Linux geeks, New Zealand beckons

Sam Varghese
Tuesday, 11 August 2009 08:19

Opinion and Analysis

New Zealand is an exceptionally beautiful country and the conference will be held in the Wellington CBD which, like any other CBD, can hardly be described as picturesque.

Asked whether consideration had been given to a less central venue, Susanne said, "While holding the conference in a less central area of New Zealand such as Taupo or Queenstown would make a jaw-dropping backdrop, the logistics for a team mostly based in Wellington would be much more difficult. 

"Hopefully a future organising LCA team of locals in a less central area of New Zealand will put in, and win, a bid to host linux.conf.au at some point in the future."

Added Andrew: "Instead we have the opportunity to showcase picturesque Wellington to our delegates. One of the many benefits of Wellington is how compact it is. Given how centrally-based the LCA2010 conference venue is, most delegates will have ample opportunities to experience Wellington and all its glory, right in the LCA2010 backyard.

"Since we're both very proud of New Zealand as a beautiful and spectacular country, we've put some suggested pre- and post-touring ideas on our website. We expect  a number of delegates will not be able to resist the temptation to schedule a tour of some parts of New Zealand while they are here.

The Ruthvens say the one feature that will mark out the 2010 event will be accessibility and inclusion.

"The LCA model is tried and true. We are building on that by taking active steps to ensure members of all communities, (eg: families, women, people with disabilities) are encouraged to get involved with LCA2010," said Susanne.

"We are supporters of LinuxChix. We have consulted with BarrierFree about the accessibility of our accommodation providers. We are taking active steps to ensure our website can be used by readers for those people who are sight impaired. Our accommodation providers have been chosen keeping families in mind. Our partners programme, and social events are all being held at child-friendly venues."

Asked what kind of numbers they would need to balance the books - the conference is Linux Australia's means of raising operating income for the year and normally returns a healthy surplus, Andrew responded: "We aren't worried about the number of delegates attending."

Conference swag - the handouts that delegates receive - may be limited this year, taking into account environmental considerations. Asked about this, Susanne said: "Certainly, being considerate to the environment is an issue we care about. And we're taking this into consideration deciding on swag."

One perceived problem for the conference is that is held in January, about the sleepiest month of the year. However, Andrew thinks this is a plus for the conference.

"January is known to be the month where businesses, universities and contractors have the most downtime so for businesses it can be the best time to take time out from working on the business by attending LCA," he said.

"January also fits in nicely with most University holidays in the Southern Hemisphere, and the timing doesn't compete with the Northern Hemisphere conference timetables."

Both had one last thing to add: "We're really looking forward to presenting LCA2010 to our delegates."