[lca-announce] linux.conf.au 2013: Call For Miniconf Proposals (closes July 6)

[linux.conf.au Announcements]

=== linux.conf.au Call For Miniconfs ===

We are pleased to announce that the Call for Miniconferences for
linux.conf.au 2013 is now open!

The conference will showcase the best of open source and
community-driven software and hardware. It will be held in Canberra at
the Australian National University from Monday 28 January to Saturday
2 February, 2013, and provides a great opportunity for open source
developers, users, hackers, and makers to share their ideas and
further improve their projects.

=== Important Dates ===

* Call for miniconfs opens: 1 June 2012
* Call for miniconfs closes: 6 July 2012
* Email notifications from papers committee: 28 August 2012
* Early Bird registrations open: 1 October 2012
* Conference dates: Monday 28 January to Saturday 2 February 2013
* Miniconfs run: Monday 28 January to Tuesday 29 January 2013

=== Information on Proposals ===

The linux.conf.au 2013 papers committee is looking for a broad range
of proposals, and will consider submissions on anything from
programming and software, to desktop, userspace, community,
government, and education. There is only one rule:

_Your proposal must be related to open source_

This year, the papers committee is going to be focused on deep
technical content, and things we think are going to really matter in
the future -- that might range from freedom and privacy to open source
cloud systems or to energy efficient server farms of the future.

In the past, we have held miniconferences on the following topics:
* Hardware hacking using Arduino
* Libré Graphics
* Women in open source
* Business aspects of open source
* Open source in education
* And many others ...

LCA is known for miniconfs that are strongly technical in nature, but
proposals for presentations on other aspects of free software and open
culture, such as educational and cultural applications of open source,
are welcome.

=== Code of Conduct ===

linux.conf.au welcomes first-time and seasoned speakers from all free
and open communities - people of all ages, genders, nationalities,
ethnicities, backgrounds, religions, abilities, and walks of life. We
respect and encourage diversity at our conference.

By agreeing to present at or attend the conference, you are agreeing
to abide by the terms and conditions. We expect all speakers and
delegates to have read and understood our Code of Conduct.

=== Format ===

Miniconfs are day-long sessions on a specific topic. As the name
suggests, they are expected to be run as a miniature conference, with
a formal schedule published ahead of time listing speakers and
sessions for the day.

Your miniconf can have any combination of formal presentations,
demonstrations, tutorials, workshops, panel discussions, or other
display that you feel would be of interest to a linux.conf.au
audience. The only thing we ask is that you keep it contained to your
room, that you clean up afterwards, and that you ask permission of the
organising committee before arranging anything potentially dangerous
(such as soldering, rocketry, or anything involving flames or volatile
substances).

=== Miniconf Organiser Information ===

In recognition of the value that miniconf organisers bring to our
conference, once a proposal is accepted a miniconf organiser is
entitled to:
* Free registration, which holds all of the benefits of a Professional
Delegate Ticket
* Exclusive tickets to the Speakers' Dinner for the speaker and their
immediate family
* If your proposal includes more than one miniconf organiser, free
registration and any extra benefits are provided to the primary
organiser only.

Please note: miniconf speakers do not receive free tickets to the
conference. They must purchase their own ticket in order to attend and
present at your miniconf. Please communicate this clearly when
inviting your potential speakers to your miniconference.

linux.conf.au does not and will not pay speakers (including miniconf
speakers) to present at the conference. Similarly, miniconf organisers
are not permitted to accept corporate or government sponsorship, nor
are they permitted to charge an admittance fee to delegates.

linux.conf.au is able to provide limited financial assistance for some
miniconf organisers, for instance, where the cost of flights or
accommodation might prohibit you from attending. Please note, however,
that there is a limited budget for travel assistance and that asking
for assistance could affect your chances of acceptance.

=== Recording and Licensing ===

To increase the number of people that can view your miniconference,
linux.conf.au might record your miniconf and make it publicly
available after the event. Please ensure that your miniconf speakers
will be expected to release materials relating to their presentation
under a Creative Commons ShareAlike License. Additionally, if your
speakers are discussing software in their presentation, the software
must have an appropriate open licence.

=== About Linux Australia ===

Linux Australia is the peak body for open source communities around
Australia, and as such represents approximately 3500 Free and Open
Source users and developers. Linux Australia supports the organisation
of this international Free Software conference in a different
Australasian city each year.

For more information about Linux Australia see www.linux.org.au

=== Enquiries ===

Email the linux.conf.au 2013 Papers Committee at papers-chair at
lca2013.linux.org.au