health ====
Josh Livni

==== 7-1.6 General track - Web & Environment ====
Harold Atkinson Dunsford

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
Workshops and other meetings. No session chairs required.

== Thursday, 2 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 8-2.6a Academic track - Health, nature conservation & biodiversity ====
Markus Neteler (registered, presents in this session)

==== 8-2.6b Academic track - SDI ====
Giuseppe Conti (registered, presents in this session)

==== 8-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Alexander Borghuis

==== 8-2.4b General track - Web Services ====
Theodor Foerster

==== 8-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
Arnulf Christl

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 9-2.6a Academic track - Education & Training, FOSS in corporates and government====
Julian Smit - (registered, does not present at FOSS4G 2008)

==== 9-2.6b Academic track - Web services ====
Jorge Gustavo Rocha (registered, presents in another academic session that does not overlap)

==== 9-2.4a General track - Government ====
Alize Botha

==== 9-2.4b General track Case Studies ====
Jeff Hamm

==== 9-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Chris Holmes

=== 13:30-15:30 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Serena Coetzee

=== 15:30-17:30 ===
==== OSGeo AGM ====
OSGeo will supply their own chair

== Examples of notices that might need to be given by session chairs ==

'''Notices:''' The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the tea and lunch breaks in the Exhibition Hall.

'''Notices:''' Bird-of-Feather Sessions are starting in 30 minutes. Check the booking board by registration to see what BoF session are on, and what rooms they are in.

'''Notices:''' Lunch is being served in the Exhibition Hall. The Poster Session is happening outside venues 1.6 and 1.4 on Level One. Go down and meet the poster presenters, and ask them questions. The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the lunch hour in the Exhibtion Hall.

'''Notices:''' Tonight is the reception at the Moyo. The busses for the reception leave at 18:00 sharp. Bird-of-Feather sessions start in 15 minutes, check the notice board at registration for room assignments.

= "On call" =
* Steve Lime (I hope...)
* [[User:blake | Dane Springmeyer]]

[[Category:FOSS4G2008]]

FOSS4G2008 Session Chairs

2008-09-29T07:45:24Z

Wiki-Serena:

'''Back to [[FOSS4G2008]] ...'''


'''Announcement to session chairs at the conference'''

There will be a session chair briefing every morning at 8:00 in Room 1.6. If you are a session chair, please attend the briefing on the day of your session.
At the briefing we will give you any announcements that need to be made for the day.
Session chairs on the academic track will also receive CDs of the academic proceedings which they have to hand out to the academic presenters of their session.

The 2008 programme subcommittee is updating this, firstly with invited chairs, then they will ask for volunteers, who will put their names down for sessions. Currently, all the session chairs are presenting papers in the sessions to which they have been assigned, so there should not be any conflict for them with other events.

Session chairs serve as the "master of ceremonies" for one 90 minute session of presentations. Each session has four 20 minute presentations, with a 2 minute question-and-answer period after each. Chairs are expected to:
* arrive 10 min early to meet the speakers,
* ensure that speakers' presentations are ready beforehand, either loaded onto the venue notebook, or running on their own notebook.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, check projector connection (resolutions, cable, etc) before the session.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, capture their presentation on a memory stick.
* introduce the speakers,
* ensure each speaker stays within his or her 22 minute combined presentations-plus-questions presentation limit,
* ensure the next presentation starts promptly as scheduled, and
* occasionally read off a few reminders and announcements at the end of the session.

Please add your name and email to one or more of the time slots below.

'''We need 5 session chairs for each time slot.'''

Check to ensure you are not presenting or teaching a lab during the session timeslot you are volunteering for.
([http://tinyurl.com/foss4g2008schedule FOSS4G2008 Schedule])
If you have a particular room you want to chair, please note it in your entry.

== Monday, 29 September 2008 ==
=== 14:00-15:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Gavin Fleming

=== 15:30-17:30 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Carrin Martin

== Tuesday, 30 September 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 1-2.6a Academic track - FOSS GIS tools & components ====
Rob Lemmens (registered, presents in general track on Wednesday)

==== 1-2.6b Academic track - Land classification & climate change ====
Karen Steenkamp (registered, does not present at FOSS4G 2008)

==== 1-2.4a General track - Disaster Management ====
David Bitner

==== 1-2.4b General track - Improving FOSS GIS cartography and map production ====
Stuart Martin

==== 1-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
Frank Warmerdam

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 2-2.6a Academic track - Standards & Interoperability ====
Antony Cooper (registered, presents in this session)

==== 2-2.6b Working session: FOSS GIS in Government ====
SITA
==== 2-2.4a General track - Case Studies ====
Peter Mooney

==== 2-2.4b General track - Environment ====
Sam Hiatt

==== 2-1.6 General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Torsten Drey

=== 13:30-15:00 ===

==== 3-2.6a Academic track - Software engineering & GIS production ====
Peter Schmitz (registered, presents in this session)

==== 3-2.6b Academic track - Water resource management ====
Marco Ciolli (registered, presents in this session)

==== 3-2.4a General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Alessandro Furieri

==== 3-2.4b General track - Government & Participatory GIS ====
Juan Jose Del Toro

==== 3-1.6 General track - FOSS GIS Business ====
Maria Antonia Brovelli

=== 15:30-17:00 ===

==== 4-2.6a Academic track - Disaster management ====
Massimiliano Cannata (registered, presents in this session)

==== 4-2.6b General track - Water ====
Hester Marais

==== 4-2.4a General track - Education ====
Lizette Rust

==== 4-2.4b General track - Remote Sensing ====
Mateusz Loskot

==== 4-1.6 General track - Web Services ====
Daniele Nascimento

== Wednesday, 1 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 5-2.6a Academic track - Spatial data ====
Paul Hasenohr (registered, presents in this session)

==== 5-2.6b Academic track - Models, simulations and risk assessment ====
Peter Loewe (registered, presents in this session)

==== 5-2.4a General track - FOSS Implementation ====
Andrea Antonello

==== 5-2.4b General track - Open data ====
Jeff Mckenna

==== 5-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Franz-Josef Behr

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 6-2.6a Academic track - Collaborative GIS ====
Alwyn Moolman (registered, does not present at FOSS4G 2008)

==== 6-2.6b Academic track - Environmental monitoring & wireless networking ====
Sarel Coetzer (registered, presents on the general track later on Wednesday 13:30)

==== 6-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Ismail Wadembere

==== 6-2.4b General track - Water & Education ====
Elsworth McPherson

==== 6-1.6 General track - Case Studies ====
Eric Lemoine

=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== 7-2.6a General track - Participatory GIS ====
Denis Giroux

==== 7-2.6b General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Jeroen Ticheler

==== 7-2.4a General track - Government ====
Claudia A Engel

==== 7-2.4b General track - Health ====
Josh Livni

==== 7-1.6 General track - Web & Environment ====
Harold Atkinson Dunsford

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
Workshops and other meetings. No session chairs required.

== Thursday, 2 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 8-2.6a Academic track - Health, nature conservation & biodiversity ====
Markus Neteler (registered, presents in this session)

==== 8-2.6b Academic track - SDI ====
Giuseppe Conti (registered, presents in this session)

==== 8-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Alexander Borghuis

==== 8-2.4b General track - Web Services ====
Theodor Foerster

==== 8-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
Arnulf Christl

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 9-2.6a Academic track - Education & Training, FOSS in corporates and government====
Julian Smit - (registered, does not present at FOSS4G 2008)

==== 9-2.6b Academic track - Web services ====
Jorge Gustavo Rocha (registered, presents in another academic session that does not overlap)

==== 9-2.4a General track - Government ====
Alize Botha

==== 9-2.4b General track Case Studies ====
Jeff Hamm

==== 9-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Chris Holmes

=== 13:30-15:30 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Serena Coetzee

=== 15:30-17:30 ===
==== OSGeo AGM ====
OSGeo will supply their own chair

== Examples of notices that might need to be given by session chairs ==

'''Notices:''' The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the tea and lunch breaks in the Exhibition Hall.

'''Notices:''' Bird-of-Feather Sessions are starting in 30 minutes. Check the booking board by registration to see what BoF session are on, and what rooms they are in.

'''Notices:''' Lunch is being served in the Exhibition Hall. The Poster Session is happening outside venues 1.6 and 1.4 on Level One. Go down and meet the poster presenters, and ask them questions. The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the lunch hour in the Exhibtion Hall.

'''Notices:''' Tonight is the reception at the Moyo. The busses for the reception leave at 18:00 sharp. Bird-of-Feather sessions start in 15 minutes, check the notice board at registration for room assignments.

= "On call" =
* Steve Lime (I hope...)
* [[User:blake | Dane Springmeyer]]

[[Category:FOSS4G2008]]

FOSS4G2008 Session Chairs

2008-09-29T07:44:30Z

Wiki-Serena:

'''Back to [[FOSS4G2008]] ...'''


== Announcement to session chairs at the conference ==


There will be a session chair briefing every morning at 8:00 in Room 1.6. If you are a session chair, please attend the briefing on the day of your session.
At the briefing we will give you any announcements that need to be made for the day.
Session chairs on the academic track will also receive CDs of the academic proceedings which they have to hand out to the academic presenters of their session.

The 2008 programme subcommittee is updating this, firstly with invited chairs, then they will ask for volunteers, who will put their names down for sessions. Currently, all the session chairs are presenting papers in the sessions to which they have been assigned, so there should not be any conflict for them with other events.

Session chairs serve as the "master of ceremonies" for one 90 minute session of presentations. Each session has four 20 minute presentations, with a 2 minute question-and-answer period after each. Chairs are expected to:
* arrive 10 min early to meet the speakers,
* ensure that speakers' presentations are ready beforehand, either loaded onto the venue notebook, or running on their own notebook.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, check projector connection (resolutions, cable, etc) before the session.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, capture their presentation on a memory stick.
* introduce the speakers,
* ensure each speaker stays within his or her 22 minute combined presentations-plus-questions presentation limit,
* ensure the next presentation starts promptly as scheduled, and
* occasionally read off a few reminders and announcements at the end of the session.

Please add your name and email to one or more of the time slots below.

'''We need 5 session chairs for each time slot.'''

Check to ensure you are not presenting or teaching a lab during the session timeslot you are volunteering for.
([http://tinyurl.com/foss4g2008schedule FOSS4G2008 Schedule])
If you have a particular room you want to chair, please note it in your entry.

== Monday, 29 September 2008 ==
=== 14:00-15:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Gavin Fleming

=== 15:30-17:30 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Carrin Martin

== Tuesday, 30 September 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 1-2.6a Academic track - FOSS GIS tools & components ====
Rob Lemmens (registered, presents in general track on Wednesday)

==== 1-2.6b Academic track - Land classification & climate change ====
Karen Steenkamp (registered, does not present at FOSS4G 2008)

==== 1-2.4a General track - Disaster Management ====
David Bitner

==== 1-2.4b General track - Improving FOSS GIS cartography and map production ====
Stuart Martin

==== 1-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
Frank Warmerdam

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 2-2.6a Academic track - Standards & Interoperability ====
Antony Cooper (registered, presents in this session)

==== 2-2.6b Working session: FOSS GIS in Government ====
SITA
==== 2-2.4a General track - Case Studies ====
Peter Mooney

==== 2-2.4b General track - Environment ====
Sam Hiatt

==== 2-1.6 General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Torsten Drey

=== 13:30-15:00 ===

==== 3-2.6a Academic track - Software engineering & GIS production ====
Peter Schmitz (registered, presents in this session)

==== 3-2.6b Academic track - Water resource management ====
Marco Ciolli (registered, presents in this session)

==== 3-2.4a General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Alessandro Furieri

==== 3-2.4b General track - Government & Participatory GIS ====
Juan Jose Del Toro

==== 3-1.6 General track - FOSS GIS Business ====
Maria Antonia Brovelli

=== 15:30-17:00 ===

==== 4-2.6a Academic track - Disaster management ====
Massimiliano Cannata (registered, presents in this session)

==== 4-2.6b General track - Water ====
Hester Marais

==== 4-2.4a General track - Education ====
Lizette Rust

==== 4-2.4b General track - Remote Sensing ====
Mateusz Loskot

==== 4-1.6 General track - Web Services ====
Daniele Nascimento

== Wednesday, 1 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 5-2.6a Academic track - Spatial data ====
Paul Hasenohr (registered, presents in this session)

==== 5-2.6b Academic track - Models, simulations and risk assessment ====
Peter Loewe (registered, presents in this session)

==== 5-2.4a General track - FOSS Implementation ====
Andrea Antonello

==== 5-2.4b General track - Open data ====
Jeff Mckenna

==== 5-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Franz-Josef Behr

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 6-2.6a Academic track - Collaborative GIS ====
Alwyn Moolman (registered, does not present at FOSS4G 2008)

==== 6-2.6b Academic track - Environmental monitoring & wireless networking ====
Sarel Coetzer (registered, presents on the general track later on Wednesday 13:30)

==== 6-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Ismail Wadembere

==== 6-2.4b General track - Water & Education ====
Elsworth McPherson

==== 6-1.6 General track - Case Studies ====
Eric Lemoine

=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== 7-2.6a General track - Participatory GIS ====
Denis Giroux

==== 7-2.6b General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Jeroen Ticheler

==== 7-2.4a General track - Government ====
Claudia A Engel

==== 7-2.4b General track - Health ====
Josh Livni

==== 7-1.6 General track - Web & Environment ====
Harold Atkinson Dunsford

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
Workshops and other meetings. No session chairs required.

== Thursday, 2 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 8-2.6a Academic track - Health, nature conservation & biodiversity ====
Markus Neteler (registered, presents in this session)

==== 8-2.6b Academic track - SDI ====
Giuseppe Conti (registered, presents in this session)

==== 8-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Alexander Borghuis

==== 8-2.4b General track - Web Services ====
Theodor Foerster

==== 8-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
Arnulf Christl

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 9-2.6a Academic track - Education & Training, FOSS in corporates and government====
Julian Smit - (registered, does not present at FOSS4G 2008)

==== 9-2.6b Academic track - Web services ====
Jorge Gustavo Rocha (registered, presents in another academic session that does not overlap)

==== 9-2.4a General track - Government ====
Alize Botha

==== 9-2.4b General track Case Studies ====
Jeff Hamm

==== 9-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Chris Holmes

=== 13:30-15:30 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Serena Coetzee

=== 15:30-17:30 ===
==== OSGeo AGM ====
OSGeo will supply their own chair

== Examples of notices that might need to be given by session chairs ==

'''Notices:''' The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the tea and lunch breaks in the Exhibition Hall.

'''Notices:''' Bird-of-Feather Sessions are starting in 30 minutes. Check the booking board by registration to see what BoF session are on, and what rooms they are in.

'''Notices:''' Lunch is being served in the Exhibition Hall. The Poster Session is happening outside venues 1.6 and 1.4 on Level One. Go down and meet the poster presenters, and ask them questions. The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the lunch hour in the Exhibtion Hall.

'''Notices:''' Tonight is the reception at the Moyo. The busses for the reception leave at 18:00 sharp. Bird-of-Feather sessions start in 15 minutes, check the notice board at registration for room assignments.

= "On call" =
* Steve Lime (I hope...)
* [[User:blake | Dane Springmeyer]]

[[Category:FOSS4G2008]]

FOSS4G2008 Session Chairs

2008-09-25T18:04:04Z

Wiki-Serena: /* = 13:30-15:00 */

'''Back to [[FOSS4G2008]] ...'''

The 2008 programme subcommittee is updating this, firstly with invited chairs, then they will ask for volunteers, who will put their names down for sessions. Currently, all the session chairs are presenting papers in the sessions to which they have been assigned, so there should not be any conflict for them with other events.

Session chairs serve as the "master of ceremonies" for one 90 minute session of presentations. Each session has four 20 minute presentations, with a 5 minute question-and-answer period after each. Chairs are expected to:
* ensure that speakers' presentations are ready beforehand, either loaded onto the venue notebook, or running on their own notebook.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, check projector connection (resolutions, cable, etc) before the session.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, capture their presentation on a memory stick.
* introduce the speakers,
* ensure each speaker stays within his or her 25 minute combined presentations-plus-questions presentation limit,
* ensure the next presentation starts promptly as scheduled, and
* occasionally read off a few reminders and announcements at the end of the session.

Please add your name and email to one or more of the time slots below.

'''We need 5 session chairs for each time slot.'''

Check to ensure you are not presenting or teaching a lab during the session timeslot you are volunteering for.
([http://tinyurl.com/foss4g2008schedule FOSS4G2008 Schedule])
If you have a particular room you want to chair, please note it in your entry.

== Monday, 29 September 2008 ==
=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Gavin Fleming

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Carrin Martin

== Tuesday, 30 September 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 1-2.6a Academic track - FOSS GIS tools & components ====
Rob Lemmens (registered, presents in general track on Wednesday)

==== 1-2.6b Academic track - Land classification & climate change ====
Karen Steenkamp (registered, does not present at FOSS4G 2008)

==== 1-2.4a General track - Disaster Management ====
David Bitner

==== 1-2.4b General track - Improving FOSS GIS cartography and map production ====
???
==== 1-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
???

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 2-2.6a Academic track - Standards & Interoperability ====
Antony Cooper (registered, presents in this session)

==== 2-2.6b Working session: FOSS GIS in Government ====
SITA
==== 2-2.4a General track - Case Studies ====
Peter Mooney

==== 2-2.4b General track - Environment ====
Sam Hiatt

==== 2-1.6 General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Torsten Drey

=== 13:30-15:00 ===

==== 3-2.6a Academic track - Software engineering & GIS production ====
Peter Schmitz (registered, presents in this session)

==== 3-2.6b Academic track - Water resource management ====
Marco Ciolli (registered, presents in this session)

==== 3-2.4a General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Alessandro Furieri

==== 3-2.4b General track - Government & Participatory GIS ====
Juan Jose Del Toro

==== 3-1.6 General track - FOSS GIS Business ====
???

=== 15:30-17:00 ===

==== 4-2.6a Academic track - Disaster management ====
Massimiliano Cannata (registered, presents in this session)

==== 4-2.6b General track - Water ====

==== 4-2.4a General track - Education ====
Lizette Rust

==== 4-2.4b General track - Remote Sensing ====
Mateusz Loskot

==== 4-1.6 General track - Web Services ====
???

== Wednesday, 1 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 5-2.6a Academic track - Spatial data ====
Paul Hasenohr (registered, presents in this session)

==== 5-2.6b Academic track - Models, simulations and risk assessment ====
Peter Loewe (registered, presents in this session)

==== 5-2.4a General track - FOSS Implementation ====
Andrea Antonello

==== 5-2.4b General track - Open data ====
Tyler Mitchell (not: Tyler is not able to attend)

==== 5-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Franz-Josef Behr

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 6-2.6a Academic track - Collaborative GIS ====
Alwyn Moolman (registered, does not present at FOSS4G 2008)

==== 6-2.6b Academic track - Environmental monitoring & wireless networking ====
Sarel Coetzer (registered, presents on the general track later on Wednesday 13:30)

==== 6-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Ismail Wadembere

==== 6-2.4b General track - Water & Education ====
Elsworth McPherson

==== 6-1.6 General track - Case Studies ====
Eric Lemoine

=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== 7-2.6a General track - Participatory GIS ====
Denis Giroux

==== 7-2.6b General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Jeroen Ticheler

==== 7-2.4a General track - Government ====
???
==== 7-2.4b General track - Health ====
Josh Livni

==== 7-1.6 General track - Web & Environment ====
Peter Loewe

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
Workshops and other meetings. No session chairs required.

== Thursday, 2 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 8-2.6a Academic track - Health, nature conservation & biodiversity ====
Markus Neteler (registered, presents in this session)

==== 8-2.6b Academic track - SDI ====
Giuseppe Conti (registered, presents in this session)

==== 8-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Alexander Borghuis

==== 8-2.4b General track - Web Services ====
Theodor Foerster

==== 8-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
Arnulf Christl

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 9-2.6a Academic track - Education & Training, FOSS in corporates and government====
Julian Smit - (registered, does not present at FOSS4G 2008)

==== 9-2.6b Academic track - Web services ====
Jorge Gustavo Rocha (registered, presents in another academic session that does not overlap)

==== 9-2.4a General track - Government ====
Alize Botha

==== 9-2.4b General track Case Studies ====
Jeff Hamm

==== 9-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Chris Holmes

=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Serena Coetzee

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Inge Netterberg

== Examples of notices that might need to be given by session chairs ==

'''Notices:''' The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the coffee break in the Exhibition Hall.

'''Notices:''' Bird-of-Feather Sessions are starting in 15 minutes. Check the booking board by registration to see what BoF session are on, and what rooms they are in.

'''Notices:''' Lunch is being served on Level Two. The Poster Session is happening on Level One in the registration area. Go down and meet the poster presenters, and ask them questions. The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the lunch hour in Sidney room on Level Two.

'''Notices:''' Tonight is the reception at the museum. The reception kicks off with an IMAX showing of "Titanica" at 6pm sharp. If you are skipping the movie, feel free to get an early start on the drinks and snacks at 6:30pm. Bird-of-Feather sessions start in 15 minutes, check the notice board at registration for room assignments.

= "On call" =
* Steve Lime (I hope...)
* [[User:blake | Dane Springmeyer]]

[[Category:FOSS4G2008]]

FOSS4G2008 Session Chairs

2008-09-25T18:03:37Z

Wiki-Serena: /* 10:30-12:00 */

'''Back to [[FOSS4G2008]] ...'''

The 2008 programme subcommittee is updating this, firstly with invited chairs, then they will ask for volunteers, who will put their names down for sessions. Currently, all the session chairs are presenting papers in the sessions to which they have been assigned, so there should not be any conflict for them with other events.

Session chairs serve as the "master of ceremonies" for one 90 minute session of presentations. Each session has four 20 minute presentations, with a 5 minute question-and-answer period after each. Chairs are expected to:
* ensure that speakers' presentations are ready beforehand, either loaded onto the venue notebook, or running on their own notebook.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, check projector connection (resolutions, cable, etc) before the session.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, capture their presentation on a memory stick.
* introduce the speakers,
* ensure each speaker stays within his or her 25 minute combined presentations-plus-questions presentation limit,
* ensure the next presentation starts promptly as scheduled, and
* occasionally read off a few reminders and announcements at the end of the session.

Please add your name and email to one or more of the time slots below.

'''We need 5 session chairs for each time slot.'''

Check to ensure you are not presenting or teaching a lab during the session timeslot you are volunteering for.
([http://tinyurl.com/foss4g2008schedule FOSS4G2008 Schedule])
If you have a particular room you want to chair, please note it in your entry.

== Monday, 29 September 2008 ==
=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Gavin Fleming

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Carrin Martin

== Tuesday, 30 September 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 1-2.6a Academic track - FOSS GIS tools & components ====
Rob Lemmens (registered, presents in general track on Wednesday)

==== 1-2.6b Academic track - Land classification & climate change ====
Karen Steenkamp (registered, does not present at FOSS4G 2008)

==== 1-2.4a General track - Disaster Management ====
David Bitner

==== 1-2.4b General track - Improving FOSS GIS cartography and map production ====
???
==== 1-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
???

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 2-2.6a Academic track - Standards & Interoperability ====
Antony Cooper (registered, presents in this session)

==== 2-2.6b Working session: FOSS GIS in Government ====
SITA
==== 2-2.4a General track - Case Studies ====
Peter Mooney

==== 2-2.4b General track - Environment ====
Sam Hiatt

==== 2-1.6 General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Torsten Drey

=== 13:30-15:00 ===

==== 3-2.6a Academic track - Software engineering & GIS production ====
Peter Schmitz (registered, presents in this session)

==== 3-2.6b Academic track - Water resource management ====
Marco Ciolli (registered, presents in this session)

==== 3-2.4a General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Alessandro Furieri

==== 3-2.4b General track - Government & Participatory GIS ====
Juan Jose Del Toro

==== 3-1.6 General track - FOSS GIS Business ====
???

