Wikimania 2007/UK/archive2006

London's bid to host Wikimania 2006 was unsuccessful - mainly because of the expense involved and possibly the JANET issue. I think we will need to take funding seriously if we are to put in a decent bid for Wikimania 2007 (which would probably be in Europe anyway). So here's getting the ball rolling... Cormaggio ^@ 11:42, 14 October 2005 (UTC)

From talking with quite a few people, there seems to be some momentum towards another bid (which would need to be done soon). We should start planning (ie ringing potential locations and working out details) soon. Cormaggio ^@ 13:46, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

Even if this is not feasible for 2007, we can push it on to 2008 :-) Cormaggio ^@ 08:37, 16 August 2006 (UTC)

Details and requirements are at Wikimania 2007. Cormaggio ^@ 15:35, 16 August 2006 (UTC)

Are we considering Wikimania 2008? I believe that Queen Mary would work. With JANET or a special IP connection for the event! --Gordo 14:41, 6 September 2006 (UTC)

Collaborations / funding opportunities

NB: This is absolutely key

Other points to consider

• JANET access may or may not be a problem. Both Toronto and Boston bids for 2006 require a password to get access (though there seems to be good wireless coverage).
  • The JANET issue was that the JANET network is for education-relevant access only - enquiries showed that universities wouldn't grant Wikimania access. Dan100 10:50, 15 August 2006 (UTC)
    • Was this for all universities, or simply those who use JANET? Cormaggio ^@ 08:40, 16 August 2006 (UTC)
      • there are universities that don't use JANET?88.105.7.209 15:46, 16 August 2006 (UTC)
        • I don't know how relevant this is, however the Harvard University WIFI required authentication, yes? How difficult would it be for JANET or similar provider to do the same? - Veeliam 15:46, 17 August 2006 (UTC)
• Local team - to be built on - and Wikimedia UK (local chapter) will definitely be set up by then
• Press interest - would be good to get some good contacts that will give coverage beforehand, like Charles Arthur or the Guardian technology section for a start.
• Maybe worth noting that from what I hear, a lot of the WM2006 accomodation was crap. Uni rooms in the UK are generally of a high standard - worth highlighting? Dan100 10:51, 15 August 2006 (UTC)
  • Yep, good idea - and I can confirm the Harvard rooms weren't the best :-) Cormaggio ^@ 08:40, 16 August 2006 (UTC)
    • The University of Westminster rents out their dorms during the summer, starting middle June. I've stayed there before and the rooms are "okay". This isn't a promo. I'm just saying that they have campuses around London and perhaps others do as well. I'm just saying that Dan100 has a point. - Veeliam 15:46, 17 August 2006 (UTC)

Possible locations (brief description - with potential benefits)

• (East) London (see Wikimania 2006/London)
  • East London regeneration schemes (for example Leaside Regeneration)
  • The big banks and others in Canary Wharf. HSBC (World HQ), Credit Suisse First Boston, and McGraw-Hill
  • Stewards: one possibility is to team up with "Tower Hamlets Summer University"
  • London Olympics 2012 effects (posiive and negative!)
• Reading (see Wikimania 2006/UK bid#Reading)
  • Local regeneration schemes
• Manchester (see Wikimania 2006/UK bid#Manchester)
  • Local regeneration schemes
• One of the larger Oxford University colleges (Keeble or St Catherines would be your best bets), could well be highly suitable, as they have accomodation for typically up to 400 people on-site, plus LTs and seminar rooms. I've just finished a course there, and they spend the summer hiring the colleges out to conferences. I'm sure they could provide Internet too - Oxford is swimming in money and I'm sure they have alternatives to JANET conference-goers could use. Dan100 12:35, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
• Still also have a hankering for Bangor. Idyllic, cultured location, minority language issues, up to 600 seat lecture theatres, loads of good accomodation, but you're looking at about £70 a day. It's top notch though (my old uni, so I know it well). Dan100 12:50, 6 September 2006 (UTC)

Venue details

Please use this as a general template by copying and pasting directly below with your suggested venue

• Venue:
  • Main theatre-style (size):
  • Other theatre-style:
  • Breakout rooms:
  • University lecture theatres
• Technical facilities
  • On-site (AV, etc):
    • Wifi Networked? additional costs?
• Brief description (why?):
• Transport:
  • Distance from international airport:
  • Distance from mainline station(s):
• Accommodation
  • On-site/off-site/overflow/multiple price ranges:
  • Networked? additional costs?
• Costs
  • Day rate:
  • Estimated, actual and forward guarantees:
• Pros:
• Cons:
• Comments:
• Major hurdles:
• Contact: