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<p>Dear CC,</p>
<p><br>
</p>
<p>I believe that there are a number of ways to obtain funding
directly from OSGeo for regional events or for the TGP's from
regional events. Regional events are also an opportunity to
collect money for local chapters (as we do with FOSSGIS since many
years). In this respect I disagree with Jon's proposed 50/50 and
plead for a higher share for the OSGeo, thus I like Elis idea with
a stepwise share.<br>
</p>
<p><br>
</p>
<p>Since I managed the 2016 conference, which had a comparable
financial risk, I know about the risk and I know how it feels to
spend money you don't have ;-). On the other hand, the brands
"FOSS4G" and "OSGeo" also guarantee to a certain degree that a
FOSS4G conference will be a success, since FOSS4G is the most
popular open source 4g event in the world.</p>
<br>
I agree that Dan's ideas about the "central promotion/conference
support person" have their charm, although I think there is a lot of
knowledge in CC that can be drawn upon by the LOC's. If OSGeo were
to set up such an office, it would also mean another financial risk
for OSGeo - this also speaks for a higher share for OSGeo ;-).<br>
<p><br>
</p>
<p>jm2c</p>
<p><br>
</p>
<p>Till<br>
</p>
<p><br>
</p>
<p><br>
</p>
<p><br>
</p>
<p><br>
</p>
<div class="moz-cite-prefix">Am 06.01.20 um 16:59 schrieb Bradley
Ashley:<br>
</div>
<blockquote type="cite"
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If I may add,</div>
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<br>
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<div style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif;
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Jon's final point on the benefits of reinvestment of the money
locally is incredibly important in regions where community
volunteers are hard to come by and OSGeo doesn't have a previous
long history. In the case of our Calgary 2020 conference for
example, we are tapping into several local organizations and
their volunteers to ensure we have an LOC with the strongest
experience. </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif;
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<br>
</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif;
font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
To that end, it is critical that these organizations see the
local benefit outlast the excitement of the one time event and
ensure we are able to nurture the growth of a new and lasting
OSGeo presence in western Canada. This is of benefit to all
involved in my opinion as it can easily grow the membership of
OSGeo as well as the following of FOSS4G internationally.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif;
font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
<br>
</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif;
font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Brad - the other 2020 co-chair </div>
<hr style="display:inline-block;width:98%" tabindex="-1">
<div id="divRplyFwdMsg" dir="ltr"><font style="font-size:11pt"
face="Calibri, sans-serif" color="#000000"><b>From:</b>
Conference_dev <a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:conference_dev-bounces@lists.osgeo.org"><conference_dev-bounces@lists.osgeo.org></a>
on behalf of Jonathan Neufeld <a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:jneufeld@tecterra.com"><jneufeld@tecterra.com></a><br>
<b>Sent:</b> January 6, 2020 8:42 AM<br>
<b>To:</b> Darrell Fuhriman <a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:darrell@garnix.org"><darrell@garnix.org></a>; Steven
Feldman <a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:shfeldman@gmail.com"><shfeldman@gmail.com></a><br>
<b>Cc:</b> Conference Dev
<a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:conference_dev@lists.osgeo.org"><conference_dev@lists.osgeo.org></a>; Eli Adam
<a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:eadam@co.lincoln.or.us"><eadam@co.lincoln.or.us></a><br>
<b>Subject:</b> Re: [OSGeo-Conf] Need to define rules for %age
of backflow of FOSS4G surplus</font>
<div> </div>
</div>
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<p class="x_MsoNormal">Hi All, </p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">I know I’m late the conversation, here
are a few thoughts from a current FOSS4G co-chair.
</p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">In my opinion FOSS4G has now reached
the point where it is a major yearly global event that comes
with a planning cycle >1 year. This means it also comes
with a major budget, and cash flow management challenges;
for the Calgary event we will likely spend $700k-$1M total.
</p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">The bidding process to host FOSS4G
comes with opposing pressures to
</p>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top:0in" type="1">
<li class="x_MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in">Keep
ticket prices as low as possible, boosting the openness
and accessibility of the event
</li>
<li class="x_MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in">Make
as much profit as possible, boosting the amount returned
to OSGeo
</li>
</ol>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">Other commenters have mentioned this,
and I would agree that sorting out which is the highest
priority would provide a clear signal to bidders and LOCs on
how to run their events. Does OSGeo want an event that
maximizes accessibility, or profit? Neither is a wrong
choice, however each choice will lead to a different type of
event. LOCs can’t be expected to win the bid on low price,
and then return a huge profit to OSGeo. From the
conversation so far I would suggest that profitability is a
higher interest that accessibility, especially if OSGeo
depends on the surplus each year to fund operations.
</p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">The continuity from year to year and
LOC to LOC is as good as it can be. Vasile and the BLOC did
a great job handing off the 2019 event to the 2020 team,
especially whilst in the midst of trying to run the event!
We will do our best to pass things on to 2021, however, it’s
worth recognizing that there is a lot of knowledge that gets
lost through these types of transfers.
</p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">I strongly second Darrell’s suggestion
below that OSGeo invest in bringing on a FOSS4G Director in
a paid capacity to oversee the hosting and production of
large-scale FOSS4G events. The benefits would be enormous:
</p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="x_MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in">Relationships
with sponsors could be maintained from year to year,
nurtured to provide growth, and create long-lasting
partnerships.