=== 15:30-17:00 ===

==== 4-2.6a Academic track - Disaster management ====
Massimiliano Cannata (registered, presents in this session)

==== 4-2.6b General track - Water ====

==== 4-2.4a General track - Education ====
Lizette Rust

==== 4-2.4b General track - Remote Sensing ====
Mateusz Loskot

==== 4-1.6 General track - Web Services ====
???

== Wednesday, 1 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 5-2.6a Academic track - Spatial data ====
Paul Hasenohr (registered, presents in this session)

==== 5-2.6b Academic track - Models, simulations and risk assessment ====
Peter Loewe (registered, presents in this session)

==== 5-2.4a General track - FOSS Implementation ====
Andrea Antonello

==== 5-2.4b General track - Open data ====
Tyler Mitchell (not: Tyler is not able to attend)

==== 5-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Franz-Josef Behr

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 6-2.6a Academic track - Collaborative GIS ====
Alwyn Moolman (registered, does not present at FOSS4G 2008)

==== 6-2.6b Academic track - Environmental monitoring & wireless networking ====
Sarel Coetzer (registered, presents on the general track later on Wednesday 13:30)

==== 6-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Ismail Wadembere

==== 6-2.4b General track - Water & Education ====
Elsworth McPherson

==== 6-1.6 General track - Case Studies ====
Eric Lemoine

=== 13:30-15:00 ==
==== 7-2.6a General track - Participatory GIS ====
Denis Giroux

==== 7-2.6b General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Jeroen Ticheler

==== 7-2.4a General track - Government ====
???
==== 7-2.4b General track - Health ====
Josh Livni

==== 7-1.6 General track - Web & Environment ====
Peter Loewe

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
Workshops and other meetings. No session chairs required.

== Thursday, 2 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 8-2.6a Academic track - Health, nature conservation & biodiversity ====
Markus Neteler (registered, presents in this session)

==== 8-2.6b Academic track - SDI ====
Giuseppe Conti (registered, presents in this session)

==== 8-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Alexander Borghuis

==== 8-2.4b General track - Web Services ====
Theodor Foerster

==== 8-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
Arnulf Christl

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 9-2.6a Academic track - Education & Training, FOSS in corporates and government====
Julian Smit - (registered, does not present at FOSS4G 2008)

==== 9-2.6b Academic track - Web services ====
Jorge Gustavo Rocha (registered, presents in another academic session that does not overlap)

==== 9-2.4a General track - Government ====
Alize Botha

==== 9-2.4b General track Case Studies ====
Jeff Hamm

==== 9-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Chris Holmes

=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Serena Coetzee

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Inge Netterberg

== Examples of notices that might need to be given by session chairs ==

'''Notices:''' The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the coffee break in the Exhibition Hall.

'''Notices:''' Bird-of-Feather Sessions are starting in 15 minutes. Check the booking board by registration to see what BoF session are on, and what rooms they are in.

'''Notices:''' Lunch is being served on Level Two. The Poster Session is happening on Level One in the registration area. Go down and meet the poster presenters, and ask them questions. The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the lunch hour in Sidney room on Level Two.

'''Notices:''' Tonight is the reception at the museum. The reception kicks off with an IMAX showing of "Titanica" at 6pm sharp. If you are skipping the movie, feel free to get an early start on the drinks and snacks at 6:30pm. Bird-of-Feather sessions start in 15 minutes, check the notice board at registration for room assignments.

= "On call" =
* Steve Lime (I hope...)
* [[User:blake | Dane Springmeyer]]

[[Category:FOSS4G2008]]

FOSS4G2008 Session Chairs

2008-09-21T21:52:51Z

Wiki-Serena: /* 10:30-12:00 */

'''Back to [[FOSS4G2008]] ...'''

The 2008 programme subcommittee is updating this, firstly with invited chairs, then they will ask for volunteers, who will put their names down for sessions. Currently, all the session chairs are presenting papers in the sessions to which they have been assigned, so there should not be any conflict for them with other events.

Session chairs serve as the "master of ceremonies" for one 90 minute session of presentations. Each session has four 20 minute presentations, with a 5 minute question-and-answer period after each. Chairs are expected to:
* ensure that speakers' presentations are ready beforehand, either loaded onto the venue notebook, or running on their own notebook.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, check projector connection (resolutions, cable, etc) before the session.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, capture their presentation on a memory stick.
* introduce the speakers,
* ensure each speaker stays within his or her 25 minute combined presentations-plus-questions presentation limit,
* ensure the next presentation starts promptly as scheduled, and
* occasionally read off a few reminders and announcements at the end of the session.

Please add your name and email to one or more of the time slots below.

'''We need 5 session chairs for each time slot.'''

Check to ensure you are not presenting or teaching a lab during the session timeslot you are volunteering for.
([http://tinyurl.com/foss4g2008schedule FOSS4G2008 Schedule])
If you have a particular room you want to chair, please note it in your entry.

== Monday, 29 September 2008 ==
=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Gavin Fleming

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Carrin Martin

== Tuesday, 30 September 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 1-2.6a Academic track - FOSS GIS tools & components ====
Rob Lemmens (registered, presents in general track on Wednesday)

==== 1-2.6b Academic track - Land classification & climate change ====
Karen Steenkamp (registered, does not present at FOSS4G 2008)

==== 1-2.4a General track - Disaster Management ====
David Bitner

==== 1-2.4b General track - Improving FOSS GIS cartography and map production ====
???
==== 1-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
???

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 2-2.6a Academic track - Standards & Interoperability ====
Antony Cooper (registered, presents in this session)

==== 2-2.6b Working session: FOSS GIS in Government ====
SITA
==== 2-2.4a General track - Case Studies ====
Peter Mooney

==== 2-2.4b General track - Environment ====
Sam Hiatt

==== 2-1.6 General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Torsten Drey

=== 13:30-15:00 ===

==== 3-2.6a Academic track - Software engineering & GIS production ====
Peter Schmitz (registered, presents in this session)

==== 3-2.6b Academic track - Water resource management ====
Marco Ciolli (registered, presents in this session)

==== 3-2.4a General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Alessandro Furieri

==== 3-2.4b General track - Government & Participatory GIS ====
Juan Jose Del Toro

==== 3-1.6 General track - FOSS GIS Business ====
???

=== 15:30-17:00 ===

==== 4-2.6a Academic track - Disaster management ====
Massimiliano Cannata (registered, presents in this session)

==== 4-2.6b General track - Water ====

==== 4-2.4a General track - Education ====
Lizette Rust

==== 4-2.4b General track - Remote Sensing ====
Mateusz Loskot

==== 4-1.6 General track - Web Services ====
???

== Wednesday, 1 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 5-2.6a Academic track - Spatial data ====
Paul Hasenohr (registered, presents in this session)

==== 5-2.6b Academic track - Models, simulations and risk assessment ====
Peter Loewe (registered, presents in this session)

==== 5-2.4a General track - FOSS Implementation ====
Andrea Antonello

==== 5-2.4b General track - Open data ====
Tyler Mitchell

==== 5-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Franz-Josef Behr

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 6-2.6a Academic track - Collaborative GIS ====
Alwyn Moolman (registered, does not present at FOSS4G 2008)

==== 6-2.6b Academic track - Environmental monitoring & wireless networking ====
Sarel Coetzer (registered, presents on the general track later on Wednesday 13:30)

==== 6-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Ismail Wadembere

==== 6-2.4b General track - Water & Education ====
Elsworth McPherson

==== 6-1.6 General track - Case Studies ====
Eric Lemoine

=== 13:30-15:00 ==
==== 7-2.6a General track - Participatory GIS ====
Denis Giroux

==== 7-2.6b General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Jeroen Ticheler

==== 7-2.4a General track - Government ====
???
==== 7-2.4b General track - Health ====
Josh Livni

==== 7-1.6 General track - Web & Environment ====
Peter Loewe

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
Workshops and other meetings. No session chairs required.

== Thursday, 2 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 8-2.6a Academic track - Health, nature conservation & biodiversity ====
Markus Neteler (registered, presents in this session)

==== 8-2.6b Academic track - SDI ====
Giuseppe Conti (registered, presents in this session)

==== 8-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Alexander Borghuis

==== 8-2.4b General track - Web Services ====
Theodor Foerster

==== 8-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
Arnulf Christl

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 9-2.6a Academic track - Education & Training, FOSS in corporates and government====
Julian Smit - (Not registered but I assume he will be there? He does not present at FOSS4G 2008)

==== 9-2.6b Academic track - Web services ====
Jorge Gustavo Rocha (registered, presents in another academic session that does not overlap)

==== 9-2.4a General track - Government ====
Alize Botha

==== 9-2.4b General track Case Studies ====
Jeff Hamm

==== 9-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Chris Holmes

=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Serena Coetzee

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Inge Netterberg

== Examples of notices that might need to be given by session chairs ==

'''Notices:''' The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the coffee break in the Exhibition Hall.

'''Notices:''' Bird-of-Feather Sessions are starting in 15 minutes. Check the booking board by registration to see what BoF session are on, and what rooms they are in.

'''Notices:''' Lunch is being served on Level Two. The Poster Session is happening on Level One in the registration area. Go down and meet the poster presenters, and ask them questions. The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the lunch hour in Sidney room on Level Two.

'''Notices:''' Tonight is the reception at the museum. The reception kicks off with an IMAX showing of "Titanica" at 6pm sharp. If you are skipping the movie, feel free to get an early start on the drinks and snacks at 6:30pm. Bird-of-Feather sessions start in 15 minutes, check the notice board at registration for room assignments.

= "On call" =
* Steve Lime (I hope...)
* [[User:blake | Dane Springmeyer]]

[[Category:FOSS4G2008]]

FOSS4G2008 Session Chairs

2008-09-21T21:52:16Z

Wiki-Serena: /* 10:30-12:00 */

'''Back to [[FOSS4G2008]] ...'''

The 2008 programme subcommittee is updating this, firstly with invited chairs, then they will ask for volunteers, who will put their names down for sessions. Currently, all the session chairs are presenting papers in the sessions to which they have been assigned, so there should not be any conflict for them with other events.

Session chairs serve as the "master of ceremonies" for one 90 minute session of presentations. Each session has four 20 minute presentations, with a 5 minute question-and-answer period after each. Chairs are expected to:
* ensure that speakers' presentations are ready beforehand, either loaded onto the venue notebook, or running on their own notebook.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, check projector connection (resolutions, cable, etc) before the session.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, capture their presentation on a memory stick.
* introduce the speakers,
* ensure each speaker stays within his or her 25 minute combined presentations-plus-questions presentation limit,
* ensure the next presentation starts promptly as scheduled, and
* occasionally read off a few reminders and announcements at the end of the session.

Please add your name and email to one or more of the time slots below.

'''We need 5 session chairs for each time slot.'''

Check to ensure you are not presenting or teaching a lab during the session timeslot you are volunteering for.
([http://tinyurl.com/foss4g2008schedule FOSS4G2008 Schedule])
If you have a particular room you want to chair, please note it in your entry.

== Monday, 29 September 2008 ==
=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Gavin Fleming

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Carrin Martin

== Tuesday, 30 September 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 1-2.6a Academic track - FOSS GIS tools & components ====
Rob Lemmens (registered, presents in general track on Wednesday)

==== 1-2.6b Academic track - Land classification & climate change ====
Karen Steenkamp (registered, does not present at FOSS4G 2008)

==== 1-2.4a General track - Disaster Management ====
David Bitner

==== 1-2.4b General track - Improving FOSS GIS cartography and map production ====
???
==== 1-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
???

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 2-2.6a Academic track - Standards & Interoperability ====
Antony Cooper (registered, presents in this session)

==== 2-2.6b Working session: FOSS GIS in Government ====
SITA
==== 2-2.4a General track - Case Studies ====
Peter Mooney

==== 2-2.4b General track - Environment ====
Sam Hiatt

==== 2-1.6 General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Torsten Drey

=== 13:30-15:00 ===

==== 3-2.6a Academic track - Software engineering & GIS production ====
Peter Schmitz (registered, presents in this session)

==== 3-2.6b Academic track - Water resource management ====
Marco Ciolli (registered, presents in this session)

==== 3-2.4a General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Alessandro Furieri

==== 3-2.4b General track - Government & Participatory GIS ====
Juan Jose Del Toro

==== 3-1.6 General track - FOSS GIS Business ====
???

=== 15:30-17:00 ===

==== 4-2.6a Academic track - Disaster management ====
Massimiliano Cannata (registered, presents in this session)

==== 4-2.6b General track - Water ====

==== 4-2.4a General track - Education ====
Lizette Rust

==== 4-2.4b General track - Remote Sensing ====
Mateusz Loskot

==== 4-1.6 General track - Web Services ====
???

== Wednesday, 1 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 5-2.6a Academic track - Spatial data ====
Paul Hasenohr (registered, presents in this session)

==== 5-2.6b Academic track - Models, simulations and risk assessment ====
Peter Loewe (registered, presents in this session)

==== 5-2.4a General track - FOSS Implementation ====
Andrea Antonello

==== 5-2.4b General track - Open data ====
Tyler Mitchell

==== 5-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Franz-Josef Behr

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 6-2.6a Academic track - Collaborative GIS ====
Alwyn Moolman (registered, does not present at FOSS4G 2008)

==== 6-2.6b Academic track - Environmental monitoring & wireless networking ====
Sarel Coetzer (registered, presents on the general track later on Wednesday 13:30)

==== 6-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Ismail Wadembere

==== 6-2.4b General track - Water & Education ====
Elsworth McPherson

==== 6-1.6 General track - Case Studies ====
Eric Lemoine

=== 13:30-15:00 ==
==== 7-2.6a General track - Participatory GIS ====
Denis Giroux

==== 7-2.6b General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Jeroen Ticheler

==== 7-2.4a General track - Government ====
???
==== 7-2.4b General track - Health ====
Josh Livni

==== 7-1.6 General track - Web & Environment ====
Peter Loewe

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
Workshops and other meetings. No session chairs required.

== Thursday, 2 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 8-2.6a Academic track - Health, nature conservation & biodiversity ====
Markus Neteler (registered, presents in this session)

==== 8-2.6b Academic track - SDI ====
Giuseppe Conti (registered, presents in this session)

==== 8-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Alexander Borghuis

==== 8-2.4b General track - Web Services ====
Theodor Foerster

==== 8-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
Arnulf Christl

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 9-2.6a Academic track - Education & Training, FOSS in corporates and government====
Julian Smit - (Not registered but I assume he will be there? He does not present at FOSS4G2008)

==== 9-2.6b Academic track - Web services ====
Jorge Gustavo Rocha (registered, presents in another academic session that does not overlap)

==== 9-2.4a General track - Government ====
Alize Botha

==== 9-2.4b General track Case Studies ====
Jeff Hamm

==== 9-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Chris Holmes

=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Serena Coetzee

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Inge Netterberg

== Examples of notices that might need to be given by session chairs ==

'''Notices:''' The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the coffee break in the Exhibition Hall.

'''Notices:''' Bird-of-Feather Sessions are starting in 15 minutes. Check the booking board by registration to see what BoF session are on, and what rooms they are in.

'''Notices:''' Lunch is being served on Level Two. The Poster Session is happening on Level One in the registration area. Go down and meet the poster presenters, and ask them questions. The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the lunch hour in Sidney room on Level Two.

'''Notices:''' Tonight is the reception at the museum. The reception kicks off with an IMAX showing of "Titanica" at 6pm sharp. If you are skipping the movie, feel free to get an early start on the drinks and snacks at 6:30pm. Bird-of-Feather sessions start in 15 minutes, check the notice board at registration for room assignments.

= "On call" =
* Steve Lime (I hope...)
* [[User:blake | Dane Springmeyer]]

[[Category:FOSS4G2008]]

FOSS4G2008 Session Chairs

2008-09-21T21:51:27Z

Wiki-Serena: /* 10:30-12:00 */

'''Back to [[FOSS4G2008]] ...'''

The 2008 programme subcommittee is updating this, firstly with invited chairs, then they will ask for volunteers, who will put their names down for sessions. Currently, all the session chairs are presenting papers in the sessions to which they have been assigned, so there should not be any conflict for them with other events.

Session chairs serve as the "master of ceremonies" for one 90 minute session of presentations. Each session has four 20 minute presentations, with a 5 minute question-and-answer period after each. Chairs are expected to:
* ensure that speakers' presentations are ready beforehand, either loaded onto the venue notebook, or running on their own notebook.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, check projector connection (resolutions, cable, etc) before the session.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, capture their presentation on a memory stick.
* introduce the speakers,
* ensure each speaker stays within his or her 25 minute combined presentations-plus-questions presentation limit,
* ensure the next presentation starts promptly as scheduled, and
* occasionally read off a few reminders and announcements at the end of the session.

Please add your name and email to one or more of the time slots below.

'''We need 5 session chairs for each time slot.'''

Check to ensure you are not presenting or teaching a lab during the session timeslot you are volunteering for.
([http://tinyurl.com/foss4g2008schedule FOSS4G2008 Schedule])
If you have a particular room you want to chair, please note it in your entry.

== Monday, 29 September 2008 ==
=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Gavin Fleming

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Carrin Martin

== Tuesday, 30 September 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 1-2.6a Academic track - FOSS GIS tools & components ====
Rob Lemmens (registered, presents in general track on Wednesday)

==== 1-2.6b Academic track - Land classification & climate change ====
Karen Steenkamp (registered, does not present at FOSS4G 2008)

==== 1-2.4a General track - Disaster Management ====
David Bitner

==== 1-2.4b General track - Improving FOSS GIS cartography and map production ====
???
==== 1-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
???

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 2-2.6a Academic track - Standards & Interoperability ====
Antony Cooper (registered, presents in this session)

==== 2-2.6b Working session: FOSS GIS in Government ====
SITA
==== 2-2.4a General track - Case Studies ====
Peter Mooney

==== 2-2.4b General track - Environment ====
Sam Hiatt

==== 2-1.6 General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Torsten Drey

=== 13:30-15:00 ===

==== 3-2.6a Academic track - Software engineering & GIS production ====
Peter Schmitz (registered, presents in this session)

==== 3-2.6b Academic track - Water resource management ====
Marco Ciolli (registered, presents in this session)

==== 3-2.4a General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Alessandro Furieri

==== 3-2.4b General track - Government & Participatory GIS ====
Juan Jose Del Toro

==== 3-1.6 General track - FOSS GIS Business ====
???

=== 15:30-17:00 ===

==== 4-2.6a Academic track - Disaster management ====
Massimiliano Cannata (registered, presents in this session)

==== 4-2.6b General track - Water ====

==== 4-2.4a General track - Education ====
Lizette Rust

==== 4-2.4b General track - Remote Sensing ====
Mateusz Loskot

==== 4-1.6 General track - Web Services ====
???

== Wednesday, 1 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 5-2.6a Academic track - Spatial data ====
Paul Hasenohr (registered, presents in this session)

==== 5-2.6b Academic track - Models, simulations and risk assessment ====
Peter Loewe (registered, presents in this session)

==== 5-2.4a General track - FOSS Implementation ====
Andrea Antonello

==== 5-2.4b General track - Open data ====
Tyler Mitchell

==== 5-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Franz-Josef Behr

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 6-2.6a Academic track - Collaborative GIS ====
Alwyn Moolman (registered, does not present at FOSS4G 2008)

==== 6-2.6b Academic track - Environmental monitoring & wireless networking ====
Sarel Coetzer (registered, presents on the general track on Wednesday 13:30)

==== 6-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Ismail Wadembere

==== 6-2.4b General track - Water & Education ====
Elsworth McPherson

==== 6-1.6 General track - Case Studies ====
Eric Lemoine

=== 13:30-15:00 ==
==== 7-2.6a General track - Participatory GIS ====
Denis Giroux

==== 7-2.6b General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Jeroen Ticheler

==== 7-2.4a General track - Government ====
???
==== 7-2.4b General track - Health ====
Josh Livni

==== 7-1.6 General track - Web & Environment ====
Peter Loewe

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
Workshops and other meetings. No session chairs required.

== Thursday, 2 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 8-2.6a Academic track - Health, nature conservation & biodiversity ====
Markus Neteler (registered, presents in this session)

==== 8-2.6b Academic track - SDI ====
Giuseppe Conti (registered, presents in this session)

==== 8-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Alexander Borghuis

==== 8-2.4b General track - Web Services ====
Theodor Foerster

==== 8-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
Arnulf Christl

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 9-2.6a Academic track - Education & Training, FOSS in corporates and government====
Julian Smit - (Not registered but I assume he will be there? He does not present at FOSS4G2008)

==== 9-2.6b Academic track - Web services ====
Jorge Gustavo Rocha (registered, presents in another academic session that does not overlap)

==== 9-2.4a General track - Government ====
Alize Botha

==== 9-2.4b General track Case Studies ====
Jeff Hamm

==== 9-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Chris Holmes

=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Serena Coetzee

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Inge Netterberg

== Examples of notices that might need to be given by session chairs ==

'''Notices:''' The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the coffee break in the Exhibition Hall.

'''Notices:''' Bird-of-Feather Sessions are starting in 15 minutes. Check the booking board by registration to see what BoF session are on, and what rooms they are in.

'''Notices:''' Lunch is being served on Level Two. The Poster Session is happening on Level One in the registration area. Go down and meet the poster presenters, and ask them questions. The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the lunch hour in Sidney room on Level Two.

'''Notices:''' Tonight is the reception at the museum. The reception kicks off with an IMAX showing of "Titanica" at 6pm sharp. If you are skipping the movie, feel free to get an early start on the drinks and snacks at 6:30pm. Bird-of-Feather sessions start in 15 minutes, check the notice board at registration for room assignments.

= "On call" =
* Steve Lime (I hope...)
* [[User:blake | Dane Springmeyer]]

[[Category:FOSS4G2008]]

FOSS4G2008 Session Chairs

2008-09-21T21:48:49Z

Wiki-Serena: /* 08:30-10:00 */

'''Back to [[FOSS4G2008]] ...'''

The 2008 programme subcommittee is updating this, firstly with invited chairs, then they will ask for volunteers, who will put their names down for sessions. Currently, all the session chairs are presenting papers in the sessions to which they have been assigned, so there should not be any conflict for them with other events.

Session chairs serve as the "master of ceremonies" for one 90 minute session of presentations. Each session has four 20 minute presentations, with a 5 minute question-and-answer period after each. Chairs are expected to:
* ensure that speakers' presentations are ready beforehand, either loaded onto the venue notebook, or running on their own notebook.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, check projector connection (resolutions, cable, etc) before the session.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, capture their presentation on a memory stick.
* introduce the speakers,
* ensure each speaker stays within his or her 25 minute combined presentations-plus-questions presentation limit,
* ensure the next presentation starts promptly as scheduled, and
* occasionally read off a few reminders and announcements at the end of the session.

Please add your name and email to one or more of the time slots below.

'''We need 5 session chairs for each time slot.'''

Check to ensure you are not presenting or teaching a lab during the session timeslot you are volunteering for.
([http://tinyurl.com/foss4g2008schedule FOSS4G2008 Schedule])
If you have a particular room you want to chair, please note it in your entry.

