FOSS4G2020 Q&A Niagara

Questions Mark I.:

• What is the mission of your respective FOSS4G?
• Answer

• What is your commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and ensuring that FOSS4G 2020 is as inclusive and as diverse as possible?
• Answer

Questions Steven F.:

• your proposed dates are 14-19 September. These dates overlap with the start of the jewish festivals on the evening of the 18th which may prevent some potential delegates from attending. Is there any potential to change?
• Answer

• you say "The Niagara Falls LOC has budgeted a similar registration fee schedule as Boston 2017 and estimates a modest profit” there has been a lot of discussion about making FOSS4G more affordable, do you have any thoughts on this?
• Answer

Questions Till A.:

• I would like to stress the point about costs. (In the call we say "We hope to keep cost per participant under $650 USD for the conference (plus workshops).". As former chair I know about the difficulties FOSS4G teams have finding the right price for the conference. But can you tell something on how you are planning to enable people, who can not afford the conference fee and/or accommodation costs, to attend to your conference? Especially the hotel prices starting at 169 CAN$ seem to be quite high?)
• Answer

• More an advice for the possible full proposal: An important part of a FOSS4G is the socializing part, it then would be great to read some words about what is planned and possible ;-)

Questions Paul R.:

• The idea of a cross-border conference is really cool in theory, but is hard to imagine in practice... what exactly are you planning WRT siting? All in Canada, all in USA, split days? What would the border folks things about 1000 people crossing over for the day for a conference?
• Answer

Questions Venka:

• Highlight the contributions (code contributions, documentation, outreach etc.) that the chair/co-chair have made to FOSS4G communities
• Answer:

• How have the chair/co-chairs been involved in promotion/governance (Charter Membership, involvement in Committees etc.) of OSGeo foundation.
• Answer:

• Please elaborate on your local committee member's experience in planning OSGeo events (such as involvement in FOSS4G-global event teams, OSGeo local chapter event planning, or OSGeo code sprints).
• Answer:

Question from Michael T:

• Somewhat similar to Paul's question, but perhaps more specific: Since the SCCN is in Canada, and given the international travel restrictions that some US delegates, particularly government, may face it seems that staying in a hotel in the USA and attending the conference in Canada could be feasible. Is this accurate? If so, could you describe what the daily process of crossing the border on foot/shuttlebus would be like?
• Given that September is prime season for visitors viewing Fall foliage, will there be any pressure to maintain room blocks (or, require very early booking commitment) and/or cost implications?

Questions Jonathon M:

• Have you given any though to ensuring your conference is sustainable\green\environmentally friendly?

• Does your venue have any sustainability initiatives\credentials etc?

• Does your host city have good public transport, including between the venue/events/likely-accommodation/airport? (note: taxi's are not public transport ;-) )

• Is the host city reasonably reachable by something other than flying?