[OSGeo-Conf] How to handle conflict of interests?

[Dave McIlhagga]

Hi Daniel,

Thank you for the question about this.

I appreciate that having LocationTech as PCO is different than in the past - but underlying this has to be trust. 

No partnership, relationship of any kind (personal, organizational or commercial) exists without conflict - but it’s trust that gets the relationship through it.

We and Philadelphia each came to a conclusion that we trusted LocationTech to act as PCO in good faith to meet the objectives of OSGeo and this conference, based on their track record of being a very good community citizen.

I’d suggest that any of these bids will have to deal with conflict, including managing their respective PCOs. The LOC is here to manage any conflict in a manner that best serves the interest of OSGeo and putting on a successful event.


I appreciate that some may have reservations about LocationTech’s involvement — concerns that I don’t share, but I respect the fact they are out there. At the end of the day, whichever bid is selected here will be the one that on th whole the committee feels has the best chance of success, with trust being a core part of that.

Regardless of who gets selected here — we start that process with everyone heading in the same direction, common goals, with the confidence we can address issues as they come up, because putting on a great show at the end of the day is in everyone’s interest.


Thanks,

Dave






> On Nov 9, 2015, at 8:12 PM, Daniel Kastl <daniel at georepublic.de> wrote:
> 
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> 
> Hi all,
> 
> As someone not really involved in the organisation of FOSS4G's but
> following the discussion on this list, I was wondering how you would
> resolve a conflict of interest of your PCO of choice.
> 
> There was the question how to deal with committee members involved in
> biddings, but my question to the 2 bids with LocationTech as PCO would
> be, if you have ever thought about possible conflicts of interests,
> and how to resolve them eventually.
> 
> - From how I understand the proposals, LocationTechs generous offer to
> bring in their experience with organizing large events like FOSS4G has
> also an aspect, that many people in the OSGeo community seem to be
> concerned about. Whether you call it "competitor" or not, I think it's
> clear, that LocationTech isn't as neutral as PCO's have been in the
> past. Just being "good" without expecting some return of "investment"
> is very rare, isn't it?
> 
> Also, I don't really understand, why OSGeo shouldn't be in charge of
> an eventual loss of FOSS4G. First it seems to be very unlikely to
> happen in North America, second aren't there insurances to cover
> events like disasters for example and last, the financial situation of
> OSGeo isn't that bad (at least at the moment).
> 
> Regards,
> Daniel
> 
> 
> - -- 
> Georepublic UG & Georepublic Japan
> eMail: daniel.kastl at georepublic.de
> Web: https://georepublic.info
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