== Monday, 29 September 2008 ==
=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Gavin Fleming

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Carrin Martin

== Tuesday, 30 September 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 1-2.6a Academic track - FOSS GIS tools & components ====
Rob Lemmens (registered, presents in general track on Wednesday)

==== 1-2.6b Academic track - Land classification & climate change ====
Karen Steenkamp (registered, does not present at FOSS4G 2008)

==== 1-2.4a General track - Disaster Management ====
David Bitner

==== 1-2.4b General track - Improving FOSS GIS cartography and map production ====
???
==== 1-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
???

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 2-2.6a Academic track - Standards & Interoperability ====
Antony Cooper (registered, presents in this session)

==== 2-2.6b Working session: FOSS GIS in Government ====
SITA
==== 2-2.4a General track - Case Studies ====
Peter Mooney

==== 2-2.4b General track - Environment ====
Sam Hiatt

==== 2-1.6 General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Torsten Drey

=== 13:30-15:00 ===

==== 3-2.6a Academic track - Software engineering & GIS production ====
Peter Schmitz (registered, presents in this session)

==== 3-2.6b Academic track - Water resource management ====
Marco Ciolli (registered, presents in this session)

==== 3-2.4a General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Alessandro Furieri

==== 3-2.4b General track - Government & Participatory GIS ====
Juan Jose Del Toro

==== 3-1.6 General track - FOSS GIS Business ====
???

=== 15:30-17:00 ===

==== 4-2.6a Academic track - Disaster management ====
Massimiliano Cannata (registered, presents in this session)

==== 4-2.6b General track - Water ====

==== 4-2.4a General track - Education ====
Lizette Rust

==== 4-2.4b General track - Remote Sensing ====
Mateusz Loskot

==== 4-1.6 General track - Web Services ====
???

== Wednesday, 1 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 5-2.6a Academic track - Spatial data ====
Paul Hasenohr (registered, presents in this session)

==== 5-2.6b Academic track - Models, simulations and risk assessment ====
Peter Loewe (registered, presents in this session)

==== 5-2.4a General track - FOSS Implementation ====
Andrea Antonello

==== 5-2.4b General track - Open data ====
Tyler Mitchell

==== 5-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Franz-Josef Behr

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 6-2.6a Academic track - Collaborative GIS ====
Alwyn Moolman (registered, does not present at FOSS4G 2008)

==== 6-2.6b Academic track - Environmental monitoring & wireless networking ====
Sarel Coetzer (registered, presents on the general track on Wednesday 13:30)

==== 6-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Ismail Wadembere

==== 6-2.4b General track - Water & Education ====
Elsworth McPherson

==== 6-1.6 General track - Case Studies ====
Eric Lemoine

=== 13:30-15:00 ==
==== 7-2.6a General track - Participatory GIS ====
Denis Giroux

==== 7-2.6b General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Jeroen Ticheler

==== 7-2.4a General track - Government ====
???
==== 7-2.4b General track - Health ====
Josh Livni

==== 7-1.6 General track - Web & Environment ====
Peter Loewe

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
Workshops and other meetings. No session chairs required.

== Thursday, 2 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 8-2.6a Academic track - Health, nature conservation & biodiversity ====
Markus Neteler (registered, presents in this session)

==== 8-2.6b Academic track - SDI ====
Giuseppe Conti (registered, presents in this session)

==== 8-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Alexander Borghuis

==== 8-2.4b General track - Web Services ====
Theodor Foerster

==== 8-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
Arnulf Christl

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 9-2.6a Academic track - Education & Training, FOSS in corporates and government====
Julian Smit - He has not registered but I assume he will be there?

==== 9-2.6b Academic track - Web services ====
Jorge Gustavo Rocha

==== 9-2.4a General track - Government ====
Alize Botha

==== 9-2.4b General track Case Studies ====
Jeff Hamm

==== 9-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Chris Holmes

=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Serena Coetzee

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Inge Netterberg

== Examples of notices that might need to be given by session chairs ==

'''Notices:''' The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the coffee break in the Exhibition Hall.

'''Notices:''' Bird-of-Feather Sessions are starting in 15 minutes. Check the booking board by registration to see what BoF session are on, and what rooms they are in.

'''Notices:''' Lunch is being served on Level Two. The Poster Session is happening on Level One in the registration area. Go down and meet the poster presenters, and ask them questions. The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the lunch hour in Sidney room on Level Two.

'''Notices:''' Tonight is the reception at the museum. The reception kicks off with an IMAX showing of "Titanica" at 6pm sharp. If you are skipping the movie, feel free to get an early start on the drinks and snacks at 6:30pm. Bird-of-Feather sessions start in 15 minutes, check the notice board at registration for room assignments.

= "On call" =
* Steve Lime (I hope...)
* [[User:blake | Dane Springmeyer]]

[[Category:FOSS4G2008]]

FOSS4G2008 Session Chairs

2008-09-21T21:48:03Z

Wiki-Serena: /* 10:30-12:00 */

'''Back to [[FOSS4G2008]] ...'''

The 2008 programme subcommittee is updating this, firstly with invited chairs, then they will ask for volunteers, who will put their names down for sessions. Currently, all the session chairs are presenting papers in the sessions to which they have been assigned, so there should not be any conflict for them with other events.

Session chairs serve as the "master of ceremonies" for one 90 minute session of presentations. Each session has four 20 minute presentations, with a 5 minute question-and-answer period after each. Chairs are expected to:
* ensure that speakers' presentations are ready beforehand, either loaded onto the venue notebook, or running on their own notebook.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, check projector connection (resolutions, cable, etc) before the session.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, capture their presentation on a memory stick.
* introduce the speakers,
* ensure each speaker stays within his or her 25 minute combined presentations-plus-questions presentation limit,
* ensure the next presentation starts promptly as scheduled, and
* occasionally read off a few reminders and announcements at the end of the session.

Please add your name and email to one or more of the time slots below.

'''We need 5 session chairs for each time slot.'''

Check to ensure you are not presenting or teaching a lab during the session timeslot you are volunteering for.
([http://tinyurl.com/foss4g2008schedule FOSS4G2008 Schedule])
If you have a particular room you want to chair, please note it in your entry.

== Monday, 29 September 2008 ==
=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Gavin Fleming

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Carrin Martin

== Tuesday, 30 September 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 1-2.6a Academic track - FOSS GIS tools & components ====
Rob Lemmens (registered, presents in general track on Wednesday)

==== 1-2.6b Academic track - Land classification & climate change ====
Karen Steenkamp (registered, does not present at FOSS4G 2008)

==== 1-2.4a General track - Disaster Management ====
David Bitner

==== 1-2.4b General track - Improving FOSS GIS cartography and map production ====
???
==== 1-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
???

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 2-2.6a Academic track - Standards & Interoperability ====
Antony Cooper (registered, presents in this session)

==== 2-2.6b Working session: FOSS GIS in Government ====
SITA
==== 2-2.4a General track - Case Studies ====
Peter Mooney

==== 2-2.4b General track - Environment ====
Sam Hiatt

==== 2-1.6 General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Torsten Drey

=== 13:30-15:00 ===

==== 3-2.6a Academic track - Software engineering & GIS production ====
Peter Schmitz (registered, presents in this session)

==== 3-2.6b Academic track - Water resource management ====
Marco Ciolli (registered, presents in this session)

==== 3-2.4a General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Alessandro Furieri

==== 3-2.4b General track - Government & Participatory GIS ====
Juan Jose Del Toro

==== 3-1.6 General track - FOSS GIS Business ====
???

=== 15:30-17:00 ===

==== 4-2.6a Academic track - Disaster management ====
Massimiliano Cannata (registered, presents in this session)

==== 4-2.6b General track - Water ====

==== 4-2.4a General track - Education ====
Lizette Rust

==== 4-2.4b General track - Remote Sensing ====
Mateusz Loskot

==== 4-1.6 General track - Web Services ====
???

== Wednesday, 1 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 5-2.6a Academic track - Spatial data ====
Paul Hasenohr (registered, presents in this session)

==== 5-2.6b Academic track - Models, simulations and risk assessment ====
Peter Loewe (registered, presents in this session)

==== 5-2.4a General track - FOSS Implementation ====
Andrea Antonello

==== 5-2.4b General track - Open data ====
Tyler Mitchell

==== 5-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Franz-Josef Behr

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 6-2.6a Academic track - Collaborative GIS ====
Alwyn Moolman (registered, does not present at FOSS4G 2008)

==== 6-2.6b Academic track - Environmental monitoring & wireless networking ====
Sarel Coetzer (registered, presents on the general track on Wednesday 13:30)

==== 6-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Ismail Wadembere

==== 6-2.4b General track - Water & Education ====
Elsworth McPherson

==== 6-1.6 General track - Case Studies ====
Eric Lemoine

=== 13:30-15:00 ==
==== 7-2.6a General track - Participatory GIS ====
Denis Giroux

==== 7-2.6b General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Jeroen Ticheler

==== 7-2.4a General track - Government ====
???
==== 7-2.4b General track - Health ====
Josh Livni

==== 7-1.6 General track - Web & Environment ====
Peter Loewe

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
Workshops and other meetings. No session chairs required.

== Thursday, 2 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 8-2.6a Academic track - Health, nature conservation & biodiversity ====
Markus Neteler

==== 8-2.6b Academic track - SDI ====
Giuseppe Conti

==== 8-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Alexander Borghuis

==== 8-2.4b General track - Web Services ====
Theodor Foerster

==== 8-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
Arnulf Christl

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 9-2.6a Academic track - Education & Training, FOSS in corporates and government====
Julian Smit - He has not registered but I assume he will be there?

==== 9-2.6b Academic track - Web services ====
Jorge Gustavo Rocha

==== 9-2.4a General track - Government ====
Alize Botha

==== 9-2.4b General track Case Studies ====
Jeff Hamm

==== 9-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Chris Holmes

=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Serena Coetzee

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Inge Netterberg

== Examples of notices that might need to be given by session chairs ==

'''Notices:''' The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the coffee break in the Exhibition Hall.

'''Notices:''' Bird-of-Feather Sessions are starting in 15 minutes. Check the booking board by registration to see what BoF session are on, and what rooms they are in.

'''Notices:''' Lunch is being served on Level Two. The Poster Session is happening on Level One in the registration area. Go down and meet the poster presenters, and ask them questions. The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the lunch hour in Sidney room on Level Two.

'''Notices:''' Tonight is the reception at the museum. The reception kicks off with an IMAX showing of "Titanica" at 6pm sharp. If you are skipping the movie, feel free to get an early start on the drinks and snacks at 6:30pm. Bird-of-Feather sessions start in 15 minutes, check the notice board at registration for room assignments.

= "On call" =
* Steve Lime (I hope...)
* [[User:blake | Dane Springmeyer]]

[[Category:FOSS4G2008]]

FOSS4G2008 Session Chairs

2008-09-21T21:46:43Z

Wiki-Serena: /* 08:30-10:00 */

'''Back to [[FOSS4G2008]] ...'''

The 2008 programme subcommittee is updating this, firstly with invited chairs, then they will ask for volunteers, who will put their names down for sessions. Currently, all the session chairs are presenting papers in the sessions to which they have been assigned, so there should not be any conflict for them with other events.

Session chairs serve as the "master of ceremonies" for one 90 minute session of presentations. Each session has four 20 minute presentations, with a 5 minute question-and-answer period after each. Chairs are expected to:
* ensure that speakers' presentations are ready beforehand, either loaded onto the venue notebook, or running on their own notebook.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, check projector connection (resolutions, cable, etc) before the session.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, capture their presentation on a memory stick.
* introduce the speakers,
* ensure each speaker stays within his or her 25 minute combined presentations-plus-questions presentation limit,
* ensure the next presentation starts promptly as scheduled, and
* occasionally read off a few reminders and announcements at the end of the session.

Please add your name and email to one or more of the time slots below.

'''We need 5 session chairs for each time slot.'''

Check to ensure you are not presenting or teaching a lab during the session timeslot you are volunteering for.
([http://tinyurl.com/foss4g2008schedule FOSS4G2008 Schedule])
If you have a particular room you want to chair, please note it in your entry.

== Monday, 29 September 2008 ==
=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Gavin Fleming

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Carrin Martin

== Tuesday, 30 September 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 1-2.6a Academic track - FOSS GIS tools & components ====
Rob Lemmens (registered, presents in general track on Wednesday)

==== 1-2.6b Academic track - Land classification & climate change ====
Karen Steenkamp (registered, does not present at FOSS4G 2008)

==== 1-2.4a General track - Disaster Management ====
David Bitner

==== 1-2.4b General track - Improving FOSS GIS cartography and map production ====
???
==== 1-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
???

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 2-2.6a Academic track - Standards & Interoperability ====
Antony Cooper (registered, presents in this session)

==== 2-2.6b Working session: FOSS GIS in Government ====
SITA
==== 2-2.4a General track - Case Studies ====
Peter Mooney

==== 2-2.4b General track - Environment ====
Sam Hiatt

==== 2-1.6 General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Torsten Drey

=== 13:30-15:00 ===

==== 3-2.6a Academic track - Software engineering & GIS production ====
Peter Schmitz (registered, presents in this session)

==== 3-2.6b Academic track - Water resource management ====
Marco Ciolli (registered, presents in this session)

==== 3-2.4a General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Alessandro Furieri

==== 3-2.4b General track - Government & Participatory GIS ====
Juan Jose Del Toro

==== 3-1.6 General track - FOSS GIS Business ====
???

=== 15:30-17:00 ===

==== 4-2.6a Academic track - Disaster management ====
Massimiliano Cannata (registered, presents in this session)

==== 4-2.6b General track - Water ====

==== 4-2.4a General track - Education ====
Lizette Rust

==== 4-2.4b General track - Remote Sensing ====
Mateusz Loskot

==== 4-1.6 General track - Web Services ====
???

== Wednesday, 1 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 5-2.6a Academic track - Spatial data ====
Paul Hasenohr (registered, presents in this session)

==== 5-2.6b Academic track - Models, simulations and risk assessment ====
Peter Loewe (registered, presents in this session)

==== 5-2.4a General track - FOSS Implementation ====
Andrea Antonello

==== 5-2.4b General track - Open data ====
Tyler Mitchell

==== 5-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Franz-Josef Behr

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 6-2.6a Academic track - Collaborative GIS ====
Alwyn Moolman

==== 6-2.6b Academic track - Environmental monitoring & wireless networking ====
Sarel Coetzer

==== 6-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Ismail Wadembere

==== 6-2.4b General track - Water & Education ====
Elsworth McPherson

==== 6-1.6 General track - Case Studies ====
Eric Lemoine

=== 13:30-15:00 ==
==== 7-2.6a General track - Participatory GIS ====
Denis Giroux

==== 7-2.6b General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Jeroen Ticheler

==== 7-2.4a General track - Government ====
???
==== 7-2.4b General track - Health ====
Josh Livni

==== 7-1.6 General track - Web & Environment ====
Peter Loewe

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
Workshops and other meetings. No session chairs required.

== Thursday, 2 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 8-2.6a Academic track - Health, nature conservation & biodiversity ====
Markus Neteler

==== 8-2.6b Academic track - SDI ====
Giuseppe Conti

==== 8-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Alexander Borghuis

==== 8-2.4b General track - Web Services ====
Theodor Foerster

==== 8-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
Arnulf Christl

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 9-2.6a Academic track - Education & Training, FOSS in corporates and government====
Julian Smit - He has not registered but I assume he will be there?

==== 9-2.6b Academic track - Web services ====
Jorge Gustavo Rocha

==== 9-2.4a General track - Government ====
Alize Botha

==== 9-2.4b General track Case Studies ====
Jeff Hamm

==== 9-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Chris Holmes

=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Serena Coetzee

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Inge Netterberg

== Examples of notices that might need to be given by session chairs ==

'''Notices:''' The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the coffee break in the Exhibition Hall.

'''Notices:''' Bird-of-Feather Sessions are starting in 15 minutes. Check the booking board by registration to see what BoF session are on, and what rooms they are in.

'''Notices:''' Lunch is being served on Level Two. The Poster Session is happening on Level One in the registration area. Go down and meet the poster presenters, and ask them questions. The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the lunch hour in Sidney room on Level Two.

'''Notices:''' Tonight is the reception at the museum. The reception kicks off with an IMAX showing of "Titanica" at 6pm sharp. If you are skipping the movie, feel free to get an early start on the drinks and snacks at 6:30pm. Bird-of-Feather sessions start in 15 minutes, check the notice board at registration for room assignments.

= "On call" =
* Steve Lime (I hope...)
* [[User:blake | Dane Springmeyer]]

[[Category:FOSS4G2008]]

FOSS4G2008 Session Chairs

2008-09-21T21:45:32Z

Wiki-Serena: /* 13:30-15:00 */

'''Back to [[FOSS4G2008]] ...'''

The 2008 programme subcommittee is updating this, firstly with invited chairs, then they will ask for volunteers, who will put their names down for sessions. Currently, all the session chairs are presenting papers in the sessions to which they have been assigned, so there should not be any conflict for them with other events.

Session chairs serve as the "master of ceremonies" for one 90 minute session of presentations. Each session has four 20 minute presentations, with a 5 minute question-and-answer period after each. Chairs are expected to:
* ensure that speakers' presentations are ready beforehand, either loaded onto the venue notebook, or running on their own notebook.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, check projector connection (resolutions, cable, etc) before the session.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, capture their presentation on a memory stick.
* introduce the speakers,
* ensure each speaker stays within his or her 25 minute combined presentations-plus-questions presentation limit,
* ensure the next presentation starts promptly as scheduled, and
* occasionally read off a few reminders and announcements at the end of the session.

Please add your name and email to one or more of the time slots below.

'''We need 5 session chairs for each time slot.'''

Check to ensure you are not presenting or teaching a lab during the session timeslot you are volunteering for.
([http://tinyurl.com/foss4g2008schedule FOSS4G2008 Schedule])
If you have a particular room you want to chair, please note it in your entry.

== Monday, 29 September 2008 ==
=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Gavin Fleming

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Carrin Martin

== Tuesday, 30 September 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 1-2.6a Academic track - FOSS GIS tools & components ====
Rob Lemmens (registered, presents in general track on Wednesday)

==== 1-2.6b Academic track - Land classification & climate change ====
Karen Steenkamp (registered, does not present at FOSS4G 2008)

==== 1-2.4a General track - Disaster Management ====
David Bitner

==== 1-2.4b General track - Improving FOSS GIS cartography and map production ====
???
==== 1-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
???

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 2-2.6a Academic track - Standards & Interoperability ====
Antony Cooper (registered, presents in this session)

==== 2-2.6b Working session: FOSS GIS in Government ====
SITA
==== 2-2.4a General track - Case Studies ====
Peter Mooney

==== 2-2.4b General track - Environment ====
Sam Hiatt

==== 2-1.6 General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Torsten Drey

=== 13:30-15:00 ===

==== 3-2.6a Academic track - Software engineering & GIS production ====
Peter Schmitz (registered, presents in this session)

==== 3-2.6b Academic track - Water resource management ====
Marco Ciolli (registered, presents in this session)

==== 3-2.4a General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Alessandro Furieri

==== 3-2.4b General track - Government & Participatory GIS ====
Juan Jose Del Toro

==== 3-1.6 General track - FOSS GIS Business ====
???

=== 15:30-17:00 ===

==== 4-2.6a Academic track - Disaster management ====
Massimiliano Cannata (registered, presents in this session)

==== 4-2.6b General track - Water ====

==== 4-2.4a General track - Education ====
Lizette Rust

==== 4-2.4b General track - Remote Sensing ====
Mateusz Loskot

==== 4-1.6 General track - Web Services ====
???

== Wednesday, 1 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 5-2.6a Academic track - Spatial data ====
Paul Hasenohr

==== 5-2.6b Academic track - Models, simulations and risk assessment ====
Peter Loewe

==== 5-2.4a General track - FOSS Implementation ====
Andrea Antonello

==== 5-2.4b General track - Open data ====
Tyler Mitchell

==== 5-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Franz-Josef Behr

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 6-2.6a Academic track - Collaborative GIS ====
Alwyn Moolman

==== 6-2.6b Academic track - Environmental monitoring & wireless networking ====
Sarel Coetzer

==== 6-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Ismail Wadembere

==== 6-2.4b General track - Water & Education ====
Elsworth McPherson

==== 6-1.6 General track - Case Studies ====
Eric Lemoine

=== 13:30-15:00 ==
==== 7-2.6a General track - Participatory GIS ====
Denis Giroux

==== 7-2.6b General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Jeroen Ticheler

==== 7-2.4a General track - Government ====
???
==== 7-2.4b General track - Health ====
Josh Livni

==== 7-1.6 General track - Web & Environment ====
Peter Loewe

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
Workshops and other meetings. No session chairs required.

== Thursday, 2 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 8-2.6a Academic track - Health, nature conservation & biodiversity ====
Markus Neteler

==== 8-2.6b Academic track - SDI ====
Giuseppe Conti

==== 8-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Alexander Borghuis

==== 8-2.4b General track - Web Services ====
Theodor Foerster

==== 8-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
Arnulf Christl

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 9-2.6a Academic track - Education & Training, FOSS in corporates and government====
Julian Smit - He has not registered but I assume he will be there?

==== 9-2.6b Academic track - Web services ====
Jorge Gustavo Rocha

==== 9-2.4a General track - Government ====
Alize Botha

==== 9-2.4b General track Case Studies ====
Jeff Hamm

==== 9-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Chris Holmes

=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Serena Coetzee

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Inge Netterberg

== Examples of notices that might need to be given by session chairs ==

'''Notices:''' The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the coffee break in the Exhibition Hall.

'''Notices:''' Bird-of-Feather Sessions are starting in 15 minutes. Check the booking board by registration to see what BoF session are on, and what rooms they are in.

'''Notices:''' Lunch is being served on Level Two. The Poster Session is happening on Level One in the registration area. Go down and meet the poster presenters, and ask them questions. The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the lunch hour in Sidney room on Level Two.

'''Notices:''' Tonight is the reception at the museum. The reception kicks off with an IMAX showing of "Titanica" at 6pm sharp. If you are skipping the movie, feel free to get an early start on the drinks and snacks at 6:30pm. Bird-of-Feather sessions start in 15 minutes, check the notice board at registration for room assignments.

= "On call" =
* Steve Lime (I hope...)
* [[User:blake | Dane Springmeyer]]

[[Category:FOSS4G2008]]

FOSS4G2008 Session Chairs

2008-09-21T21:44:30Z

Wiki-Serena: /* 08:30-10:00 */

'''Back to [[FOSS4G2008]] ...'''

The 2008 programme subcommittee is updating this, firstly with invited chairs, then they will ask for volunteers, who will put their names down for sessions. Currently, all the session chairs are presenting papers in the sessions to which they have been assigned, so there should not be any conflict for them with other events.

Session chairs serve as the "master of ceremonies" for one 90 minute session of presentations. Each session has four 20 minute presentations, with a 5 minute question-and-answer period after each. Chairs are expected to:
* ensure that speakers' presentations are ready beforehand, either loaded onto the venue notebook, or running on their own notebook.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, check projector connection (resolutions, cable, etc) before the session.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, capture their presentation on a memory stick.
* introduce the speakers,
* ensure each speaker stays within his or her 25 minute combined presentations-plus-questions presentation limit,
* ensure the next presentation starts promptly as scheduled, and
* occasionally read off a few reminders and announcements at the end of the session.

Please add your name and email to one or more of the time slots below.

'''We need 5 session chairs for each time slot.'''

Check to ensure you are not presenting or teaching a lab during the session timeslot you are volunteering for.
([http://tinyurl.com/foss4g2008schedule FOSS4G2008 Schedule])
If you have a particular room you want to chair, please note it in your entry.

