[OSGeo-Conf] Re: [Foss4g2009] Setting schedule in stone for labs/workshops/tutorials for Foss4g2009 - please vote

[Mark Leslie]

Frank Warmerdam wrote:
> Cameron Shorter wrote:
>> 3. To replace the labs, we will introduce "tutorials" and or "bring 
>> your own laptop labs". Details can be worked out by the conference 
>> committee later, but from the our venue organising point of view, all 
>> will will provide is a room and laptop for the presenter.
>>
>> Could the FOSS4G committee and conference committee members please 
>> vote, or voice your reasons for alternatives.
>
> Cameron,
>
> I'm not clear on how bring-your-own-PC is better than utilizing the
> machines already rented for the one day of workshops.  Does it cost
> significantly more to keep the machines for several days rather than
> one day?  If we are passing out live-CD's for bring your own laptop
> sessions, is that really less problematic than using the same live-CD's
> on a consistent set of desktop computers from the workshops?
>
> I believe part of the rationale for the labs was to get more utilization
> out of the already rented and setup workshop PCs.
>
> Perhaps we could have 1.5 days of workshops with the opening plenary in
> the afternoon of the second day?
>
> Anyways, I guess my main point is that I don't see the 
> bring-your-own-laptop
> plan providing value over using the pre-existing PCs for the same sort of
> session.
>
> Best regards,
My understanding was that the labs were problematic mostly because they 
were run during the conference.  This meant additional room rentals and 
setup (will workshops be off-site?), so having bring-your-own-laptop 
during the conference would reduce the cost of moving equipment, but 
introduces it's own logistical issues.  The advantage is that most of 
those are squarely on the shoulders of the poor bastard running the 
tutorial instead of the organisers.
My personal preference is to have two full days of workshops, with both 
1.5 and 3 hour time slots to cater to those of us with MTV influenced 
attention spans.

--
Mark