[OSGeo-Conf] Conference Management Site

[Tyler Mitchell (OSGeo)]

Hi everybody,

A while back I set up the Open Conference System (http://pkp.sfu.ca/ 
ocs) software for OSGeo to use.  It is now running at: http:// 
conference.osgeo.org.  At the moment the FOSS4G 2008 team is starting  
to use it for their site.  There is a learning curve we are working  
through as well as trying to implement a few improvements.  I wanted  
to keep the conference committee in the loop in case others were  
interested in helping out managing the site (PHP hackers and css  
gurus especially welcome!).

I also wanted to discuss additional uses for the site with this  
group.  The software is set up in such a way as to be able to host  
several events easily.  I believe it would be useful for other OSGeo  
events to have access to this tool - for example, local chapters that  
are planning events.  You can set up conference managers to run their  
own portion of the site - it's quite good.  It helps you put together  
a basic web site, but can also handle registration, paper  
submissions, abstract review, peer review, approval and more.

What do you think of this idea?  I know a few events already that  
could make use of it, but wanted to put the question to you first.

Best wishes,
Tyler