== Monday, 29 September 2008 ==
=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Gavin Fleming

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Carrin Martin

== Tuesday, 30 September 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 1-2.6a Academic track - FOSS GIS tools & components ====
Rob Lemmens (registered, presents in general track on Wednesday)

==== 1-2.6b Academic track - Land classification & climate change ====
Karen Steenkamp (registered, does not present at FOSS4G 2008)

==== 1-2.4a General track - Disaster Management ====
David Bitner

==== 1-2.4b General track - Improving FOSS GIS cartography and map production ====
???
==== 1-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
???

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 2-2.6a Academic track - Standards & Interoperability ====
Antony Cooper (registered, presents in this session)

==== 2-2.6b Working session: FOSS GIS in Government ====
SITA
==== 2-2.4a General track - Case Studies ====
Peter Mooney

==== 2-2.4b General track - Environment ====
Sam Hiatt

==== 2-1.6 General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Torsten Drey

=== 13:30-15:00 ===

==== 3-2.6a Academic track - Software engineering & GIS production ====
Peter Schmitz

==== 3-2.6b Academic track - Water resource management ====
Marco Ciolli

==== 3-2.4a General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Alessandro Furieri

==== 3-2.4b General track - Government & Participatory GIS ====
Juan Jose Del Toro

==== 3-1.6 General track - FOSS GIS Business ====
???

=== 15:30-17:00 ===

==== 4-2.6a Academic track - Disaster management ====
Massimiliano Cannata (registered, presents in this session)

==== 4-2.6b General track - Water ====

==== 4-2.4a General track - Education ====
Lizette Rust

==== 4-2.4b General track - Remote Sensing ====
Mateusz Loskot

==== 4-1.6 General track - Web Services ====
???

== Wednesday, 1 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 5-2.6a Academic track - Spatial data ====
Paul Hasenohr

==== 5-2.6b Academic track - Models, simulations and risk assessment ====
Peter Loewe

==== 5-2.4a General track - FOSS Implementation ====
Andrea Antonello

==== 5-2.4b General track - Open data ====
Tyler Mitchell

==== 5-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Franz-Josef Behr

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 6-2.6a Academic track - Collaborative GIS ====
Alwyn Moolman

==== 6-2.6b Academic track - Environmental monitoring & wireless networking ====
Sarel Coetzer

==== 6-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Ismail Wadembere

==== 6-2.4b General track - Water & Education ====
Elsworth McPherson

==== 6-1.6 General track - Case Studies ====
Eric Lemoine

=== 13:30-15:00 ==
==== 7-2.6a General track - Participatory GIS ====
Denis Giroux

==== 7-2.6b General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Jeroen Ticheler

==== 7-2.4a General track - Government ====
???
==== 7-2.4b General track - Health ====
Josh Livni

==== 7-1.6 General track - Web & Environment ====
Peter Loewe

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
Workshops and other meetings. No session chairs required.

== Thursday, 2 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 8-2.6a Academic track - Health, nature conservation & biodiversity ====
Markus Neteler

==== 8-2.6b Academic track - SDI ====
Giuseppe Conti

==== 8-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Alexander Borghuis

==== 8-2.4b General track - Web Services ====
Theodor Foerster

==== 8-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
Arnulf Christl

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 9-2.6a Academic track - Education & Training, FOSS in corporates and government====
Julian Smit - He has not registered but I assume he will be there?

==== 9-2.6b Academic track - Web services ====
Jorge Gustavo Rocha

==== 9-2.4a General track - Government ====
Alize Botha

==== 9-2.4b General track Case Studies ====
Jeff Hamm

==== 9-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Chris Holmes

=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Serena Coetzee

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Inge Netterberg

== Examples of notices that might need to be given by session chairs ==

'''Notices:''' The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the coffee break in the Exhibition Hall.

'''Notices:''' Bird-of-Feather Sessions are starting in 15 minutes. Check the booking board by registration to see what BoF session are on, and what rooms they are in.

'''Notices:''' Lunch is being served on Level Two. The Poster Session is happening on Level One in the registration area. Go down and meet the poster presenters, and ask them questions. The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the lunch hour in Sidney room on Level Two.

'''Notices:''' Tonight is the reception at the museum. The reception kicks off with an IMAX showing of "Titanica" at 6pm sharp. If you are skipping the movie, feel free to get an early start on the drinks and snacks at 6:30pm. Bird-of-Feather sessions start in 15 minutes, check the notice board at registration for room assignments.

= "On call" =
* Steve Lime (I hope...)
* [[User:blake | Dane Springmeyer]]

[[Category:FOSS4G2008]]

FOSS4G2008 Session Chairs

2008-09-21T21:42:59Z

Wiki-Serena: /* 10:30-12:00 */

'''Back to [[FOSS4G2008]] ...'''

The 2008 programme subcommittee is updating this, firstly with invited chairs, then they will ask for volunteers, who will put their names down for sessions. Currently, all the session chairs are presenting papers in the sessions to which they have been assigned, so there should not be any conflict for them with other events.

Session chairs serve as the "master of ceremonies" for one 90 minute session of presentations. Each session has four 20 minute presentations, with a 5 minute question-and-answer period after each. Chairs are expected to:
* ensure that speakers' presentations are ready beforehand, either loaded onto the venue notebook, or running on their own notebook.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, check projector connection (resolutions, cable, etc) before the session.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, capture their presentation on a memory stick.
* introduce the speakers,
* ensure each speaker stays within his or her 25 minute combined presentations-plus-questions presentation limit,
* ensure the next presentation starts promptly as scheduled, and
* occasionally read off a few reminders and announcements at the end of the session.

Please add your name and email to one or more of the time slots below.

'''We need 5 session chairs for each time slot.'''

Check to ensure you are not presenting or teaching a lab during the session timeslot you are volunteering for.
([http://tinyurl.com/foss4g2008schedule FOSS4G2008 Schedule])
If you have a particular room you want to chair, please note it in your entry.

== Monday, 29 September 2008 ==
=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Gavin Fleming

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Carrin Martin

== Tuesday, 30 September 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 1-2.6a Academic track - FOSS GIS tools & components ====
Rob Lemmens (registered, does not present on academic track)

==== 1-2.6b Academic track - Land classification & climate change ====
Karen Steenkamp (registered, does not present on academic track)

==== 1-2.4a General track - Disaster Management ====
David Bitner

==== 1-2.4b General track - Improving FOSS GIS cartography and map production ====
???
==== 1-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
???

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 2-2.6a Academic track - Standards & Interoperability ====
Antony Cooper (registered, presents in this session)

==== 2-2.6b Working session: FOSS GIS in Government ====
SITA
==== 2-2.4a General track - Case Studies ====
Peter Mooney

==== 2-2.4b General track - Environment ====
Sam Hiatt

==== 2-1.6 General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Torsten Drey

=== 13:30-15:00 ===

==== 3-2.6a Academic track - Software engineering & GIS production ====
Peter Schmitz

==== 3-2.6b Academic track - Water resource management ====
Marco Ciolli

==== 3-2.4a General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Alessandro Furieri

==== 3-2.4b General track - Government & Participatory GIS ====
Juan Jose Del Toro

==== 3-1.6 General track - FOSS GIS Business ====
???

=== 15:30-17:00 ===

==== 4-2.6a Academic track - Disaster management ====
Massimiliano Cannata (registered, presents in this session)

==== 4-2.6b General track - Water ====

==== 4-2.4a General track - Education ====
Lizette Rust

==== 4-2.4b General track - Remote Sensing ====
Mateusz Loskot

==== 4-1.6 General track - Web Services ====
???

== Wednesday, 1 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 5-2.6a Academic track - Spatial data ====
Paul Hasenohr

==== 5-2.6b Academic track - Models, simulations and risk assessment ====
Peter Loewe

==== 5-2.4a General track - FOSS Implementation ====
Andrea Antonello

==== 5-2.4b General track - Open data ====
Tyler Mitchell

==== 5-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Franz-Josef Behr

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 6-2.6a Academic track - Collaborative GIS ====
Alwyn Moolman

==== 6-2.6b Academic track - Environmental monitoring & wireless networking ====
Sarel Coetzer

==== 6-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Ismail Wadembere

==== 6-2.4b General track - Water & Education ====
Elsworth McPherson

==== 6-1.6 General track - Case Studies ====
Eric Lemoine

=== 13:30-15:00 ==
==== 7-2.6a General track - Participatory GIS ====
Denis Giroux

==== 7-2.6b General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Jeroen Ticheler

==== 7-2.4a General track - Government ====
???
==== 7-2.4b General track - Health ====
Josh Livni

==== 7-1.6 General track - Web & Environment ====
Peter Loewe

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
Workshops and other meetings. No session chairs required.

== Thursday, 2 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 8-2.6a Academic track - Health, nature conservation & biodiversity ====
Markus Neteler

==== 8-2.6b Academic track - SDI ====
Giuseppe Conti

==== 8-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Alexander Borghuis

==== 8-2.4b General track - Web Services ====
Theodor Foerster

==== 8-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
Arnulf Christl

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 9-2.6a Academic track - Education & Training, FOSS in corporates and government====
Julian Smit - He has not registered but I assume he will be there?

==== 9-2.6b Academic track - Web services ====
Jorge Gustavo Rocha

==== 9-2.4a General track - Government ====
Alize Botha

==== 9-2.4b General track Case Studies ====
Jeff Hamm

==== 9-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Chris Holmes

=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Serena Coetzee

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Inge Netterberg

== Examples of notices that might need to be given by session chairs ==

'''Notices:''' The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the coffee break in the Exhibition Hall.

'''Notices:''' Bird-of-Feather Sessions are starting in 15 minutes. Check the booking board by registration to see what BoF session are on, and what rooms they are in.

'''Notices:''' Lunch is being served on Level Two. The Poster Session is happening on Level One in the registration area. Go down and meet the poster presenters, and ask them questions. The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the lunch hour in Sidney room on Level Two.

'''Notices:''' Tonight is the reception at the museum. The reception kicks off with an IMAX showing of "Titanica" at 6pm sharp. If you are skipping the movie, feel free to get an early start on the drinks and snacks at 6:30pm. Bird-of-Feather sessions start in 15 minutes, check the notice board at registration for room assignments.

= "On call" =
* Steve Lime (I hope...)
* [[User:blake | Dane Springmeyer]]

[[Category:FOSS4G2008]]

FOSS4G2008 Session Chairs

2008-09-21T21:42:29Z

Wiki-Serena: /* 08:30-10:00 */

'''Back to [[FOSS4G2008]] ...'''

The 2008 programme subcommittee is updating this, firstly with invited chairs, then they will ask for volunteers, who will put their names down for sessions. Currently, all the session chairs are presenting papers in the sessions to which they have been assigned, so there should not be any conflict for them with other events.

Session chairs serve as the "master of ceremonies" for one 90 minute session of presentations. Each session has four 20 minute presentations, with a 5 minute question-and-answer period after each. Chairs are expected to:
* ensure that speakers' presentations are ready beforehand, either loaded onto the venue notebook, or running on their own notebook.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, check projector connection (resolutions, cable, etc) before the session.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, capture their presentation on a memory stick.
* introduce the speakers,
* ensure each speaker stays within his or her 25 minute combined presentations-plus-questions presentation limit,
* ensure the next presentation starts promptly as scheduled, and
* occasionally read off a few reminders and announcements at the end of the session.

Please add your name and email to one or more of the time slots below.

'''We need 5 session chairs for each time slot.'''

Check to ensure you are not presenting or teaching a lab during the session timeslot you are volunteering for.
([http://tinyurl.com/foss4g2008schedule FOSS4G2008 Schedule])
If you have a particular room you want to chair, please note it in your entry.

== Monday, 29 September 2008 ==
=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Gavin Fleming

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Carrin Martin

== Tuesday, 30 September 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 1-2.6a Academic track - FOSS GIS tools & components ====
Rob Lemmens (registered, does not present on academic track)

==== 1-2.6b Academic track - Land classification & climate change ====
Karen Steenkamp (registered, does not present on academic track)

==== 1-2.4a General track - Disaster Management ====
David Bitner

==== 1-2.4b General track - Improving FOSS GIS cartography and map production ====
???
==== 1-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
???

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 2-2.6a Academic track - Standards & Interoperability ====
Antony Cooper

==== 2-2.6b Working session: FOSS GIS in Government ====
SITA
==== 2-2.4a General track - Case Studies ====
Peter Mooney

==== 2-2.4b General track - Environment ====
Sam Hiatt

==== 2-1.6 General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Torsten Drey

=== 13:30-15:00 ===

==== 3-2.6a Academic track - Software engineering & GIS production ====
Peter Schmitz

==== 3-2.6b Academic track - Water resource management ====
Marco Ciolli

==== 3-2.4a General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Alessandro Furieri

==== 3-2.4b General track - Government & Participatory GIS ====
Juan Jose Del Toro

==== 3-1.6 General track - FOSS GIS Business ====
???

=== 15:30-17:00 ===

==== 4-2.6a Academic track - Disaster management ====
Massimiliano Cannata (registered, presents in this session)

==== 4-2.6b General track - Water ====

==== 4-2.4a General track - Education ====
Lizette Rust

==== 4-2.4b General track - Remote Sensing ====
Mateusz Loskot

==== 4-1.6 General track - Web Services ====
???

== Wednesday, 1 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 5-2.6a Academic track - Spatial data ====
Paul Hasenohr

==== 5-2.6b Academic track - Models, simulations and risk assessment ====
Peter Loewe

==== 5-2.4a General track - FOSS Implementation ====
Andrea Antonello

==== 5-2.4b General track - Open data ====
Tyler Mitchell

==== 5-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Franz-Josef Behr

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 6-2.6a Academic track - Collaborative GIS ====
Alwyn Moolman

==== 6-2.6b Academic track - Environmental monitoring & wireless networking ====
Sarel Coetzer

==== 6-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Ismail Wadembere

==== 6-2.4b General track - Water & Education ====
Elsworth McPherson

==== 6-1.6 General track - Case Studies ====
Eric Lemoine

=== 13:30-15:00 ==
==== 7-2.6a General track - Participatory GIS ====
Denis Giroux

==== 7-2.6b General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Jeroen Ticheler

==== 7-2.4a General track - Government ====
???
==== 7-2.4b General track - Health ====
Josh Livni

==== 7-1.6 General track - Web & Environment ====
Peter Loewe

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
Workshops and other meetings. No session chairs required.

== Thursday, 2 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 8-2.6a Academic track - Health, nature conservation & biodiversity ====
Markus Neteler

==== 8-2.6b Academic track - SDI ====
Giuseppe Conti

==== 8-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Alexander Borghuis

==== 8-2.4b General track - Web Services ====
Theodor Foerster

==== 8-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
Arnulf Christl

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 9-2.6a Academic track - Education & Training, FOSS in corporates and government====
Julian Smit - He has not registered but I assume he will be there?

==== 9-2.6b Academic track - Web services ====
Jorge Gustavo Rocha

==== 9-2.4a General track - Government ====
Alize Botha

==== 9-2.4b General track Case Studies ====
Jeff Hamm

==== 9-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Chris Holmes

=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Serena Coetzee

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Inge Netterberg

== Examples of notices that might need to be given by session chairs ==

'''Notices:''' The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the coffee break in the Exhibition Hall.

'''Notices:''' Bird-of-Feather Sessions are starting in 15 minutes. Check the booking board by registration to see what BoF session are on, and what rooms they are in.

'''Notices:''' Lunch is being served on Level Two. The Poster Session is happening on Level One in the registration area. Go down and meet the poster presenters, and ask them questions. The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the lunch hour in Sidney room on Level Two.

'''Notices:''' Tonight is the reception at the museum. The reception kicks off with an IMAX showing of "Titanica" at 6pm sharp. If you are skipping the movie, feel free to get an early start on the drinks and snacks at 6:30pm. Bird-of-Feather sessions start in 15 minutes, check the notice board at registration for room assignments.

= "On call" =
* Steve Lime (I hope...)
* [[User:blake | Dane Springmeyer]]

[[Category:FOSS4G2008]]

FOSS4G2008 Session Chairs

2008-09-21T21:40:56Z

Wiki-Serena: /* 15:30-17:00 */

'''Back to [[FOSS4G2008]] ...'''

The 2008 programme subcommittee is updating this, firstly with invited chairs, then they will ask for volunteers, who will put their names down for sessions. Currently, all the session chairs are presenting papers in the sessions to which they have been assigned, so there should not be any conflict for them with other events.

Session chairs serve as the "master of ceremonies" for one 90 minute session of presentations. Each session has four 20 minute presentations, with a 5 minute question-and-answer period after each. Chairs are expected to:
* ensure that speakers' presentations are ready beforehand, either loaded onto the venue notebook, or running on their own notebook.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, check projector connection (resolutions, cable, etc) before the session.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, capture their presentation on a memory stick.
* introduce the speakers,
* ensure each speaker stays within his or her 25 minute combined presentations-plus-questions presentation limit,
* ensure the next presentation starts promptly as scheduled, and
* occasionally read off a few reminders and announcements at the end of the session.

Please add your name and email to one or more of the time slots below.

'''We need 5 session chairs for each time slot.'''

Check to ensure you are not presenting or teaching a lab during the session timeslot you are volunteering for.
([http://tinyurl.com/foss4g2008schedule FOSS4G2008 Schedule])
If you have a particular room you want to chair, please note it in your entry.

== Monday, 29 September 2008 ==
=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Gavin Fleming

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Carrin Martin

== Tuesday, 30 September 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 1-2.6a Academic track - FOSS GIS tools & components ====

==== 1-2.6b Academic track - Land classification & climate change ====
Karen Steenkamp

==== 1-2.4a General track - Disaster Management ====
David Bitner

==== 1-2.4b General track - Improving FOSS GIS cartography and map production ====
???
==== 1-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
???

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 2-2.6a Academic track - Standards & Interoperability ====
Antony Cooper

==== 2-2.6b Working session: FOSS GIS in Government ====
SITA
==== 2-2.4a General track - Case Studies ====
Peter Mooney

==== 2-2.4b General track - Environment ====
Sam Hiatt

==== 2-1.6 General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Torsten Drey

=== 13:30-15:00 ===

==== 3-2.6a Academic track - Software engineering & GIS production ====
Peter Schmitz

==== 3-2.6b Academic track - Water resource management ====
Marco Ciolli

==== 3-2.4a General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Alessandro Furieri

==== 3-2.4b General track - Government & Participatory GIS ====
Juan Jose Del Toro

==== 3-1.6 General track - FOSS GIS Business ====
???

=== 15:30-17:00 ===

==== 4-2.6a Academic track - Disaster management ====
Massimiliano Cannata (registered, presents in this session)

==== 4-2.6b General track - Water ====

==== 4-2.4a General track - Education ====
Lizette Rust

==== 4-2.4b General track - Remote Sensing ====
Mateusz Loskot

==== 4-1.6 General track - Web Services ====
???

== Wednesday, 1 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 5-2.6a Academic track - Spatial data ====
Paul Hasenohr

==== 5-2.6b Academic track - Models, simulations and risk assessment ====
Peter Loewe

==== 5-2.4a General track - FOSS Implementation ====
Andrea Antonello

==== 5-2.4b General track - Open data ====
Tyler Mitchell

==== 5-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Franz-Josef Behr

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 6-2.6a Academic track - Collaborative GIS ====
Alwyn Moolman

==== 6-2.6b Academic track - Environmental monitoring & wireless networking ====
Sarel Coetzer

==== 6-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Ismail Wadembere

==== 6-2.4b General track - Water & Education ====
Elsworth McPherson

==== 6-1.6 General track - Case Studies ====
Eric Lemoine

=== 13:30-15:00 ==
==== 7-2.6a General track - Participatory GIS ====
Denis Giroux

==== 7-2.6b General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Jeroen Ticheler

==== 7-2.4a General track - Government ====
???
==== 7-2.4b General track - Health ====
Josh Livni

==== 7-1.6 General track - Web & Environment ====
Peter Loewe

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
Workshops and other meetings. No session chairs required.

== Thursday, 2 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 8-2.6a Academic track - Health, nature conservation & biodiversity ====
Markus Neteler

==== 8-2.6b Academic track - SDI ====
Giuseppe Conti

==== 8-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Alexander Borghuis

==== 8-2.4b General track - Web Services ====
Theodor Foerster

==== 8-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
Arnulf Christl

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 9-2.6a Academic track - Education & Training, FOSS in corporates and government====
Julian Smit - He has not registered but I assume he will be there?

==== 9-2.6b Academic track - Web services ====
Jorge Gustavo Rocha

==== 9-2.4a General track - Government ====
Alize Botha

==== 9-2.4b General track Case Studies ====
Jeff Hamm

==== 9-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Chris Holmes

=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Serena Coetzee

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Inge Netterberg

== Examples of notices that might need to be given by session chairs ==

'''Notices:''' The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the coffee break in the Exhibition Hall.

'''Notices:''' Bird-of-Feather Sessions are starting in 15 minutes. Check the booking board by registration to see what BoF session are on, and what rooms they are in.

'''Notices:''' Lunch is being served on Level Two. The Poster Session is happening on Level One in the registration area. Go down and meet the poster presenters, and ask them questions. The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the lunch hour in Sidney room on Level Two.

'''Notices:''' Tonight is the reception at the museum. The reception kicks off with an IMAX showing of "Titanica" at 6pm sharp. If you are skipping the movie, feel free to get an early start on the drinks and snacks at 6:30pm. Bird-of-Feather sessions start in 15 minutes, check the notice board at registration for room assignments.

= "On call" =
* Steve Lime (I hope...)
* [[User:blake | Dane Springmeyer]]

[[Category:FOSS4G2008]]

FOSS4G2008 Session Chairs

2008-09-21T21:40:27Z

Wiki-Serena: /* 08:30-10:00 */

'''Back to [[FOSS4G2008]] ...'''

The 2008 programme subcommittee is updating this, firstly with invited chairs, then they will ask for volunteers, who will put their names down for sessions. Currently, all the session chairs are presenting papers in the sessions to which they have been assigned, so there should not be any conflict for them with other events.

Session chairs serve as the "master of ceremonies" for one 90 minute session of presentations. Each session has four 20 minute presentations, with a 5 minute question-and-answer period after each. Chairs are expected to:
* ensure that speakers' presentations are ready beforehand, either loaded onto the venue notebook, or running on their own notebook.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, check projector connection (resolutions, cable, etc) before the session.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, capture their presentation on a memory stick.
* introduce the speakers,
* ensure each speaker stays within his or her 25 minute combined presentations-plus-questions presentation limit,
* ensure the next presentation starts promptly as scheduled, and
* occasionally read off a few reminders and announcements at the end of the session.

Please add your name and email to one or more of the time slots below.

'''We need 5 session chairs for each time slot.'''

Check to ensure you are not presenting or teaching a lab during the session timeslot you are volunteering for.
([http://tinyurl.com/foss4g2008schedule FOSS4G2008 Schedule])
If you have a particular room you want to chair, please note it in your entry.

== Monday, 29 September 2008 ==
=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Gavin Fleming

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Carrin Martin

== Tuesday, 30 September 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 1-2.6a Academic track - FOSS GIS tools & components ====

==== 1-2.6b Academic track - Land classification & climate change ====
Karen Steenkamp

==== 1-2.4a General track - Disaster Management ====
David Bitner

==== 1-2.4b General track - Improving FOSS GIS cartography and map production ====
???
==== 1-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
???