</li>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="circle">
<li class="x_MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in">This
would greatly reduce the anxiety of fundraising by LOCs
who only receive a list of emails, and amounts from
previous chairs
</li>
<li class="x_MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in">The
chair of the local committees would still be responsible
for bringing in new, local, support to add to the pot
</li>
</ul>
<li class="x_MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in">Deep
understanding of the event, and avoidance of reinvention
</li>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="circle">
<li class="x_MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in">As
much as possible the LOCs try to use what was done in
previous years and avoid re-solving problems that have
already been tackled. However, there are always
experiential learnings that come with hosting events,
and these are hard to pass on. Having an individual with
multiple experiences in hosting and running large scale
events from year to year would ensure that all of the
knowledge is maintained and brought forward into each
event.
</li>
</ul>
<li class="x_MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in">Long
term vision</li>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="circle">
<li class="x_MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in">Event
chairs are rightfully focused on delivering a successful
event, and don’t think much beyond that
</li>
<li class="x_MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in">I
think FOSS4G could benefit from having someone who is
thinking on a multi-year timescale about the event, it’s
growth, impact, and feasibility; as well as the goals
for hosting it in different regions, with different
focuses. </li>
<li class="x_MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in">I
know that the Conference Committee does this, but with
all due respect, it’s from a hands-off perspective.
</li>
<li class="x_MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in">A
paid individual could bring a long term vision to the
operations of the event, making it easier to host, and
more successful in the long run.
</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">I would also suggest that OSGeo create
a formal hosting agreement between itself and the LOC. This
document provides clarity and certainty about roles, rights,
and expectations of both parties. It’s a little
nerve-wracking taking on a $1M/12moth project without this!
The percentage to be returned to OSGeo would be clearly
described in the document and signed by all parties.
</p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">Finally, I’ll provide my suggestion on
a percentage: I think that 50/50 is fair split. Given the
amount of effort, and risk, required to produce a $1M event
asking LOCs to send more than half of the proceeds back to
OSGeo seems unfair. As volunteers LOCs we’re not in it for
the money, but it is a huge benefit to be able to reinvest
that money locally.
</p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">Regards,</p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">Jon </p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
<div>
<div style="border:none; border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;
padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in">
<p class="x_MsoNormal"><b>From:</b> Conference_dev
<a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:conference_dev-bounces@lists.osgeo.org"><conference_dev-bounces@lists.osgeo.org></a>
<b>On Behalf Of </b>Darrell Fuhriman<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Friday, January 3, 2020 3:23 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> Steven Feldman <a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:shfeldman@gmail.com"><shfeldman@gmail.com></a><br>
<b>Cc:</b> Conference Dev
<a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:conference_dev@lists.osgeo.org"><conference_dev@lists.osgeo.org></a>; Eli Adam
<a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:eadam@co.lincoln.or.us"><eadam@co.lincoln.or.us></a><br>
<b>Subject:</b> Re: [OSGeo-Conf] Need to define rules
for %age of backflow of FOSS4G surplus</p>
</div>
</div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">I might flip Eli’s formulation a bit —
say 90% to OSGeo on the first $100k, then 50/50 thereafter,
or perhaps some “bonus structure”. If the primary goal is to
help OSGeo, then the incentive structure should reflect
that.</p>
<div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">As far as cost, it’s actually pretty
hard to bring the cost down for a conference in the
1000-attendee size. The biggest knobs you have to turn are
catering costs (i.e. don’t have food) and/or to bring in
more sponsorship to subside the cost.</p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">For most attendees, the cost of
travel is the bulk of the cost of attending. So while it
certainly can make a difference at the margins, I’m not
sure it’s the driving factor for most people. (This would
actually be an excellent question to survey past and
prospective attendees — having data around this would
really help our decision-making.)</p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">FWIW, I know I’m often the lone voice
in the wilderness on the topic, but this is a good case
for investing in an individual, even if part time, to help
find sponsorship dollars. It’s a very specific skillset,
one which the LOCs may often not have, and one that would
really benefit from building and maintaining long-term
relationships in a way the current model of throwing all
new people in the mix every year doesn’t.</p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">More sponsorship money = more money
for OSGeo and cheaper costs for attendees.</p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">Darrell</p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"><br>
<br>
</p>
<blockquote style="margin-top:5.0pt; margin-bottom:5.0pt">
<div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">On Jan 3, 2020, at 7:15 AM,
Steven Feldman <<a
href="mailto:shfeldman@gmail.com"
moz-do-not-send="true">shfeldman@gmail.com</a>>
wrote:</p>
</div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
<div>
<div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">We should be clear that
granting permission to host a global FOSS4G comes
with an expectation of returning a material
surplus to OSGeo to fund all of our activities. </p>
<div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">Eli’s suggestion sets a
formula which helps to grow the local OSGeo
chapter and channels the bulk of the surplus
back to OSGeo.</p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">We may also wish to discuss
how we balance the desire for a low cost of
conference pass and a substantial travel grant
programme to encourage accessibility with the
need to generate surpluses to fund OSGeo. In the
past ticket prices of $650 plus strong
sponsorship have delivered surpluses of
$100,000-200,000, unless we can increase
conference sponsorship lower ticket prices will
reduce the surplus.</p>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"
style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span
style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">______<br>
Steven</span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"><span
style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">Unusual
maps in strange places - <a
href="http://mappery.org/"
moz-do-not-send="true">mappery.org</a></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"><span
style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif"> </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</blockquote>
</div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
</div>
</div>
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