apparently there are no plans to continue the Libre Graphics Meeting at the moment so I thought let’s not just sit around and wait any more. Let’s try to organize something.
This is the idea:
In Vienna (Austria), there is a place called Metalab (https://metalab.at/). It’s the place where the Linux people, hackers and nerds meet. It is in the city center, it has one larger room with enough space for approximately 50 people and two smaller rooms. Last time I was there it was clean. They also have a photo lab and several beamers.
The idea for the date is: May 18-21, 2023 (May 18 is a holiday in many catholic countries, after that comes a Friday which many people might be able take off).
This thread is only to find out whether there is even interest in such a meeting. Please respond to this thread if you would come to the meeting.
If there are enough people who are interested (probably at least 10 or so), I need to go to the Metalab Jour Fixe, present the idea to the members of the Lab and the members then have to vote about the event. So far they seem to like the idea and it’s likely that they would vote with yes, if there are enough people who are interested.
I would definitely come to the meeting, it’s a good idea
I would come to the meeting and lead/host a workshop, discussion or talk
Well if this were the real Libre Graphics Metting probably there would be some financial support for traveling for those who need it. But unfortunately it isn’t. Although, as Pat said during the last live meeting, there is a little money, at least for a modest buffet or something like that.
I would also think that part of the program should be a social night at a Viennese Wirtshaus or Heurigen.
Another part of the official program should be a day for architecture photography, which is a bit touristy and holiday like, but since this would be a photography meeting it can be part of the program. Although architecture photography is not really my thing, there are quite a few photogenic buildings here and Vienna is a popular destination for architecture photographers.
So it’s not quite wrong to see this as some kind of holidays. Not so many people know that Austria is actually a great holiday destination, not only for skiing, because those times might be over very soon since there is not enough snow any more. Only one hour by train from Vienna there are mountains as high as 2000m, great canyons and waterfalls, and in spring there is actually water in them. There are also many awesome lakes in the mountains, but those are not quite so close and more something for summer.
Of course, if you came from Australia or so, you would want to see more from Europe…
Well at least if I went to a different continent/country for such a conference I would want to explore the region with my camera. I had very detailed plans for the Bretangne…
Such a trip would not be financially and professionally possible at this time.
One request that I would like to make is a hybrid solution where I can actively participate and interact during the event. Not just a recording or live showing of speakers.
Other than that, if there is anything I can do to support this event, let me know.
I voted for “no interest”, which is actually not true. In fact, I would love to attend such a meeting. But due to time constraints, family commitments and financial reasons, such a trip is unfortunately out of the question for me at the moment.
I would like to have at least one day with workshops, presentations and talks. But it would be possible to extend the photo walk and trip part to two or three days or have workshops/presentations and walks at the same time. I think walks and trips are possible as long as there are not more than 20 particpants or so. Otherwise we would need to rent a bus and that’s too much organization.
I am a bit unhappy because there is at least one person who voted that they would definitely come but they did not reveal their identity. Also, no VIP respectively developer answered to this thread. If we could make at least two of them participate, that could attract others. So I am thinking of writing private messages to some of them or mentioning them in this thread, eventually.
The project is officially buried from my side. I still think it’s a good idea but I expected more positive reactions and enthusiasm. I will stop torturing myself with whether I should ask/invite more people personally or talk with the members and directors of the metalab.
I think I have done my part. I cannot do everything or force anybody to come. I know that there are several people who really want such a meeting but there’s nothing to do if they choose to be quiet.
Sorry to hear Anna, but please don’t beat yourself up over it. A community meeting only works if the community is willing. You did your best! We’ll continue meeting online once every while though, I assume?