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 2-2.6a Academic track - Standards & Interoperability ====
Antony Cooper

==== 2-2.6b Working session: FOSS GIS in Government ====
SITA
==== 2-2.4a General track - Case Studies ====
Peter Mooney

==== 2-2.4b General track - Environment ====
Sam Hiatt

==== 2-1.6 General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Torsten Drey

=== 13:30-15:00 ===

==== 3-2.6a Academic track - Software engineering & GIS production ====
Peter Schmitz

==== 3-2.6b Academic track - Water resource management ====
Marco Ciolli

==== 3-2.4a General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Alessandro Furieri

==== 3-2.4b General track - Government & Participatory GIS ====
Juan Jose Del Toro

==== 3-1.6 General track - FOSS GIS Business ====
???

=== 15:30-17:00 ===

==== 4-2.6a Academic track - Disaster management ====
Rob Lemmens

==== 4-2.6b General track - Water ====

==== 4-2.4a General track - Education ====
Lizette Rust

==== 4-2.4b General track - Remote Sensing ====
Mateusz Loskot

==== 4-1.6 General track - Web Services ====
???

== Wednesday, 1 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 5-2.6a Academic track - Spatial data ====
Paul Hasenohr

==== 5-2.6b Academic track - Models, simulations and risk assessment ====
Peter Loewe

==== 5-2.4a General track - FOSS Implementation ====
Andrea Antonello

==== 5-2.4b General track - Open data ====
Tyler Mitchell

==== 5-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Franz-Josef Behr

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 6-2.6a Academic track - Collaborative GIS ====
Alwyn Moolman

==== 6-2.6b Academic track - Environmental monitoring & wireless networking ====
Sarel Coetzer

==== 6-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Ismail Wadembere

==== 6-2.4b General track - Water & Education ====
Elsworth McPherson

==== 6-1.6 General track - Case Studies ====
Eric Lemoine

=== 13:30-15:00 ==
==== 7-2.6a General track - Participatory GIS ====
Denis Giroux

==== 7-2.6b General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Jeroen Ticheler

==== 7-2.4a General track - Government ====
???
==== 7-2.4b General track - Health ====
Josh Livni

==== 7-1.6 General track - Web & Environment ====
Peter Loewe

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
Workshops and other meetings. No session chairs required.

== Thursday, 2 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 8-2.6a Academic track - Health, nature conservation & biodiversity ====
Markus Neteler

==== 8-2.6b Academic track - SDI ====
Giuseppe Conti

==== 8-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Alexander Borghuis

==== 8-2.4b General track - Web Services ====
Theodor Foerster

==== 8-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
Arnulf Christl

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 9-2.6a Academic track - Education & Training, FOSS in corporates and government====
Julian Smit - He has not registered but I assume he will be there?

==== 9-2.6b Academic track - Web services ====
Jorge Gustavo Rocha

==== 9-2.4a General track - Government ====
Alize Botha

==== 9-2.4b General track Case Studies ====
Jeff Hamm

==== 9-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Chris Holmes

=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Serena Coetzee

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Inge Netterberg

== Examples of notices that might need to be given by session chairs ==

'''Notices:''' The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the coffee break in the Exhibition Hall.

'''Notices:''' Bird-of-Feather Sessions are starting in 15 minutes. Check the booking board by registration to see what BoF session are on, and what rooms they are in.

'''Notices:''' Lunch is being served on Level Two. The Poster Session is happening on Level One in the registration area. Go down and meet the poster presenters, and ask them questions. The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the lunch hour in Sidney room on Level Two.

'''Notices:''' Tonight is the reception at the museum. The reception kicks off with an IMAX showing of "Titanica" at 6pm sharp. If you are skipping the movie, feel free to get an early start on the drinks and snacks at 6:30pm. Bird-of-Feather sessions start in 15 minutes, check the notice board at registration for room assignments.

= "On call" =
* Steve Lime (I hope...)
* [[User:blake | Dane Springmeyer]]

[[Category:FOSS4G2008]]

FOSS4G2008 Session Chairs

2008-09-21T21:39:48Z

Wiki-Serena: /* 13:30-15:00 */

'''Back to [[FOSS4G2008]] ...'''

The 2008 programme subcommittee is updating this, firstly with invited chairs, then they will ask for volunteers, who will put their names down for sessions. Currently, all the session chairs are presenting papers in the sessions to which they have been assigned, so there should not be any conflict for them with other events.

Session chairs serve as the "master of ceremonies" for one 90 minute session of presentations. Each session has four 20 minute presentations, with a 5 minute question-and-answer period after each. Chairs are expected to:
* ensure that speakers' presentations are ready beforehand, either loaded onto the venue notebook, or running on their own notebook.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, check projector connection (resolutions, cable, etc) before the session.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, capture their presentation on a memory stick.
* introduce the speakers,
* ensure each speaker stays within his or her 25 minute combined presentations-plus-questions presentation limit,
* ensure the next presentation starts promptly as scheduled, and
* occasionally read off a few reminders and announcements at the end of the session.

Please add your name and email to one or more of the time slots below.

'''We need 5 session chairs for each time slot.'''

Check to ensure you are not presenting or teaching a lab during the session timeslot you are volunteering for.
([http://tinyurl.com/foss4g2008schedule FOSS4G2008 Schedule])
If you have a particular room you want to chair, please note it in your entry.

== Monday, 29 September 2008 ==
=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Gavin Fleming

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Carrin Martin

== Tuesday, 30 September 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 1-2.6a Academic track - FOSS GIS tools & components ====
Massimiliano Cannata

==== 1-2.6b Academic track - Land classification & climate change ====
Karen Steenkamp

==== 1-2.4a General track - Disaster Management ====
David Bitner

==== 1-2.4b General track - Improving FOSS GIS cartography and map production ====
???
==== 1-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
???

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 2-2.6a Academic track - Standards & Interoperability ====
Antony Cooper

==== 2-2.6b Working session: FOSS GIS in Government ====
SITA
==== 2-2.4a General track - Case Studies ====
Peter Mooney

==== 2-2.4b General track - Environment ====
Sam Hiatt

==== 2-1.6 General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Torsten Drey

=== 13:30-15:00 ===

==== 3-2.6a Academic track - Software engineering & GIS production ====
Peter Schmitz

==== 3-2.6b Academic track - Water resource management ====
Marco Ciolli

==== 3-2.4a General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Alessandro Furieri

==== 3-2.4b General track - Government & Participatory GIS ====
Juan Jose Del Toro

==== 3-1.6 General track - FOSS GIS Business ====
???

=== 15:30-17:00 ===

==== 4-2.6a Academic track - Disaster management ====
Rob Lemmens

==== 4-2.6b General track - Water ====

==== 4-2.4a General track - Education ====
Lizette Rust

==== 4-2.4b General track - Remote Sensing ====
Mateusz Loskot

==== 4-1.6 General track - Web Services ====
???

== Wednesday, 1 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 5-2.6a Academic track - Spatial data ====
Paul Hasenohr

==== 5-2.6b Academic track - Models, simulations and risk assessment ====
Peter Loewe

==== 5-2.4a General track - FOSS Implementation ====
Andrea Antonello

==== 5-2.4b General track - Open data ====
Tyler Mitchell

==== 5-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Franz-Josef Behr

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 6-2.6a Academic track - Collaborative GIS ====
Alwyn Moolman

==== 6-2.6b Academic track - Environmental monitoring & wireless networking ====
Sarel Coetzer

==== 6-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Ismail Wadembere

==== 6-2.4b General track - Water & Education ====
Elsworth McPherson

==== 6-1.6 General track - Case Studies ====
Eric Lemoine

=== 13:30-15:00 ==
==== 7-2.6a General track - Participatory GIS ====
Denis Giroux

==== 7-2.6b General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Jeroen Ticheler

==== 7-2.4a General track - Government ====
???
==== 7-2.4b General track - Health ====
Josh Livni

==== 7-1.6 General track - Web & Environment ====
Peter Loewe

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
Workshops and other meetings. No session chairs required.

== Thursday, 2 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 8-2.6a Academic track - Health, nature conservation & biodiversity ====
Markus Neteler

==== 8-2.6b Academic track - SDI ====
Giuseppe Conti

==== 8-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Alexander Borghuis

==== 8-2.4b General track - Web Services ====
Theodor Foerster

==== 8-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
Arnulf Christl

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 9-2.6a Academic track - Education & Training, FOSS in corporates and government====
Julian Smit - He has not registered but I assume he will be there?

==== 9-2.6b Academic track - Web services ====
Jorge Gustavo Rocha

==== 9-2.4a General track - Government ====
Alize Botha

==== 9-2.4b General track Case Studies ====
Jeff Hamm

==== 9-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Chris Holmes

=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Serena Coetzee

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Inge Netterberg

== Examples of notices that might need to be given by session chairs ==

'''Notices:''' The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the coffee break in the Exhibition Hall.

'''Notices:''' Bird-of-Feather Sessions are starting in 15 minutes. Check the booking board by registration to see what BoF session are on, and what rooms they are in.

'''Notices:''' Lunch is being served on Level Two. The Poster Session is happening on Level One in the registration area. Go down and meet the poster presenters, and ask them questions. The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the lunch hour in Sidney room on Level Two.

'''Notices:''' Tonight is the reception at the museum. The reception kicks off with an IMAX showing of "Titanica" at 6pm sharp. If you are skipping the movie, feel free to get an early start on the drinks and snacks at 6:30pm. Bird-of-Feather sessions start in 15 minutes, check the notice board at registration for room assignments.

= "On call" =
* Steve Lime (I hope...)
* [[User:blake | Dane Springmeyer]]

[[Category:FOSS4G2008]]

FOSS4G2008 Session Chairs

2008-09-21T21:39:02Z

Wiki-Serena: /* 08:30-10:00 */

'''Back to [[FOSS4G2008]] ...'''

The 2008 programme subcommittee is updating this, firstly with invited chairs, then they will ask for volunteers, who will put their names down for sessions. Currently, all the session chairs are presenting papers in the sessions to which they have been assigned, so there should not be any conflict for them with other events.

Session chairs serve as the "master of ceremonies" for one 90 minute session of presentations. Each session has four 20 minute presentations, with a 5 minute question-and-answer period after each. Chairs are expected to:
* ensure that speakers' presentations are ready beforehand, either loaded onto the venue notebook, or running on their own notebook.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, check projector connection (resolutions, cable, etc) before the session.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, capture their presentation on a memory stick.
* introduce the speakers,
* ensure each speaker stays within his or her 25 minute combined presentations-plus-questions presentation limit,
* ensure the next presentation starts promptly as scheduled, and
* occasionally read off a few reminders and announcements at the end of the session.

Please add your name and email to one or more of the time slots below.

'''We need 5 session chairs for each time slot.'''

Check to ensure you are not presenting or teaching a lab during the session timeslot you are volunteering for.
([http://tinyurl.com/foss4g2008schedule FOSS4G2008 Schedule])
If you have a particular room you want to chair, please note it in your entry.

== Monday, 29 September 2008 ==
=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Gavin Fleming

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Carrin Martin

== Tuesday, 30 September 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 1-2.6a Academic track - FOSS GIS tools & components ====
Massimiliano Cannata

==== 1-2.6b Academic track - Land classification & climate change ====
Karen Steenkamp

==== 1-2.4a General track - Disaster Management ====
David Bitner

==== 1-2.4b General track - Improving FOSS GIS cartography and map production ====
???
==== 1-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
???

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 2-2.6a Academic track - Standards & Interoperability ====
Antony Cooper

==== 2-2.6b Working session: FOSS GIS in Government ====
SITA
==== 2-2.4a General track - Case Studies ====
Peter Mooney

==== 2-2.4b General track - Environment ====
Sam Hiatt

==== 2-1.6 General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Torsten Drey

=== 13:30-15:00 ===

==== 3-2.6a Academic track - Software engineering & GIS production ====
Giuseppe Conti

==== 3-2.6b Academic track - Water resource management ====
Marco Ciolli

==== 3-2.4a General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Alessandro Furieri

==== 3-2.4b General track - Government & Participatory GIS ====
Juan Jose Del Toro

==== 3-1.6 General track - FOSS GIS Business ====
???

=== 15:30-17:00 ===

==== 4-2.6a Academic track - Disaster management ====
Rob Lemmens

==== 4-2.6b General track - Water ====

==== 4-2.4a General track - Education ====
Lizette Rust

==== 4-2.4b General track - Remote Sensing ====
Mateusz Loskot

==== 4-1.6 General track - Web Services ====
???

== Wednesday, 1 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 5-2.6a Academic track - Spatial data ====
Paul Hasenohr

==== 5-2.6b Academic track - Models, simulations and risk assessment ====
Peter Loewe

==== 5-2.4a General track - FOSS Implementation ====
Andrea Antonello

==== 5-2.4b General track - Open data ====
Tyler Mitchell

==== 5-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Franz-Josef Behr

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 6-2.6a Academic track - Collaborative GIS ====
Alwyn Moolman

==== 6-2.6b Academic track - Environmental monitoring & wireless networking ====
Sarel Coetzer

==== 6-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Ismail Wadembere

==== 6-2.4b General track - Water & Education ====
Elsworth McPherson

==== 6-1.6 General track - Case Studies ====
Eric Lemoine

=== 13:30-15:00 ==
==== 7-2.6a General track - Participatory GIS ====
Denis Giroux

==== 7-2.6b General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Jeroen Ticheler

==== 7-2.4a General track - Government ====
???
==== 7-2.4b General track - Health ====
Josh Livni

==== 7-1.6 General track - Web & Environment ====
Peter Loewe

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
Workshops and other meetings. No session chairs required.

== Thursday, 2 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 8-2.6a Academic track - Health, nature conservation & biodiversity ====
Markus Neteler

==== 8-2.6b Academic track - SDI ====
Giuseppe Conti

==== 8-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Alexander Borghuis

==== 8-2.4b General track - Web Services ====
Theodor Foerster

==== 8-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
Arnulf Christl

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 9-2.6a Academic track - Education & Training, FOSS in corporates and government====
Julian Smit - He has not registered but I assume he will be there?

==== 9-2.6b Academic track - Web services ====
Jorge Gustavo Rocha

==== 9-2.4a General track - Government ====
Alize Botha

==== 9-2.4b General track Case Studies ====
Jeff Hamm

==== 9-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Chris Holmes

=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Serena Coetzee

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Inge Netterberg

== Examples of notices that might need to be given by session chairs ==

'''Notices:''' The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the coffee break in the Exhibition Hall.

'''Notices:''' Bird-of-Feather Sessions are starting in 15 minutes. Check the booking board by registration to see what BoF session are on, and what rooms they are in.

'''Notices:''' Lunch is being served on Level Two. The Poster Session is happening on Level One in the registration area. Go down and meet the poster presenters, and ask them questions. The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the lunch hour in Sidney room on Level Two.

'''Notices:''' Tonight is the reception at the museum. The reception kicks off with an IMAX showing of "Titanica" at 6pm sharp. If you are skipping the movie, feel free to get an early start on the drinks and snacks at 6:30pm. Bird-of-Feather sessions start in 15 minutes, check the notice board at registration for room assignments.

= "On call" =
* Steve Lime (I hope...)
* [[User:blake | Dane Springmeyer]]

[[Category:FOSS4G2008]]

FOSS4G2008 Session Chairs

2008-09-21T21:37:14Z

Wiki-Serena: /* 08:30-10:00 */

'''Back to [[FOSS4G2008]] ...'''

The 2008 programme subcommittee is updating this, firstly with invited chairs, then they will ask for volunteers, who will put their names down for sessions. Currently, all the session chairs are presenting papers in the sessions to which they have been assigned, so there should not be any conflict for them with other events.

Session chairs serve as the "master of ceremonies" for one 90 minute session of presentations. Each session has four 20 minute presentations, with a 5 minute question-and-answer period after each. Chairs are expected to:
* ensure that speakers' presentations are ready beforehand, either loaded onto the venue notebook, or running on their own notebook.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, check projector connection (resolutions, cable, etc) before the session.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, capture their presentation on a memory stick.
* introduce the speakers,
* ensure each speaker stays within his or her 25 minute combined presentations-plus-questions presentation limit,
* ensure the next presentation starts promptly as scheduled, and
* occasionally read off a few reminders and announcements at the end of the session.

Please add your name and email to one or more of the time slots below.

'''We need 5 session chairs for each time slot.'''

Check to ensure you are not presenting or teaching a lab during the session timeslot you are volunteering for.
([http://tinyurl.com/foss4g2008schedule FOSS4G2008 Schedule])
If you have a particular room you want to chair, please note it in your entry.

== Monday, 29 September 2008 ==
=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Gavin Fleming

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Carrin Martin

== Tuesday, 30 September 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 1-2.6a Academic track - FOSS GIS tools & components ====
Peter Schmitz

==== 1-2.6b Academic track - Land classification & climate change ====
Karen Steenkamp

==== 1-2.4a General track - Disaster Management ====
David Bitner

==== 1-2.4b General track - Improving FOSS GIS cartography and map production ====
???
==== 1-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
???

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 2-2.6a Academic track - Standards & Interoperability ====
Antony Cooper

==== 2-2.6b Working session: FOSS GIS in Government ====
SITA
==== 2-2.4a General track - Case Studies ====
Peter Mooney

==== 2-2.4b General track - Environment ====
Sam Hiatt

==== 2-1.6 General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Torsten Drey

=== 13:30-15:00 ===

==== 3-2.6a Academic track - Software engineering & GIS production ====
Giuseppe Conti

==== 3-2.6b Academic track - Water resource management ====
Marco Ciolli

==== 3-2.4a General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Alessandro Furieri

==== 3-2.4b General track - Government & Participatory GIS ====
Juan Jose Del Toro

==== 3-1.6 General track - FOSS GIS Business ====
???

=== 15:30-17:00 ===

==== 4-2.6a Academic track - Disaster management ====
Rob Lemmens

==== 4-2.6b General track - Water ====

==== 4-2.4a General track - Education ====
Lizette Rust

==== 4-2.4b General track - Remote Sensing ====
Mateusz Loskot

==== 4-1.6 General track - Web Services ====
???

== Wednesday, 1 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 5-2.6a Academic track - Spatial data ====
Paul Hasenohr

==== 5-2.6b Academic track - Models, simulations and risk assessment ====
Peter Loewe

==== 5-2.4a General track - FOSS Implementation ====
Andrea Antonello

==== 5-2.4b General track - Open data ====
Tyler Mitchell

==== 5-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Franz-Josef Behr

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 6-2.6a Academic track - Collaborative GIS ====
Alwyn Moolman

==== 6-2.6b Academic track - Environmental monitoring & wireless networking ====
Sarel Coetzer

==== 6-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Ismail Wadembere

==== 6-2.4b General track - Water & Education ====
Elsworth McPherson

==== 6-1.6 General track - Case Studies ====
Eric Lemoine

=== 13:30-15:00 ==
==== 7-2.6a General track - Participatory GIS ====
Denis Giroux

==== 7-2.6b General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Jeroen Ticheler

==== 7-2.4a General track - Government ====
???
==== 7-2.4b General track - Health ====
Josh Livni

==== 7-1.6 General track - Web & Environment ====
Peter Loewe

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
Workshops and other meetings. No session chairs required.

== Thursday, 2 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 8-2.6a Academic track - Health, nature conservation & biodiversity ====
Markus Neteler

==== 8-2.6b Academic track - SDI ====
Giuseppe Conti

==== 8-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Alexander Borghuis

==== 8-2.4b General track - Web Services ====
Theodor Foerster

==== 8-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
Arnulf Christl

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 9-2.6a Academic track - Education & Training, FOSS in corporates and government====
Julian Smit - He has not registered but I assume he will be there?

==== 9-2.6b Academic track - Web services ====
Jorge Gustavo Rocha

==== 9-2.4a General track - Government ====
Alize Botha

==== 9-2.4b General track Case Studies ====
Jeff Hamm

==== 9-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Chris Holmes

=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Serena Coetzee

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Inge Netterberg

== Examples of notices that might need to be given by session chairs ==

'''Notices:''' The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the coffee break in the Exhibition Hall.

'''Notices:''' Bird-of-Feather Sessions are starting in 15 minutes. Check the booking board by registration to see what BoF session are on, and what rooms they are in.

'''Notices:''' Lunch is being served on Level Two. The Poster Session is happening on Level One in the registration area. Go down and meet the poster presenters, and ask them questions. The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the lunch hour in Sidney room on Level Two.

'''Notices:''' Tonight is the reception at the museum. The reception kicks off with an IMAX showing of "Titanica" at 6pm sharp. If you are skipping the movie, feel free to get an early start on the drinks and snacks at 6:30pm. Bird-of-Feather sessions start in 15 minutes, check the notice board at registration for room assignments.

= "On call" =
* Steve Lime (I hope...)
* [[User:blake | Dane Springmeyer]]

[[Category:FOSS4G2008]]

FOSS4G2008 Session Chairs

2008-09-21T21:35:44Z

Wiki-Serena: /* 10:30-12:00 */

'''Back to [[FOSS4G2008]] ...'''

The 2008 programme subcommittee is updating this, firstly with invited chairs, then they will ask for volunteers, who will put their names down for sessions. Currently, all the session chairs are presenting papers in the sessions to which they have been assigned, so there should not be any conflict for them with other events.

Session chairs serve as the "master of ceremonies" for one 90 minute session of presentations. Each session has four 20 minute presentations, with a 5 minute question-and-answer period after each. Chairs are expected to:
* ensure that speakers' presentations are ready beforehand, either loaded onto the venue notebook, or running on their own notebook.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, check projector connection (resolutions, cable, etc) before the session.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, capture their presentation on a memory stick.
* introduce the speakers,
* ensure each speaker stays within his or her 25 minute combined presentations-plus-questions presentation limit,
* ensure the next presentation starts promptly as scheduled, and
* occasionally read off a few reminders and announcements at the end of the session.

Please add your name and email to one or more of the time slots below.

'''We need 5 session chairs for each time slot.'''

Check to ensure you are not presenting or teaching a lab during the session timeslot you are volunteering for.
([http://tinyurl.com/foss4g2008schedule FOSS4G2008 Schedule])
If you have a particular room you want to chair, please note it in your entry.

== Monday, 29 September 2008 ==
=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Gavin Fleming

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Carrin Martin

== Tuesday, 30 September 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 1-2.6a Academic track - FOSS GIS tools & components ====
Peter Schmitz

==== 1-2.6b Academic track - Land classification & climate change ====
Karen Steenkamp

==== 1-2.4a General track - Disaster Management ====
David Bitner

==== 1-2.4b General track - Improving FOSS GIS cartography and map production ====
???
==== 1-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
???

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 2-2.6a Academic track - Standards & Interoperability ====
Antony Cooper

==== 2-2.6b Working session: FOSS GIS in Government ====
SITA
==== 2-2.4a General track - Case Studies ====
Peter Mooney

==== 2-2.4b General track - Environment ====
Sam Hiatt

==== 2-1.6 General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Torsten Drey

=== 13:30-15:00 ===

==== 3-2.6a Academic track - Software engineering & GIS production ====
Giuseppe Conti

==== 3-2.6b Academic track - Water resource management ====
Marco Ciolli

==== 3-2.4a General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Alessandro Furieri

==== 3-2.4b General track - Government & Participatory GIS ====
Juan Jose Del Toro

==== 3-1.6 General track - FOSS GIS Business ====
???

=== 15:30-17:00 ===

==== 4-2.6a Academic track - Disaster management ====
Rob Lemmens

==== 4-2.6b General track - Water ====

==== 4-2.4a General track - Education ====
Lizette Rust

==== 4-2.4b General track - Remote Sensing ====
Mateusz Loskot

==== 4-1.6 General track - Web Services ====
???

