[OSGeo-Conf] Re: FOSS4G Sydney and conference software

[Cameron Shorter]

Gavin,
I agree that it would be good to continue building upon OCS where 
possible, especially if some of the people working the website in 2008 
can continue helping into 2009.

Gavin Fleming wrote:
> Hi all, OCS (not ICS) does have its shortcomings but is proving to be pretty good at the core conference function of submitting and reviewing papers. We're managing with it for most things, using the OSGeo wiki a lot and handing off to our PCO for carrying out registration and payments. 
>
> If Simon can help with OCS while he works on the 2009 site at OSGeo, then that together with general improvements by the OCS community should make it a much better proposition as we get closer to next year's conf. 
>
> It would be unfortunate to go through the 'pain' with OCS on OSGeo's recommendation, then not have the learning taken further the next year. 
>
> cheers
>
> Gavin 
> FOSS4G2008 conference chair: http://www.foss4g2008.org
>  
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Cameron Shorter [mailto:cameron.shorter at gmail.com] 
> Sent: 10 May 2008 01:27 PM
> To: Gavin Fleming; Simon Hope; conference_dev
> Cc: Rachel Walker; Denisa Adamova
> Subject: FOSS4G Sydney and conference software
>
>
> To keep people in the loop:
>
> When interviewing Professional Conference Organisors for Sydney, we 
> found that all PCOs used proprietary conference software, and had 
> notable investments in tying their existing processes to the conference 
> software.
>
> We encouraged them to consider using Open Conference Systems (as used by 
> South Africa). They all looked at ICS, one said "Why are we paying so 
> much for conferencing software when this is available as open source." 
> But they were concerned by a lack of support. (Business Opportunity here 
> for someone).
>
> With Tour Hosts, whom we selected, they agreed to look into ways to 
> incorporate ICS to some degree, but expect to still use much/most of 
> their existing conferencing software and processes.
> We were happy with this as a pragmatic approach. While we would prefer 
> to use Open Source at an Open Source conference, it is more important to 
> us that we pick a competent team who will do a good job, and we believe 
> we have that in Tour Hosts.
>
>   


-- 
Cameron Shorter
Geospatial Systems Architect
Tel: +61 (0)2 8570 5050
Mob: +61 (0)419 142 254

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