== Wednesday, 1 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 5-2.6a Academic track - Spatial data ====
Paul Hasenohr

==== 5-2.6b Academic track - Models, simulations and risk assessment ====
Peter Loewe

==== 5-2.4a General track - FOSS Implementation ====
Andrea Antonello

==== 5-2.4b General track - Open data ====
Tyler Mitchell

==== 5-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Franz-Josef Behr

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 6-2.6a Academic track - Collaborative GIS ====
Alwyn Moolman

==== 6-2.6b Academic track - Environmental monitoring & wireless networking ====
Sarel Coetzer

==== 6-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Ismail Wadembere

==== 6-2.4b General track - Water & Education ====
Elsworth McPherson

==== 6-1.6 General track - Case Studies ====
Eric Lemoine

=== 13:30-15:00 ==
==== 7-2.6a General track - Participatory GIS ====
Denis Giroux

==== 7-2.6b General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Jeroen Ticheler

==== 7-2.4a General track - Government ====
???
==== 7-2.4b General track - Health ====
Josh Livni

==== 7-1.6 General track - Web & Environment ====
Peter Loewe

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
Workshops and other meetings. No session chairs required.

== Thursday, 2 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 8-2.6a Academic track - Health, nature conservation & biodiversity ====
Markus Neteler

==== 8-2.6b Academic track - SDI ====
Julian Smit - He has not registered for the conference, but I assume he will be there?

==== 8-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Alexander Borghuis

==== 8-2.4b General track - Web Services ====
Theodor Foerster

==== 8-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
Arnulf Christl

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 9-2.6a Academic track - Education & Training, FOSS in corporates and government====
Julian Smit - He has not registered but I assume he will be there?

==== 9-2.6b Academic track - Web services ====
Jorge Gustavo Rocha

==== 9-2.4a General track - Government ====
Alize Botha

==== 9-2.4b General track Case Studies ====
Jeff Hamm

==== 9-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Chris Holmes

=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Serena Coetzee

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Inge Netterberg

== Examples of notices that might need to be given by session chairs ==

'''Notices:''' The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the coffee break in the Exhibition Hall.

'''Notices:''' Bird-of-Feather Sessions are starting in 15 minutes. Check the booking board by registration to see what BoF session are on, and what rooms they are in.

'''Notices:''' Lunch is being served on Level Two. The Poster Session is happening on Level One in the registration area. Go down and meet the poster presenters, and ask them questions. The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the lunch hour in Sidney room on Level Two.

'''Notices:''' Tonight is the reception at the museum. The reception kicks off with an IMAX showing of "Titanica" at 6pm sharp. If you are skipping the movie, feel free to get an early start on the drinks and snacks at 6:30pm. Bird-of-Feather sessions start in 15 minutes, check the notice board at registration for room assignments.

= "On call" =
* Steve Lime (I hope...)
* [[User:blake | Dane Springmeyer]]

[[Category:FOSS4G2008]]

FOSS4G2008 Session Chairs

2008-09-21T21:34:28Z

Wiki-Serena: /* 08:30-10:00 */

'''Back to [[FOSS4G2008]] ...'''

The 2008 programme subcommittee is updating this, firstly with invited chairs, then they will ask for volunteers, who will put their names down for sessions. Currently, all the session chairs are presenting papers in the sessions to which they have been assigned, so there should not be any conflict for them with other events.

Session chairs serve as the "master of ceremonies" for one 90 minute session of presentations. Each session has four 20 minute presentations, with a 5 minute question-and-answer period after each. Chairs are expected to:
* ensure that speakers' presentations are ready beforehand, either loaded onto the venue notebook, or running on their own notebook.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, check projector connection (resolutions, cable, etc) before the session.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, capture their presentation on a memory stick.
* introduce the speakers,
* ensure each speaker stays within his or her 25 minute combined presentations-plus-questions presentation limit,
* ensure the next presentation starts promptly as scheduled, and
* occasionally read off a few reminders and announcements at the end of the session.

Please add your name and email to one or more of the time slots below.

'''We need 5 session chairs for each time slot.'''

Check to ensure you are not presenting or teaching a lab during the session timeslot you are volunteering for.
([http://tinyurl.com/foss4g2008schedule FOSS4G2008 Schedule])
If you have a particular room you want to chair, please note it in your entry.

== Monday, 29 September 2008 ==
=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Gavin Fleming

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Carrin Martin

== Tuesday, 30 September 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 1-2.6a Academic track - FOSS GIS tools & components ====
Peter Schmitz

==== 1-2.6b Academic track - Land classification & climate change ====
Karen Steenkamp

==== 1-2.4a General track - Disaster Management ====
David Bitner

==== 1-2.4b General track - Improving FOSS GIS cartography and map production ====
???
==== 1-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
???

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 2-2.6a Academic track - Standards & Interoperability ====
Antony Cooper

==== 2-2.6b Working session: FOSS GIS in Government ====
SITA
==== 2-2.4a General track - Case Studies ====
Peter Mooney

==== 2-2.4b General track - Environment ====
Sam Hiatt

==== 2-1.6 General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Torsten Drey

=== 13:30-15:00 ===

==== 3-2.6a Academic track - Software engineering & GIS production ====
Giuseppe Conti

==== 3-2.6b Academic track - Water resource management ====
Marco Ciolli

==== 3-2.4a General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Alessandro Furieri

==== 3-2.4b General track - Government & Participatory GIS ====
Juan Jose Del Toro

==== 3-1.6 General track - FOSS GIS Business ====
???

=== 15:30-17:00 ===

==== 4-2.6a Academic track - Disaster management ====
Rob Lemmens

==== 4-2.6b General track - Water ====

==== 4-2.4a General track - Education ====
Lizette Rust

==== 4-2.4b General track - Remote Sensing ====
Mateusz Loskot

==== 4-1.6 General track - Web Services ====
???

== Wednesday, 1 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 5-2.6a Academic track - Spatial data ====
Paul Hasenohr

==== 5-2.6b Academic track - Models, simulations and risk assessment ====
Peter Loewe

==== 5-2.4a General track - FOSS Implementation ====
Andrea Antonello

==== 5-2.4b General track - Open data ====
Tyler Mitchell

==== 5-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Franz-Josef Behr

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 6-2.6a Academic track - Collaborative GIS ====
Alwyn Moolman

==== 6-2.6b Academic track - Environmental monitoring & wireless networking ====
Sarel Coetzer

==== 6-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Ismail Wadembere

==== 6-2.4b General track - Water & Education ====
Elsworth McPherson

==== 6-1.6 General track - Case Studies ====
Eric Lemoine

=== 13:30-15:00 ==
==== 7-2.6a General track - Participatory GIS ====
Denis Giroux

==== 7-2.6b General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Jeroen Ticheler

==== 7-2.4a General track - Government ====
???
==== 7-2.4b General track - Health ====
Josh Livni

==== 7-1.6 General track - Web & Environment ====
Peter Loewe

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
Workshops and other meetings. No session chairs required.

== Thursday, 2 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 8-2.6a Academic track - Health, nature conservation & biodiversity ====
Markus Neteler

==== 8-2.6b Academic track - SDI ====
Julian Smit - He has not registered for the conference, but I assume he will be there?

==== 8-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Alexander Borghuis

==== 8-2.4b General track - Web Services ====
Theodor Foerster

==== 8-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
Arnulf Christl

=== 10:30-12:00 ===
==== 9-2.6a Academic track - Education & Training, FOSS in corporates and government====
Shirley Butcher

==== 9-2.6b Academic track - Web services ====
???
==== 9-2.4a General track - Government ====
Alize Botha

==== 9-2.4b General track Case Studies ====
Jeff Hamm

==== 9-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Chris Holmes

=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Serena Coetzee

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Inge Netterberg

== Examples of notices that might need to be given by session chairs ==

'''Notices:''' The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the coffee break in the Exhibition Hall.

'''Notices:''' Bird-of-Feather Sessions are starting in 15 minutes. Check the booking board by registration to see what BoF session are on, and what rooms they are in.

'''Notices:''' Lunch is being served on Level Two. The Poster Session is happening on Level One in the registration area. Go down and meet the poster presenters, and ask them questions. The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the lunch hour in Sidney room on Level Two.

'''Notices:''' Tonight is the reception at the museum. The reception kicks off with an IMAX showing of "Titanica" at 6pm sharp. If you are skipping the movie, feel free to get an early start on the drinks and snacks at 6:30pm. Bird-of-Feather sessions start in 15 minutes, check the notice board at registration for room assignments.

= "On call" =
* Steve Lime (I hope...)
* [[User:blake | Dane Springmeyer]]

[[Category:FOSS4G2008]]

FOSS4G2008 Session Chairs

2008-09-21T21:33:48Z

Wiki-Serena: /* Thursday, 2 October 2008 */

'''Back to [[FOSS4G2008]] ...'''

The 2008 programme subcommittee is updating this, firstly with invited chairs, then they will ask for volunteers, who will put their names down for sessions. Currently, all the session chairs are presenting papers in the sessions to which they have been assigned, so there should not be any conflict for them with other events.

Session chairs serve as the "master of ceremonies" for one 90 minute session of presentations. Each session has four 20 minute presentations, with a 5 minute question-and-answer period after each. Chairs are expected to:
* ensure that speakers' presentations are ready beforehand, either loaded onto the venue notebook, or running on their own notebook.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, check projector connection (resolutions, cable, etc) before the session.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, capture their presentation on a memory stick.
* introduce the speakers,
* ensure each speaker stays within his or her 25 minute combined presentations-plus-questions presentation limit,
* ensure the next presentation starts promptly as scheduled, and
* occasionally read off a few reminders and announcements at the end of the session.

Please add your name and email to one or more of the time slots below.

'''We need 5 session chairs for each time slot.'''

Check to ensure you are not presenting or teaching a lab during the session timeslot you are volunteering for.
([http://tinyurl.com/foss4g2008schedule FOSS4G2008 Schedule])
If you have a particular room you want to chair, please note it in your entry.

== Monday, 29 September 2008 ==
=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Gavin Fleming

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Carrin Martin

== Tuesday, 30 September 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 1-2.6a Academic track - FOSS GIS tools & components ====
Peter Schmitz

==== 1-2.6b Academic track - Land classification & climate change ====
Karen Steenkamp

==== 1-2.4a General track - Disaster Management ====
David Bitner

==== 1-2.4b General track - Improving FOSS GIS cartography and map production ====
???
==== 1-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
???

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 2-2.6a Academic track - Standards & Interoperability ====
Antony Cooper

==== 2-2.6b Working session: FOSS GIS in Government ====
SITA
==== 2-2.4a General track - Case Studies ====
Peter Mooney

==== 2-2.4b General track - Environment ====
Sam Hiatt

==== 2-1.6 General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Torsten Drey

=== 13:30-15:00 ===

==== 3-2.6a Academic track - Software engineering & GIS production ====
Giuseppe Conti

==== 3-2.6b Academic track - Water resource management ====
Marco Ciolli

==== 3-2.4a General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Alessandro Furieri

==== 3-2.4b General track - Government & Participatory GIS ====
Juan Jose Del Toro

==== 3-1.6 General track - FOSS GIS Business ====
???

=== 15:30-17:00 ===

==== 4-2.6a Academic track - Disaster management ====
Rob Lemmens

==== 4-2.6b General track - Water ====

==== 4-2.4a General track - Education ====
Lizette Rust

==== 4-2.4b General track - Remote Sensing ====
Mateusz Loskot

==== 4-1.6 General track - Web Services ====
???

== Wednesday, 1 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 5-2.6a Academic track - Spatial data ====
Paul Hasenohr

==== 5-2.6b Academic track - Models, simulations and risk assessment ====
Peter Loewe

==== 5-2.4a General track - FOSS Implementation ====
Andrea Antonello

==== 5-2.4b General track - Open data ====
Tyler Mitchell

==== 5-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Franz-Josef Behr

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 6-2.6a Academic track - Collaborative GIS ====
Alwyn Moolman

==== 6-2.6b Academic track - Environmental monitoring & wireless networking ====
Sarel Coetzer

==== 6-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Ismail Wadembere

==== 6-2.4b General track - Water & Education ====
Elsworth McPherson

==== 6-1.6 General track - Case Studies ====
Eric Lemoine

=== 13:30-15:00 ==
==== 7-2.6a General track - Participatory GIS ====
Denis Giroux

==== 7-2.6b General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Jeroen Ticheler

==== 7-2.4a General track - Government ====
???
==== 7-2.4b General track - Health ====
Josh Livni

==== 7-1.6 General track - Web & Environment ====
Peter Loewe

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
Workshops and other meetings. No session chairs required.

== Thursday, 2 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 8-2.6a Academic track - Health, nature conservation & biodiversity ====
Markus Neteler

==== 8-2.6b Academic track - SDI ====
Julian Smit - He has not registered for the conference, but I assume he will be there?

==== 8-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Alexander Borghuis

==== 8-2.4b General track - Web Services ====
Theodor Foerster

==== 8-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
Arnulf Christl

=== 10:30-12:00 ===
==== 9-2.6a Academic track - Education & Training, FOSS in corporates and government====
Shirley Butcher

==== 9-2.6b Academic track - Web services ====
???
==== 9-2.4a General track - Government ====
Alize Botha

==== 9-2.4b General track Case Studies ====
Jeff Hamm

==== 9-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Chris Holmes

=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Serena Coetzee

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Inge Netterberg

== Examples of notices that might need to be given by session chairs ==

'''Notices:''' The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the coffee break in the Exhibition Hall.

'''Notices:''' Bird-of-Feather Sessions are starting in 15 minutes. Check the booking board by registration to see what BoF session are on, and what rooms they are in.

'''Notices:''' Lunch is being served on Level Two. The Poster Session is happening on Level One in the registration area. Go down and meet the poster presenters, and ask them questions. The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the lunch hour in Sidney room on Level Two.

'''Notices:''' Tonight is the reception at the museum. The reception kicks off with an IMAX showing of "Titanica" at 6pm sharp. If you are skipping the movie, feel free to get an early start on the drinks and snacks at 6:30pm. Bird-of-Feather sessions start in 15 minutes, check the notice board at registration for room assignments.

= "On call" =
* Steve Lime (I hope...)
* [[User:blake | Dane Springmeyer]]

[[Category:FOSS4G2008]]

FOSS4G2008 Session Chairs

2008-09-21T21:32:03Z

Wiki-Serena: /* 10:30-12:00 */

'''Back to [[FOSS4G2008]] ...'''

The 2008 programme subcommittee is updating this, firstly with invited chairs, then they will ask for volunteers, who will put their names down for sessions. Currently, all the session chairs are presenting papers in the sessions to which they have been assigned, so there should not be any conflict for them with other events.

Session chairs serve as the "master of ceremonies" for one 90 minute session of presentations. Each session has four 20 minute presentations, with a 5 minute question-and-answer period after each. Chairs are expected to:
* ensure that speakers' presentations are ready beforehand, either loaded onto the venue notebook, or running on their own notebook.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, check projector connection (resolutions, cable, etc) before the session.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, capture their presentation on a memory stick.
* introduce the speakers,
* ensure each speaker stays within his or her 25 minute combined presentations-plus-questions presentation limit,
* ensure the next presentation starts promptly as scheduled, and
* occasionally read off a few reminders and announcements at the end of the session.

Please add your name and email to one or more of the time slots below.

'''We need 5 session chairs for each time slot.'''

Check to ensure you are not presenting or teaching a lab during the session timeslot you are volunteering for.
([http://tinyurl.com/foss4g2008schedule FOSS4G2008 Schedule])
If you have a particular room you want to chair, please note it in your entry.

== Monday, 29 September 2008 ==
=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Gavin Fleming

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Carrin Martin

== Tuesday, 30 September 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 1-2.6a Academic track - FOSS GIS tools & components ====
Peter Schmitz

==== 1-2.6b Academic track - Land classification & climate change ====
Karen Steenkamp

==== 1-2.4a General track - Disaster Management ====
David Bitner

==== 1-2.4b General track - Improving FOSS GIS cartography and map production ====
???
==== 1-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
???

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 2-2.6a Academic track - Standards & Interoperability ====
Antony Cooper

==== 2-2.6b Working session: FOSS GIS in Government ====
SITA
==== 2-2.4a General track - Case Studies ====
Peter Mooney

==== 2-2.4b General track - Environment ====
Sam Hiatt

==== 2-1.6 General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Torsten Drey

=== 13:30-15:00 ===

==== 3-2.6a Academic track - Software engineering & GIS production ====
Giuseppe Conti

==== 3-2.6b Academic track - Water resource management ====
Marco Ciolli

==== 3-2.4a General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Alessandro Furieri

==== 3-2.4b General track - Government & Participatory GIS ====
Juan Jose Del Toro

==== 3-1.6 General track - FOSS GIS Business ====
???

=== 15:30-17:00 ===

==== 4-2.6a Academic track - Disaster management ====
Rob Lemmens

==== 4-2.6b General track - Water ====

==== 4-2.4a General track - Education ====
Lizette Rust

==== 4-2.4b General track - Remote Sensing ====
Mateusz Loskot

==== 4-1.6 General track - Web Services ====
???

== Wednesday, 1 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 5-2.6a Academic track - Spatial data ====
Paul Hasenohr

==== 5-2.6b Academic track - Models, simulations and risk assessment ====
Peter Loewe

==== 5-2.4a General track - FOSS Implementation ====
Andrea Antonello

==== 5-2.4b General track - Open data ====
Tyler Mitchell

==== 5-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Franz-Josef Behr

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 6-2.6a Academic track - Collaborative GIS ====
Alwyn Moolman

==== 6-2.6b Academic track - Environmental monitoring & wireless networking ====
Sarel Coetzer

==== 6-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Ismail Wadembere

==== 6-2.4b General track - Water & Education ====
Elsworth McPherson

==== 6-1.6 General track - Case Studies ====
Eric Lemoine

=== 13:30-15:00 ==
==== 7-2.6a General track - Participatory GIS ====
Denis Giroux

==== 7-2.6b General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Jeroen Ticheler

==== 7-2.4a General track - Government ====
???
==== 7-2.4b General track - Health ====
Josh Livni

==== 7-1.6 General track - Web & Environment ====
Peter Loewe

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
Workshops and other meetings. No session chairs required.

== Thursday, 2 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===
==== 8-2.6a Academic track - Health, nature conservation & biodiversity ====
Markus Neteler

==== 8-2.6b Academic track - SDI ====
Julian Smit

==== 8-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Alexander Borghuis

==== 8-2.4b General track - Web Services ====
Theodor Foerster

==== 8-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
Arnulf Christl

=== 10:30-12:00 ===
==== 9-2.6a Academic track - Education & Training, FOSS in corporates and government====
Shirley Butcher

==== 9-2.6b Academic track - Web services ====
???
==== 9-2.4a General track - Government ====
Alize Botha

==== 9-2.4b General track Case Studies ====
Jeff Hamm

==== 9-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Chris Holmes

=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Serena Coetzee

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Inge Netterberg

== Examples of notices that might need to be given by session chairs ==

'''Notices:''' The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the coffee break in the Exhibition Hall.

'''Notices:''' Bird-of-Feather Sessions are starting in 15 minutes. Check the booking board by registration to see what BoF session are on, and what rooms they are in.

'''Notices:''' Lunch is being served on Level Two. The Poster Session is happening on Level One in the registration area. Go down and meet the poster presenters, and ask them questions. The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the lunch hour in Sidney room on Level Two.

'''Notices:''' Tonight is the reception at the museum. The reception kicks off with an IMAX showing of "Titanica" at 6pm sharp. If you are skipping the movie, feel free to get an early start on the drinks and snacks at 6:30pm. Bird-of-Feather sessions start in 15 minutes, check the notice board at registration for room assignments.

= "On call" =
* Steve Lime (I hope...)
* [[User:blake | Dane Springmeyer]]

[[Category:FOSS4G2008]]

FOSS4G2008 Session Chairs

2008-09-21T21:30:10Z

Wiki-Serena: /* 08:30-10:00 */

'''Back to [[FOSS4G2008]] ...'''

The 2008 programme subcommittee is updating this, firstly with invited chairs, then they will ask for volunteers, who will put their names down for sessions. Currently, all the session chairs are presenting papers in the sessions to which they have been assigned, so there should not be any conflict for them with other events.

Session chairs serve as the "master of ceremonies" for one 90 minute session of presentations. Each session has four 20 minute presentations, with a 5 minute question-and-answer period after each. Chairs are expected to:
* ensure that speakers' presentations are ready beforehand, either loaded onto the venue notebook, or running on their own notebook.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, check projector connection (resolutions, cable, etc) before the session.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, capture their presentation on a memory stick.
* introduce the speakers,
* ensure each speaker stays within his or her 25 minute combined presentations-plus-questions presentation limit,
* ensure the next presentation starts promptly as scheduled, and
* occasionally read off a few reminders and announcements at the end of the session.

Please add your name and email to one or more of the time slots below.

'''We need 5 session chairs for each time slot.'''

Check to ensure you are not presenting or teaching a lab during the session timeslot you are volunteering for.
([http://tinyurl.com/foss4g2008schedule FOSS4G2008 Schedule])
If you have a particular room you want to chair, please note it in your entry.

== Monday, 29 September 2008 ==
=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Gavin Fleming

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Carrin Martin

== Tuesday, 30 September 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 1-2.6a Academic track - FOSS GIS tools & components ====
Peter Schmitz

==== 1-2.6b Academic track - Land classification & climate change ====
Karen Steenkamp

==== 1-2.4a General track - Disaster Management ====
David Bitner

==== 1-2.4b General track - Improving FOSS GIS cartography and map production ====
???
==== 1-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
???

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 2-2.6a Academic track - Standards & Interoperability ====
Antony Cooper

==== 2-2.6b Working session: FOSS GIS in Government ====
SITA
==== 2-2.4a General track - Case Studies ====
Peter Mooney

==== 2-2.4b General track - Environment ====
Sam Hiatt

==== 2-1.6 General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Torsten Drey

=== 13:30-15:00 ===

==== 3-2.6a Academic track - Software engineering & GIS production ====
Giuseppe Conti

==== 3-2.6b Academic track - Water resource management ====
Marco Ciolli

==== 3-2.4a General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Alessandro Furieri

==== 3-2.4b General track - Government & Participatory GIS ====
Juan Jose Del Toro

==== 3-1.6 General track - FOSS GIS Business ====
???

=== 15:30-17:00 ===

==== 4-2.6a Academic track - Disaster management ====
Rob Lemmens

==== 4-2.6b General track - Water ====

==== 4-2.4a General track - Education ====
Lizette Rust

==== 4-2.4b General track - Remote Sensing ====
Mateusz Loskot

==== 4-1.6 General track - Web Services ====
???

== Wednesday, 1 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 5-2.6a Academic track - Spatial data ====
Paul Hasenohr

==== 5-2.6b Academic track - Models, simulations and risk assessment ====
Peter Loewe

==== 5-2.4a General track - FOSS Implementation ====
Andrea Antonello

==== 5-2.4b General track - Open data ====
Tyler Mitchell

==== 5-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Franz-Josef Behr

=== 10:30-12:00 ===
==== 6-2.6a Academic track - Collaborative GIS ====
Venkatesh Raghavan

==== 6-2.6b Academic track - Environmental monitoring & wireless networking ====
Maria Antonia Brovelli

==== 6-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Ismail Wadembere

==== 6-2.4b General track - Water & Education ====
Elsworth McPherson

==== 6-1.6 General track - Case Studies ====
Eric Lemoine

=== 13:30-15:00 ==
==== 7-2.6a General track - Participatory GIS ====
Denis Giroux

==== 7-2.6b General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Jeroen Ticheler

==== 7-2.4a General track - Government ====
???
==== 7-2.4b General track - Health ====
Josh Livni

==== 7-1.6 General track - Web & Environment ====
Peter Loewe

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
Workshops and other meetings. No session chairs required.

== Thursday, 2 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===
==== 8-2.6a Academic track - Health, nature conservation & biodiversity ====
Markus Neteler

==== 8-2.6b Academic track - SDI ====
Julian Smit

==== 8-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Alexander Borghuis

==== 8-2.4b General track - Web Services ====
Theodor Foerster

==== 8-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
Arnulf Christl

=== 10:30-12:00 ===
==== 9-2.6a Academic track - Education & Training, FOSS in corporates and government====
Shirley Butcher

==== 9-2.6b Academic track - Web services ====
???
==== 9-2.4a General track - Government ====
Alize Botha

==== 9-2.4b General track Case Studies ====
Jeff Hamm

==== 9-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Chris Holmes

=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Serena Coetzee

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Inge Netterberg

== Examples of notices that might need to be given by session chairs ==

'''Notices:''' The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the coffee break in the Exhibition Hall.

'''Notices:''' Bird-of-Feather Sessions are starting in 15 minutes. Check the booking board by registration to see what BoF session are on, and what rooms they are in.

'''Notices:''' Lunch is being served on Level Two. The Poster Session is happening on Level One in the registration area. Go down and meet the poster presenters, and ask them questions. The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the lunch hour in Sidney room on Level Two.

'''Notices:''' Tonight is the reception at the museum. The reception kicks off with an IMAX showing of "Titanica" at 6pm sharp. If you are skipping the movie, feel free to get an early start on the drinks and snacks at 6:30pm. Bird-of-Feather sessions start in 15 minutes, check the notice board at registration for room assignments.

= "On call" =
* Steve Lime (I hope...)
* [[User:blake | Dane Springmeyer]]

[[Category:FOSS4G2008]]

FOSS4G2008 Session Chairs

2008-09-21T21:29:28Z

Wiki-Serena: /* 15:30-17:00 */

'''Back to [[FOSS4G2008]] ...'''

The 2008 programme subcommittee is updating this, firstly with invited chairs, then they will ask for volunteers, who will put their names down for sessions. Currently, all the session chairs are presenting papers in the sessions to which they have been assigned, so there should not be any conflict for them with other events.

Session chairs serve as the "master of ceremonies" for one 90 minute session of presentations. Each session has four 20 minute presentations, with a 5 minute question-and-answer period after each. Chairs are expected to:
* ensure that speakers' presentations are ready beforehand, either loaded onto the venue notebook, or running on their own notebook.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, check projector connection (resolutions, cable, etc) before the session.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, capture their presentation on a memory stick.
* introduce the speakers,
* ensure each speaker stays within his or her 25 minute combined presentations-plus-questions presentation limit,
* ensure the next presentation starts promptly as scheduled, and
* occasionally read off a few reminders and announcements at the end of the session.

Please add your name and email to one or more of the time slots below.

'''We need 5 session chairs for each time slot.'''

Check to ensure you are not presenting or teaching a lab during the session timeslot you are volunteering for.
([http://tinyurl.com/foss4g2008schedule FOSS4G2008 Schedule])
If you have a particular room you want to chair, please note it in your entry.

== Monday, 29 September 2008 ==
=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Gavin Fleming

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Carrin Martin

== Tuesday, 30 September 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 1-2.6a Academic track - FOSS GIS tools & components ====
Peter Schmitz

==== 1-2.6b Academic track - Land classification & climate change ====
Karen Steenkamp

==== 1-2.4a General track - Disaster Management ====
David Bitner

==== 1-2.4b General track - Improving FOSS GIS cartography and map production ====
???
==== 1-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
???

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 2-2.6a Academic track - Standards & Interoperability ====
Antony Cooper

==== 2-2.6b Working session: FOSS GIS in Government ====
SITA
==== 2-2.4a General track - Case Studies ====
Peter Mooney

==== 2-2.4b General track - Environment ====
Sam Hiatt

==== 2-1.6 General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Torsten Drey

=== 13:30-15:00 ===

==== 3-2.6a Academic track - Software engineering & GIS production ====
Giuseppe Conti

==== 3-2.6b Academic track - Water resource management ====
Marco Ciolli

==== 3-2.4a General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Alessandro Furieri

==== 3-2.4b General track - Government & Participatory GIS ====
Juan Jose Del Toro

==== 3-1.6 General track - FOSS GIS Business ====
???

=== 15:30-17:00 ===

==== 4-2.6a Academic track - Disaster management ====
Rob Lemmens

==== 4-2.6b General track - Water ====

==== 4-2.4a General track - Education ====
Lizette Rust

==== 4-2.4b General track - Remote Sensing ====
Mateusz Loskot

==== 4-1.6 General track - Web Services ====
???

== Wednesday, 1 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===
==== 5-2.6a Academic track - Spatial data ====
Paul Hasenohr

==== 5-2.6b Academic track - Models, simulations and risk assessment ====
Peter Loewe

==== 5-2.4a General track - FOSS Implementation ====
Andrea Antonello

==== 5-2.4b General track - Open data ====
Tyler Mitchell

==== 5-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Franz-Josef Behr

=== 10:30-12:00 ===
==== 6-2.6a Academic track - Collaborative GIS ====
Venkatesh Raghavan

==== 6-2.6b Academic track - Environmental monitoring & wireless networking ====
Maria Antonia Brovelli

==== 6-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Ismail Wadembere

==== 6-2.4b General track - Water & Education ====
Elsworth McPherson

==== 6-1.6 General track - Case Studies ====
Eric Lemoine

=== 13:30-15:00 ==
==== 7-2.6a General track - Participatory GIS ====
Denis Giroux

==== 7-2.6b General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Jeroen Ticheler

==== 7-2.4a General track - Government ====
???
==== 7-2.4b General track - Health ====
Josh Livni

==== 7-1.6 General track - Web & Environment ====
Peter Loewe

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
Workshops and other meetings. No session chairs required.

== Thursday, 2 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===
==== 8-2.6a Academic track - Health, nature conservation & biodiversity ====
Markus Neteler

==== 8-2.6b Academic track - SDI ====
Julian Smit

==== 8-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Alexander Borghuis

==== 8-2.4b General track - Web Services ====
Theodor Foerster

==== 8-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
Arnulf Christl

=== 10:30-12:00 ===
==== 9-2.6a Academic track - Education & Training, FOSS in corporates and government====
Shirley Butcher

==== 9-2.6b Academic track - Web services ====
???
==== 9-2.4a General track - Government ====
Alize Botha

==== 9-2.4b General track Case Studies ====
Jeff Hamm

==== 9-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Chris Holmes

=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Serena Coetzee

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Inge Netterberg

== Examples of notices that might need to be given by session chairs ==

'''Notices:''' The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the coffee break in the Exhibition Hall.

'''Notices:''' Bird-of-Feather Sessions are starting in 15 minutes. Check the booking board by registration to see what BoF session are on, and what rooms they are in.

'''Notices:''' Lunch is being served on Level Two. The Poster Session is happening on Level One in the registration area. Go down and meet the poster presenters, and ask them questions. The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the lunch hour in Sidney room on Level Two.

'''Notices:''' Tonight is the reception at the museum. The reception kicks off with an IMAX showing of "Titanica" at 6pm sharp. If you are skipping the movie, feel free to get an early start on the drinks and snacks at 6:30pm. Bird-of-Feather sessions start in 15 minutes, check the notice board at registration for room assignments.

= "On call" =
* Steve Lime (I hope...)
* [[User:blake | Dane Springmeyer]]

[[Category:FOSS4G2008]]

FOSS4G2008 Session Chairs

2008-09-21T21:28:43Z

Wiki-Serena: /* 13:30-15:00 */

'''Back to [[FOSS4G2008]] ...'''

The 2008 programme subcommittee is updating this, firstly with invited chairs, then they will ask for volunteers, who will put their names down for sessions. Currently, all the session chairs are presenting papers in the sessions to which they have been assigned, so there should not be any conflict for them with other events.

Session chairs serve as the "master of ceremonies" for one 90 minute session of presentations. Each session has four 20 minute presentations, with a 5 minute question-and-answer period after each. Chairs are expected to:
* ensure that speakers' presentations are ready beforehand, either loaded onto the venue notebook, or running on their own notebook.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, check projector connection (resolutions, cable, etc) before the session.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, capture their presentation on a memory stick.
* introduce the speakers,
* ensure each speaker stays within his or her 25 minute combined presentations-plus-questions presentation limit,
* ensure the next presentation starts promptly as scheduled, and
* occasionally read off a few reminders and announcements at the end of the session.

Please add your name and email to one or more of the time slots below.

'''We need 5 session chairs for each time slot.'''

Check to ensure you are not presenting or teaching a lab during the session timeslot you are volunteering for.
([http://tinyurl.com/foss4g2008schedule FOSS4G2008 Schedule])
If you have a particular room you want to chair, please note it in your entry.

== Monday, 29 September 2008 ==
=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Gavin Fleming

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Carrin Martin

== Tuesday, 30 September 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 1-2.6a Academic track - FOSS GIS tools & components ====
Peter Schmitz

==== 1-2.6b Academic track - Land classification & climate change ====
Karen Steenkamp

==== 1-2.4a General track - Disaster Management ====
David Bitner

==== 1-2.4b General track - Improving FOSS GIS cartography and map production ====
???
==== 1-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
???

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 2-2.6a Academic track - Standards & Interoperability ====
Antony Cooper

==== 2-2.6b Working session: FOSS GIS in Government ====
SITA
==== 2-2.4a General track - Case Studies ====
Peter Mooney

==== 2-2.4b General track - Environment ====
Sam Hiatt

==== 2-1.6 General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Torsten Drey

=== 13:30-15:00 ===

==== 3-2.6a Academic track - Software engineering & GIS production ====
Giuseppe Conti

==== 3-2.6b Academic track - Water resource management ====
Marco Ciolli

==== 3-2.4a General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Alessandro Furieri

==== 3-2.4b General track - Government & Participatory GIS ====
Juan Jose Del Toro

==== 3-1.6 General track - FOSS GIS Business ====
???

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== 4-2.6a Academic track - Disaster management ====
Peter Schmitz

==== 4-2.6b General track - Water ====

==== 4-2.4a General track - Education ====
Lizette Rust

==== 4-2.4b General track - Remote Sensing ====
Mateusz Loskot

==== 4-1.6 General track - Web Services ====
???

== Wednesday, 1 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===
==== 5-2.6a Academic track - Spatial data ====
Paul Hasenohr

==== 5-2.6b Academic track - Models, simulations and risk assessment ====
Peter Loewe

==== 5-2.4a General track - FOSS Implementation ====
Andrea Antonello

==== 5-2.4b General track - Open data ====
Tyler Mitchell

==== 5-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Franz-Josef Behr

=== 10:30-12:00 ===
==== 6-2.6a Academic track - Collaborative GIS ====
Venkatesh Raghavan

==== 6-2.6b Academic track - Environmental monitoring & wireless networking ====
Maria Antonia Brovelli

==== 6-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Ismail Wadembere

==== 6-2.4b General track - Water & Education ====
Elsworth McPherson

==== 6-1.6 General track - Case Studies ====
Eric Lemoine

=== 13:30-15:00 ==
==== 7-2.6a General track - Participatory GIS ====
Denis Giroux

==== 7-2.6b General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Jeroen Ticheler

==== 7-2.4a General track - Government ====
???
==== 7-2.4b General track - Health ====
Josh Livni

==== 7-1.6 General track - Web & Environment ====
Peter Loewe

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
Workshops and other meetings. No session chairs required.

== Thursday, 2 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===
==== 8-2.6a Academic track - Health, nature conservation & biodiversity ====
Markus Neteler

==== 8-2.6b Academic track - SDI ====
Julian Smit

==== 8-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Alexander Borghuis

==== 8-2.4b General track - Web Services ====
Theodor Foerster

==== 8-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
Arnulf Christl

=== 10:30-12:00 ===
==== 9-2.6a Academic track - Education & Training, FOSS in corporates and government====
Shirley Butcher

==== 9-2.6b Academic track - Web services ====
???
==== 9-2.4a General track - Government ====
Alize Botha

==== 9-2.4b General track Case Studies ====
Jeff Hamm

==== 9-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Chris Holmes

=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Serena Coetzee

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Inge Netterberg

== Examples of notices that might need to be given by session chairs ==

'''Notices:''' The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the coffee break in the Exhibition Hall.

'''Notices:''' Bird-of-Feather Sessions are starting in 15 minutes. Check the booking board by registration to see what BoF session are on, and what rooms they are in.

'''Notices:''' Lunch is being served on Level Two. The Poster Session is happening on Level One in the registration area. Go down and meet the poster presenters, and ask them questions. The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the lunch hour in Sidney room on Level Two.

'''Notices:''' Tonight is the reception at the museum. The reception kicks off with an IMAX showing of "Titanica" at 6pm sharp. If you are skipping the movie, feel free to get an early start on the drinks and snacks at 6:30pm. Bird-of-Feather sessions start in 15 minutes, check the notice board at registration for room assignments.

= "On call" =
* Steve Lime (I hope...)
* [[User:blake | Dane Springmeyer]]

[[Category:FOSS4G2008]]

FOSS4G2008 Session Chairs

2008-09-21T21:28:18Z

Wiki-Serena: /* 10:30-12:00 */

'''Back to [[FOSS4G2008]] ...'''

The 2008 programme subcommittee is updating this, firstly with invited chairs, then they will ask for volunteers, who will put their names down for sessions. Currently, all the session chairs are presenting papers in the sessions to which they have been assigned, so there should not be any conflict for them with other events.

Session chairs serve as the "master of ceremonies" for one 90 minute session of presentations. Each session has four 20 minute presentations, with a 5 minute question-and-answer period after each. Chairs are expected to:
* ensure that speakers' presentations are ready beforehand, either loaded onto the venue notebook, or running on their own notebook.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, check projector connection (resolutions, cable, etc) before the session.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, capture their presentation on a memory stick.
* introduce the speakers,
* ensure each speaker stays within his or her 25 minute combined presentations-plus-questions presentation limit,
* ensure the next presentation starts promptly as scheduled, and
* occasionally read off a few reminders and announcements at the end of the session.

Please add your name and email to one or more of the time slots below.

'''We need 5 session chairs for each time slot.'''

Check to ensure you are not presenting or teaching a lab during the session timeslot you are volunteering for.
([http://tinyurl.com/foss4g2008schedule FOSS4G2008 Schedule])
If you have a particular room you want to chair, please note it in your entry.

== Monday, 29 September 2008 ==
=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Gavin Fleming

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Carrin Martin

== Tuesday, 30 September 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 1-2.6a Academic track - FOSS GIS tools & components ====
Peter Schmitz

==== 1-2.6b Academic track - Land classification & climate change ====
Karen Steenkamp

==== 1-2.4a General track - Disaster Management ====
David Bitner

==== 1-2.4b General track - Improving FOSS GIS cartography and map production ====
???
==== 1-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
???

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 2-2.6a Academic track - Standards & Interoperability ====
Antony Cooper

==== 2-2.6b Working session: FOSS GIS in Government ====
SITA
==== 2-2.4a General track - Case Studies ====
Peter Mooney

==== 2-2.4b General track - Environment ====
Sam Hiatt

==== 2-1.6 General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Torsten Drey

=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== 3-2.6a Academic track - Software engineering & GIS production ====
Giuseppe Conti

==== 3-2.6b Academic track - Water resource management ====
Marco Ciolli

==== 3-2.4a General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Alessandro Furieri

==== 3-2.4b General track - Government & Participatory GIS ====
Juan Jose Del Toro

==== 3-1.6 General track - FOSS GIS Business ====
???

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== 4-2.6a Academic track - Disaster management ====
Peter Schmitz

==== 4-2.6b General track - Water ====

==== 4-2.4a General track - Education ====
Lizette Rust

==== 4-2.4b General track - Remote Sensing ====
Mateusz Loskot

==== 4-1.6 General track - Web Services ====
???

== Wednesday, 1 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===
==== 5-2.6a Academic track - Spatial data ====
Paul Hasenohr

==== 5-2.6b Academic track - Models, simulations and risk assessment ====
Peter Loewe

==== 5-2.4a General track - FOSS Implementation ====
Andrea Antonello

==== 5-2.4b General track - Open data ====
Tyler Mitchell

==== 5-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Franz-Josef Behr

=== 10:30-12:00 ===
==== 6-2.6a Academic track - Collaborative GIS ====
Venkatesh Raghavan

==== 6-2.6b Academic track - Environmental monitoring & wireless networking ====
Maria Antonia Brovelli

==== 6-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Ismail Wadembere

==== 6-2.4b General track - Water & Education ====
Elsworth McPherson

==== 6-1.6 General track - Case Studies ====
Eric Lemoine

=== 13:30-15:00 ==
==== 7-2.6a General track - Participatory GIS ====
Denis Giroux

==== 7-2.6b General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Jeroen Ticheler

==== 7-2.4a General track - Government ====
???
==== 7-2.4b General track - Health ====
Josh Livni

==== 7-1.6 General track - Web & Environment ====
Peter Loewe

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
Workshops and other meetings. No session chairs required.

== Thursday, 2 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===
==== 8-2.6a Academic track - Health, nature conservation & biodiversity ====
Markus Neteler

==== 8-2.6b Academic track - SDI ====
Julian Smit

==== 8-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Alexander Borghuis

==== 8-2.4b General track - Web Services ====
Theodor Foerster

==== 8-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
Arnulf Christl

=== 10:30-12:00 ===
==== 9-2.6a Academic track - Education & Training, FOSS in corporates and government====
Shirley Butcher

==== 9-2.6b Academic track - Web services ====
???
==== 9-2.4a General track - Government ====
Alize Botha

==== 9-2.4b General track Case Studies ====
Jeff Hamm

==== 9-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Chris Holmes

=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Serena Coetzee

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Inge Netterberg

== Examples of notices that might need to be given by session chairs ==

'''Notices:''' The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the coffee break in the Exhibition Hall.

'''Notices:''' Bird-of-Feather Sessions are starting in 15 minutes. Check the booking board by registration to see what BoF session are on, and what rooms they are in.

'''Notices:''' Lunch is being served on Level Two. The Poster Session is happening on Level One in the registration area. Go down and meet the poster presenters, and ask them questions. The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the lunch hour in Sidney room on Level Two.

'''Notices:''' Tonight is the reception at the museum. The reception kicks off with an IMAX showing of "Titanica" at 6pm sharp. If you are skipping the movie, feel free to get an early start on the drinks and snacks at 6:30pm. Bird-of-Feather sessions start in 15 minutes, check the notice board at registration for room assignments.

= "On call" =
* Steve Lime (I hope...)
* [[User:blake | Dane Springmeyer]]

[[Category:FOSS4G2008]]

FOSS4G2008 Session Chairs

2008-09-21T21:27:52Z

Wiki-Serena: /* 08:30-10:00 */

'''Back to [[FOSS4G2008]] ...'''

The 2008 programme subcommittee is updating this, firstly with invited chairs, then they will ask for volunteers, who will put their names down for sessions. Currently, all the session chairs are presenting papers in the sessions to which they have been assigned, so there should not be any conflict for them with other events.

Session chairs serve as the "master of ceremonies" for one 90 minute session of presentations. Each session has four 20 minute presentations, with a 5 minute question-and-answer period after each. Chairs are expected to:
* ensure that speakers' presentations are ready beforehand, either loaded onto the venue notebook, or running on their own notebook.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, check projector connection (resolutions, cable, etc) before the session.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, capture their presentation on a memory stick.
* introduce the speakers,
* ensure each speaker stays within his or her 25 minute combined presentations-plus-questions presentation limit,
* ensure the next presentation starts promptly as scheduled, and
* occasionally read off a few reminders and announcements at the end of the session.

Please add your name and email to one or more of the time slots below.

'''We need 5 session chairs for each time slot.'''

Check to ensure you are not presenting or teaching a lab during the session timeslot you are volunteering for.
([http://tinyurl.com/foss4g2008schedule FOSS4G2008 Schedule])
If you have a particular room you want to chair, please note it in your entry.

== Monday, 29 September 2008 ==
=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Gavin Fleming

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Carrin Martin

== Tuesday, 30 September 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 1-2.6a Academic track - FOSS GIS tools & components ====
Peter Schmitz

==== 1-2.6b Academic track - Land classification & climate change ====
Karen Steenkamp

==== 1-2.4a General track - Disaster Management ====
David Bitner

==== 1-2.4b General track - Improving FOSS GIS cartography and map production ====
???
==== 1-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
???

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 2-2.6a Academic track - Standards & Interoperability ====
Antony Cooper

==== 2-2.6b Working session: FOSS GIS in Government ====
SITA
==== 2-2.4a General track - Case Studies ====
Peter Mooney

==== 2-2.4b General track - Environment ====
Sam Hiatt

==== 2-1.6 General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Torsten Drey

=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== 3-2.6a Academic track - Software engineering & GIS production ====
Giuseppe Conti

==== 3-2.6b Academic track - Water resource management ====
Marco Ciolli

==== 3-2.4a General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Alessandro Furieri

==== 3-2.4b General track - Government & Participatory GIS ====
Juan Jose Del Toro

==== 3-1.6 General track - FOSS GIS Business ====
???

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== 4-2.6a Academic track - Disaster management ====
Peter Schmitz

==== 4-2.6b General track - Water ====

==== 4-2.4a General track - Education ====
Lizette Rust

==== 4-2.4b General track - Remote Sensing ====
Mateusz Loskot

==== 4-1.6 General track - Web Services ====
???

== Wednesday, 1 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===
==== 5-2.6a Academic track - Spatial data ====
Paul Hasenohr

==== 5-2.6b Academic track - Models, simulations and risk assessment ====
Peter Loewe

==== 5-2.4a General track - FOSS Implementation ====
Andrea Antonello

==== 5-2.4b General track - Open data ====
Tyler Mitchell

==== 5-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Franz-Josef Behr

=== 10:30-12:00 ===
==== 6-2.6a Academic track - Collaborative GIS ====
Venkatesh Raghavan

==== 6-2.6b Academic track - Environmental monitoring & wireless networking ====
Maria Antonia Brovelli

==== 6-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Ismail Wadembere

==== 6-2.4b General track - Water & Education ====
Elsworth McPherson

==== 6-1.6 General track - Case Studies ====
Eric Lemoine

=== 13:30-15:00 ==
==== 7-2.6a General track - Participatory GIS ====
Denis Giroux

==== 7-2.6b General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Jeroen Ticheler

==== 7-2.4a General track - Government ====
???
==== 7-2.4b General track - Health ====
Josh Livni

==== 7-1.6 General track - Web & Environment ====
Peter Loewe

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
Workshops and other meetings. No session chairs required.

== Thursday, 2 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===
==== 8-2.6a Academic track - Health, nature conservation & biodiversity ====
Markus Neteler

==== 8-2.6b Academic track - SDI ====
Julian Smit

==== 8-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Alexander Borghuis

==== 8-2.4b General track - Web Services ====
Theodor Foerster

==== 8-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
Arnulf Christl

=== 10:30-12:00 ===
==== 9-2.6a Academic track - Education & Training, FOSS in corporates and government====
Shirley Butcher

==== 9-2.6b Academic track - Web services ====
???
==== 9-2.4a General track - Government ====
Alize Botha

==== 9-2.4b General track Case Studies ====
Jeff Hamm

==== 9-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Chris Holmes

=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Serena Coetzee

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Inge Netterberg

== Examples of notices that might need to be given by session chairs ==

'''Notices:''' The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the coffee break in the Exhibition Hall.

'''Notices:''' Bird-of-Feather Sessions are starting in 15 minutes. Check the booking board by registration to see what BoF session are on, and what rooms they are in.

'''Notices:''' Lunch is being served on Level Two. The Poster Session is happening on Level One in the registration area. Go down and meet the poster presenters, and ask them questions. The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the lunch hour in Sidney room on Level Two.

'''Notices:''' Tonight is the reception at the museum. The reception kicks off with an IMAX showing of "Titanica" at 6pm sharp. If you are skipping the movie, feel free to get an early start on the drinks and snacks at 6:30pm. Bird-of-Feather sessions start in 15 minutes, check the notice board at registration for room assignments.

= "On call" =
* Steve Lime (I hope...)
* [[User:blake | Dane Springmeyer]]

[[Category:FOSS4G2008]]

FOSS4G2008 Session Chairs

2008-09-21T21:27:30Z

Wiki-Serena: /* 10:30-12:00 */

'''Back to [[FOSS4G2008]] ...'''

The 2008 programme subcommittee is updating this, firstly with invited chairs, then they will ask for volunteers, who will put their names down for sessions. Currently, all the session chairs are presenting papers in the sessions to which they have been assigned, so there should not be any conflict for them with other events.

Session chairs serve as the "master of ceremonies" for one 90 minute session of presentations. Each session has four 20 minute presentations, with a 5 minute question-and-answer period after each. Chairs are expected to:
* ensure that speakers' presentations are ready beforehand, either loaded onto the venue notebook, or running on their own notebook.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, check projector connection (resolutions, cable, etc) before the session.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, capture their presentation on a memory stick.
* introduce the speakers,
* ensure each speaker stays within his or her 25 minute combined presentations-plus-questions presentation limit,
* ensure the next presentation starts promptly as scheduled, and
* occasionally read off a few reminders and announcements at the end of the session.

Please add your name and email to one or more of the time slots below.

'''We need 5 session chairs for each time slot.'''

Check to ensure you are not presenting or teaching a lab during the session timeslot you are volunteering for.
([http://tinyurl.com/foss4g2008schedule FOSS4G2008 Schedule])
If you have a particular room you want to chair, please note it in your entry.

== Monday, 29 September 2008 ==
=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Gavin Fleming

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Carrin Martin

== Tuesday, 30 September 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 1-2.6a Academic track - FOSS GIS tools & components ====
Peter Schmitz

==== 1-2.6b Academic track - Land classification & climate change ====
Karen Steenkamp

==== 1-2.4a General track - Disaster Management ====
David Bitner

==== 1-2.4b General track - Improving FOSS GIS cartography and map production ====
???
==== 1-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
???

=== 10:30-12:00 ===

==== 2-2.6a Academic track - Standards & Interoperability ====
Antony Cooper

==== 2-2.6b Working session: FOSS GIS in Government ====
SITA
==== 2-2.4a General track - Case Studies ====
Peter Mooney

==== 2-2.4b General track - Environment ====
Sam Hiatt

==== 2-1.6 General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Torsten Drey

=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== 3-2.6a Academic track - Software engineering & GIS production ====
Giuseppe Conti

==== 3-2.6b Academic track - Water resource management ====
Marco Ciolli

==== 3-2.4a General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Alessandro Furieri

==== 3-2.4b General track - Government & Participatory GIS ====
Juan Jose Del Toro

==== 3-1.6 General track - FOSS GIS Business ====
???

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== 4-2.6a Academic track - Disaster management ====
Peter Schmitz

==== 4-2.6b General track - Water ====

==== 4-2.4a General track - Education ====
Lizette Rust

==== 4-2.4b General track - Remote Sensing ====
Mateusz Loskot

==== 4-1.6 General track - Web Services ====
???

== Wednesday, 1 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===
==== 5-2.6a Academic track - Spatial data ====
Paul Hasenohr

==== 5-2.6b Academic track - Models, simulations and risk assessment ====
Peter Loewe

==== 5-2.4a General track - FOSS Implementation ====
Andrea Antonello

==== 5-2.4b General track - Open data ====
Tyler Mitchell

==== 5-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Franz-Josef Behr

=== 10:30-12:00 ===
==== 6-2.6a Academic track - Collaborative GIS ====
Venkatesh Raghavan

==== 6-2.6b Academic track - Environmental monitoring & wireless networking ====
Maria Antonia Brovelli

==== 6-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Ismail Wadembere

==== 6-2.4b General track - Water & Education ====
Elsworth McPherson

==== 6-1.6 General track - Case Studies ====
Eric Lemoine

=== 13:30-15:00 ==
==== 7-2.6a General track - Participatory GIS ====
Denis Giroux

==== 7-2.6b General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Jeroen Ticheler

==== 7-2.4a General track - Government ====
???
==== 7-2.4b General track - Health ====
Josh Livni

==== 7-1.6 General track - Web & Environment ====
Peter Loewe

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
Workshops and other meetings. No session chairs required.

== Thursday, 2 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===
==== 8-2.6a Academic track - Health, nature conservation & biodiversity ====
Markus Neteler

==== 8-2.6b Academic track - SDI ====
Julian Smit

==== 8-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Alexander Borghuis

==== 8-2.4b General track - Web Services ====
Theodor Foerster

==== 8-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
Arnulf Christl

=== 10:30-12:00 ===
==== 9-2.6a Academic track - Education & Training, FOSS in corporates and government====
Shirley Butcher

==== 9-2.6b Academic track - Web services ====
???
==== 9-2.4a General track - Government ====
Alize Botha

==== 9-2.4b General track Case Studies ====
Jeff Hamm

==== 9-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Chris Holmes

=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Serena Coetzee

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Inge Netterberg

== Examples of notices that might need to be given by session chairs ==

'''Notices:''' The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the coffee break in the Exhibition Hall.

'''Notices:''' Bird-of-Feather Sessions are starting in 15 minutes. Check the booking board by registration to see what BoF session are on, and what rooms they are in.

'''Notices:''' Lunch is being served on Level Two. The Poster Session is happening on Level One in the registration area. Go down and meet the poster presenters, and ask them questions. The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the lunch hour in Sidney room on Level Two.

'''Notices:''' Tonight is the reception at the museum. The reception kicks off with an IMAX showing of "Titanica" at 6pm sharp. If you are skipping the movie, feel free to get an early start on the drinks and snacks at 6:30pm. Bird-of-Feather sessions start in 15 minutes, check the notice board at registration for room assignments.

= "On call" =
* Steve Lime (I hope...)
* [[User:blake | Dane Springmeyer]]

[[Category:FOSS4G2008]]

FOSS4G2008 Session Chairs

2008-09-21T21:27:07Z

Wiki-Serena: /* 08:30-10:00 */

'''Back to [[FOSS4G2008]] ...'''

The 2008 programme subcommittee is updating this, firstly with invited chairs, then they will ask for volunteers, who will put their names down for sessions. Currently, all the session chairs are presenting papers in the sessions to which they have been assigned, so there should not be any conflict for them with other events.

Session chairs serve as the "master of ceremonies" for one 90 minute session of presentations. Each session has four 20 minute presentations, with a 5 minute question-and-answer period after each. Chairs are expected to:
* ensure that speakers' presentations are ready beforehand, either loaded onto the venue notebook, or running on their own notebook.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, check projector connection (resolutions, cable, etc) before the session.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, capture their presentation on a memory stick.
* introduce the speakers,
* ensure each speaker stays within his or her 25 minute combined presentations-plus-questions presentation limit,
* ensure the next presentation starts promptly as scheduled, and
* occasionally read off a few reminders and announcements at the end of the session.

Please add your name and email to one or more of the time slots below.

'''We need 5 session chairs for each time slot.'''

Check to ensure you are not presenting or teaching a lab during the session timeslot you are volunteering for.
([http://tinyurl.com/foss4g2008schedule FOSS4G2008 Schedule])
If you have a particular room you want to chair, please note it in your entry.

== Monday, 29 September 2008 ==
=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Gavin Fleming

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Carrin Martin

== Tuesday, 30 September 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 1-2.6a Academic track - FOSS GIS tools & components ====
Peter Schmitz

==== 1-2.6b Academic track - Land classification & climate change ====
Karen Steenkamp

==== 1-2.4a General track - Disaster Management ====
David Bitner

==== 1-2.4b General track - Improving FOSS GIS cartography and map production ====
???
==== 1-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
???

=== 10:30-12:00 ===
==== 2-2.6a Academic track - Standards & Interoperability ====
Antony Cooper

==== 2-2.6b Working session: FOSS GIS in Government ====
SITA
==== 2-2.4a General track - Case Studies ====
Peter Mooney

==== 2-2.4b General track - Environment ====
Sam Hiatt

==== 2-1.6 General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Torsten Drey

=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== 3-2.6a Academic track - Software engineering & GIS production ====
Giuseppe Conti

==== 3-2.6b Academic track - Water resource management ====
Marco Ciolli

==== 3-2.4a General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Alessandro Furieri

==== 3-2.4b General track - Government & Participatory GIS ====
Juan Jose Del Toro

==== 3-1.6 General track - FOSS GIS Business ====
???

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== 4-2.6a Academic track - Disaster management ====
Peter Schmitz

==== 4-2.6b General track - Water ====

==== 4-2.4a General track - Education ====
Lizette Rust

==== 4-2.4b General track - Remote Sensing ====
Mateusz Loskot

==== 4-1.6 General track - Web Services ====
???

== Wednesday, 1 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===
==== 5-2.6a Academic track - Spatial data ====
Paul Hasenohr

==== 5-2.6b Academic track - Models, simulations and risk assessment ====
Peter Loewe

==== 5-2.4a General track - FOSS Implementation ====
Andrea Antonello

==== 5-2.4b General track - Open data ====
Tyler Mitchell

==== 5-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Franz-Josef Behr

=== 10:30-12:00 ===
==== 6-2.6a Academic track - Collaborative GIS ====
Venkatesh Raghavan

==== 6-2.6b Academic track - Environmental monitoring & wireless networking ====
Maria Antonia Brovelli

==== 6-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Ismail Wadembere

==== 6-2.4b General track - Water & Education ====
Elsworth McPherson

==== 6-1.6 General track - Case Studies ====
Eric Lemoine

=== 13:30-15:00 ==
==== 7-2.6a General track - Participatory GIS ====
Denis Giroux

==== 7-2.6b General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Jeroen Ticheler

==== 7-2.4a General track - Government ====
???
==== 7-2.4b General track - Health ====
Josh Livni

==== 7-1.6 General track - Web & Environment ====
Peter Loewe

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
Workshops and other meetings. No session chairs required.

== Thursday, 2 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===
==== 8-2.6a Academic track - Health, nature conservation & biodiversity ====
Markus Neteler

==== 8-2.6b Academic track - SDI ====
Julian Smit

==== 8-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Alexander Borghuis

==== 8-2.4b General track - Web Services ====
Theodor Foerster

==== 8-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
Arnulf Christl

=== 10:30-12:00 ===
==== 9-2.6a Academic track - Education & Training, FOSS in corporates and government====
Shirley Butcher

==== 9-2.6b Academic track - Web services ====
???
==== 9-2.4a General track - Government ====
Alize Botha

==== 9-2.4b General track Case Studies ====
Jeff Hamm

==== 9-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Chris Holmes

=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Serena Coetzee

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Inge Netterberg

== Examples of notices that might need to be given by session chairs ==

'''Notices:''' The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the coffee break in the Exhibition Hall.

'''Notices:''' Bird-of-Feather Sessions are starting in 15 minutes. Check the booking board by registration to see what BoF session are on, and what rooms they are in.

'''Notices:''' Lunch is being served on Level Two. The Poster Session is happening on Level One in the registration area. Go down and meet the poster presenters, and ask them questions. The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the lunch hour in Sidney room on Level Two.

'''Notices:''' Tonight is the reception at the museum. The reception kicks off with an IMAX showing of "Titanica" at 6pm sharp. If you are skipping the movie, feel free to get an early start on the drinks and snacks at 6:30pm. Bird-of-Feather sessions start in 15 minutes, check the notice board at registration for room assignments.

= "On call" =
* Steve Lime (I hope...)
* [[User:blake | Dane Springmeyer]]

[[Category:FOSS4G2008]]

FOSS4G2008 Session Chairs

2008-09-21T21:26:35Z

Wiki-Serena: /* Tuesday, 30 September 2008 */

'''Back to [[FOSS4G2008]] ...'''

The 2008 programme subcommittee is updating this, firstly with invited chairs, then they will ask for volunteers, who will put their names down for sessions. Currently, all the session chairs are presenting papers in the sessions to which they have been assigned, so there should not be any conflict for them with other events.

Session chairs serve as the "master of ceremonies" for one 90 minute session of presentations. Each session has four 20 minute presentations, with a 5 minute question-and-answer period after each. Chairs are expected to:
* ensure that speakers' presentations are ready beforehand, either loaded onto the venue notebook, or running on their own notebook.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, check projector connection (resolutions, cable, etc) before the session.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, capture their presentation on a memory stick.
* introduce the speakers,
* ensure each speaker stays within his or her 25 minute combined presentations-plus-questions presentation limit,
* ensure the next presentation starts promptly as scheduled, and
* occasionally read off a few reminders and announcements at the end of the session.

Please add your name and email to one or more of the time slots below.

'''We need 5 session chairs for each time slot.'''

Check to ensure you are not presenting or teaching a lab during the session timeslot you are volunteering for.
([http://tinyurl.com/foss4g2008schedule FOSS4G2008 Schedule])
If you have a particular room you want to chair, please note it in your entry.

== Monday, 29 September 2008 ==
=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Gavin Fleming

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Carrin Martin

== Tuesday, 30 September 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===

==== 1-2.6a Academic track - FOSS GIS tools & components ====
Peter Schmitz

==== 1-2.6b Academic track - Land classification & climate change ====
Karen Steenkamp

==== 1-2.4a General track - Disaster Management ====
David Bitner

==== 1-2.4b General track - Improving FOSS GIS cartography and map production ====
???
==== 1-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
???

=== 10:30-12:00 ===
==== 2-2.6a Academic track - Standards & Interoperability ====
Antony Cooper

==== 2-2.6b Working session: FOSS GIS in Government ====
SITA
==== 2-2.4a General track - Case Studies ====
Peter Mooney

==== 2-2.4b General track - Environment ====
Sam Hiatt

==== 2-1.6 General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Torsten Drey

=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== 3-2.6a Academic track - Software engineering & GIS production ====
Giuseppe Conti

==== 3-2.6b Academic track - Water resource management ====
Marco Ciolli

==== 3-2.4a General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Alessandro Furieri

==== 3-2.4b General track - Government & Participatory GIS ====
Juan Jose Del Toro

==== 3-1.6 General track - FOSS GIS Business ====
???

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== 4-2.6a Academic track - Disaster management ====
Peter Schmitz

==== 4-2.6b General track - Water ====

==== 4-2.4a General track - Education ====
Lizette Rust

==== 4-2.4b General track - Remote Sensing ====
Mateusz Loskot

==== 4-1.6 General track - Web Services ====
???

== Wednesday, 1 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===
==== 5-2.6a Academic track - Spatial data ====
Paul Hasenohr

==== 5-2.6b Academic track - Models, simulations and risk assessment ====
Peter Loewe

==== 5-2.4a General track - FOSS Implementation ====
Andrea Antonello

==== 5-2.4b General track - Open data ====
Tyler Mitchell

==== 5-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Franz-Josef Behr

=== 10:30-12:00 ===
==== 6-2.6a Academic track - Collaborative GIS ====
Venkatesh Raghavan

==== 6-2.6b Academic track - Environmental monitoring & wireless networking ====
Maria Antonia Brovelli

==== 6-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Ismail Wadembere

==== 6-2.4b General track - Water & Education ====
Elsworth McPherson

==== 6-1.6 General track - Case Studies ====
Eric Lemoine

=== 13:30-15:00 ==
==== 7-2.6a General track - Participatory GIS ====
Denis Giroux

==== 7-2.6b General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Jeroen Ticheler

==== 7-2.4a General track - Government ====
???
==== 7-2.4b General track - Health ====
Josh Livni

==== 7-1.6 General track - Web & Environment ====
Peter Loewe

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
Workshops and other meetings. No session chairs required.

== Thursday, 2 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===
==== 8-2.6a Academic track - Health, nature conservation & biodiversity ====
Markus Neteler

==== 8-2.6b Academic track - SDI ====
Julian Smit

==== 8-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Alexander Borghuis

==== 8-2.4b General track - Web Services ====
Theodor Foerster

==== 8-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
Arnulf Christl

=== 10:30-12:00 ===
==== 9-2.6a Academic track - Education & Training, FOSS in corporates and government====
Shirley Butcher

==== 9-2.6b Academic track - Web services ====
???
==== 9-2.4a General track - Government ====
Alize Botha

==== 9-2.4b General track Case Studies ====
Jeff Hamm

==== 9-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Chris Holmes

=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Serena Coetzee

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Inge Netterberg

== Examples of notices that might need to be given by session chairs ==

'''Notices:''' The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the coffee break in the Exhibition Hall.

'''Notices:''' Bird-of-Feather Sessions are starting in 15 minutes. Check the booking board by registration to see what BoF session are on, and what rooms they are in.

'''Notices:''' Lunch is being served on Level Two. The Poster Session is happening on Level One in the registration area. Go down and meet the poster presenters, and ask them questions. The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the lunch hour in Sidney room on Level Two.

'''Notices:''' Tonight is the reception at the museum. The reception kicks off with an IMAX showing of "Titanica" at 6pm sharp. If you are skipping the movie, feel free to get an early start on the drinks and snacks at 6:30pm. Bird-of-Feather sessions start in 15 minutes, check the notice board at registration for room assignments.

= "On call" =
* Steve Lime (I hope...)
* [[User:blake | Dane Springmeyer]]

[[Category:FOSS4G2008]]

FOSS4G2008 Session Chairs

2008-09-21T21:22:41Z

Wiki-Serena: /* 3-2.6a Academic track - Software engineering & GIS production */

'''Back to [[FOSS4G2008]] ...'''

The 2008 programme subcommittee is updating this, firstly with invited chairs, then they will ask for volunteers, who will put their names down for sessions. Currently, all the session chairs are presenting papers in the sessions to which they have been assigned, so there should not be any conflict for them with other events.

Session chairs serve as the "master of ceremonies" for one 90 minute session of presentations. Each session has four 20 minute presentations, with a 5 minute question-and-answer period after each. Chairs are expected to:
* ensure that speakers' presentations are ready beforehand, either loaded onto the venue notebook, or running on their own notebook.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, check projector connection (resolutions, cable, etc) before the session.
**if presenter uses their own notebook, capture their presentation on a memory stick.
* introduce the speakers,
* ensure each speaker stays within his or her 25 minute combined presentations-plus-questions presentation limit,
* ensure the next presentation starts promptly as scheduled, and
* occasionally read off a few reminders and announcements at the end of the session.

Please add your name and email to one or more of the time slots below.

'''We need 5 session chairs for each time slot.'''

Check to ensure you are not presenting or teaching a lab during the session timeslot you are volunteering for.
([http://tinyurl.com/foss4g2008schedule FOSS4G2008 Schedule])
If you have a particular room you want to chair, please note it in your entry.

== Monday, 29 September 2008 ==
=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Gavin Fleming

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Opening Plenary ====
Carrin Martin

== Tuesday, 30 September 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===
==== 1-2.6a Academic track - FOSS GIS tools & components ====
Peter Schmitz

==== 1-2.6b Academic track - Land classification & climate change ====
Karen Steenkamp

==== 1-2.4a General track - Disaster Management ====
David Bitner

==== 1-2.4b General track - Improving FOSS GIS cartography and map production ====
???
==== 1-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
???

=== 10:30-12:00 ===
==== 2-2.6a Academic track - Standards & Interoperability ====
Antony Cooper

==== 2-2.6b Working session: FOSS GIS in Government ====
SITA
==== 2-2.4a General track - Case Studies ====
Peter Mooney

==== 2-2.4b General track - Environment ====
Sam Hiatt

==== 2-1.6 General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Torsten Drey

=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== 3-2.6a Academic track - Software engineering & GIS production ====
Giuseppe Conti

==== 3-2.6b Academic track - Water resource management ====
Marco Ciolli

==== 3-2.4a General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Alessandro Furieri

==== 3-2.4b General track - Government & Participatory GIS ====
Juan Jose Del Toro

==== 3-1.6 General track - FOSS GIS Business ====
???

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== 4-2.6a Academic track - Disaster management ====
Peter Schmitz

==== 4-2.6b General track - Water ====

==== 4-2.4a General track - Education ====
Lizette Rust

==== 4-2.4b General track - Remote Sensing ====
Mateusz Loskot

==== 4-1.6 General track - Web Services ====
???

== Wednesday, 1 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===
==== 5-2.6a Academic track - Spatial data ====
Paul Hasenohr

==== 5-2.6b Academic track - Models, simulations and risk assessment ====
Peter Loewe

==== 5-2.4a General track - FOSS Implementation ====
Andrea Antonello

==== 5-2.4b General track - Open data ====
Tyler Mitchell

==== 5-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Franz-Josef Behr

=== 10:30-12:00 ===
==== 6-2.6a Academic track - Collaborative GIS ====
Venkatesh Raghavan

==== 6-2.6b Academic track - Environmental monitoring & wireless networking ====
Maria Antonia Brovelli

==== 6-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Ismail Wadembere

==== 6-2.4b General track - Water & Education ====
Elsworth McPherson

==== 6-1.6 General track - Case Studies ====
Eric Lemoine

=== 13:30-15:00 ==
==== 7-2.6a General track - Participatory GIS ====
Denis Giroux

==== 7-2.6b General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Jeroen Ticheler

==== 7-2.4a General track - Government ====
???
==== 7-2.4b General track - Health ====
Josh Livni

==== 7-1.6 General track - Web & Environment ====
Peter Loewe

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
Workshops and other meetings. No session chairs required.

== Thursday, 2 October 2008 ==
=== 08:30-10:00 ===
==== 8-2.6a Academic track - Health, nature conservation & biodiversity ====
Markus Neteler

==== 8-2.6b Academic track - SDI ====
Julian Smit

==== 8-2.4a General track - Transition to FOSS ====
Alexander Borghuis

==== 8-2.4b General track - Web Services ====
Theodor Foerster

==== 8-1.6 General track - Interoperability ====
Arnulf Christl

=== 10:30-12:00 ===
==== 9-2.6a Academic track - Education & Training, FOSS in corporates and government====
Shirley Butcher

==== 9-2.6b Academic track - Web services ====
???
==== 9-2.4a General track - Government ====
Alize Botha

==== 9-2.4b General track Case Studies ====
Jeff Hamm

==== 9-1.6 General track - New FOSS Developments ====
Chris Holmes

=== 13:30-15:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Serena Coetzee

=== 15:30-17:00 ===
==== Closing Plenary ====
Inge Netterberg

== Examples of notices that might need to be given by session chairs ==

'''Notices:''' The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the coffee break in the Exhibition Hall.

'''Notices:''' Bird-of-Feather Sessions are starting in 15 minutes. Check the booking board by registration to see what BoF session are on, and what rooms they are in.

'''Notices:''' Lunch is being served on Level Two. The Poster Session is happening on Level One in the registration area. Go down and meet the poster presenters, and ask them questions. The demonstration theatre will be running throughout the lunch hour in Sidney room on Level Two.

'''Notices:''' Tonight is the reception at the museum. The reception kicks off with an IMAX showing of "Titanica" at 6pm sharp. If you are skipping the movie, feel free to get an early start on the drinks and snacks at 6:30pm. Bird-of-Feather sessions start in 15 minutes, check the notice board at registration for room assignments.

= "On call" =
* Steve Lime (I hope...)
* [[User:blake | Dane Springmeyer]]

[[Category:FOSS4G2008]]