[Linux-aus] Re: Ed.expo 2005

[Pia Smith <pia@linux.org.au>]

Hi all,

for some background on this, Sara has made a grant proposal to Linux
Australia to help out with a Linux booth at a big up and coming
education conference in Sydney. The last conference earlier this year
was the first one in a series, very big, very successful and had
absolutely no open source presence. Sara had the great idea to have a
Linux stand, and was looking at working with LA, and SLUG to make it
happen. I've cc'd the original grant proposal as this was meant to be
posted to linux-aus about a week ago. 

We took some time deciding on this prior to posting as we wanted to
define the exact details of what was going to be provided. The agreement
is that local LUGs should be involved (if they are interested :),
giveaways relevant to the occasion, such as attractions to the kids (who
drag parents along), a Linux Australia banner will be created (with the
new look) to be reused by us in events we are participating in and
running in future. Linux Australia is in need of some advertising tools
:)

The LA committee is very supportive of this idea, and posts the grant
proposal to linux-aus for public scrutiny as per the usual procedure :)
We note that it is a large amount of money, but is a good advertising
and education opportunity for Linux, Linux Australia and linux.conf.au.

Cheers,
Pia
=====

Application Form for Linux Australia Grant Scheme

Date: 16.7.04

Project Name: 2005 Education Expo - Rosehill Gardens Event Centre
Parramatta, Sat 14th and Sun 15th May,2005.

Aim of Project: A Linux Australia Booth displaying Open Source/Linux
solutions relevant to the education sector namely preschool, primary and
secondary (a way to invite other booth holders from public and private
sectors) and of course the point of the Expo is to provide an awareness
to parents/caregivers of services and products available in educating
their children. The 2004 event had approx 8000 visitors and I feel Linux
Australia needs to seen and heard by your average Australians who are
not yet informed about what solutions Linux can provide their families. 

Person Responsible for Request: Sara Kaan - ABD Computer Installations,
webmaster@abdcomputers.net

Request
-------
Booth Specs: The reason I suggest this one is because it has a power
point.
Standard Booth          2x3 metres - includes white melamine walls,
facia name board, 2 spot lights, 1 power point, carpet, expo website
link -        $1,760
An internet connection and power can be provided to any booth on request
at a daily charge.
You can supply your own furniture and fittings or you can hire them from
the Exhibition Hire Service.
Registration is required at $330 with a refund up until 1 Dec,2004
(There are also Table Only - $440, Small Booth (no power) - $880, Double
Booth, walk-thru and double everything else - $3300)
Floorplan: There is a 'Technology Classroom' section where Mac and
sellers of Microsoft educational software were stationed, taking it a
step further and complimenting this with a talk and invitation in the
Lecture Program on either day.  
Merchandise: Pia has mentioned there is some Linux Australia
merchandise. If not or in addition balloons or pens. Booth holders
distributed merchandise to kids and adults by asking them to colour
pages or fill out simple quizzes relevant to the booth. I have received
one quote (have been unable to compare) for 200 custom printed balloons
with Tux and Linux Australia details with delivery for $200, will not
pursue other quotes until advised.
Booth Displays: examples: bright displays of Tux (for kids to drag
parents along) a list of why to chose Linux in bullet form *stable
*multitasking etc.
Promotion: Education Today is the official expo publisher. The magazine
is distributed free to schools throughout Australia 8 times per year and
every copy carries a feature on the expo. They also have media partners
in newspaper groups. So all that is required is something on the Linux
Australia website.

I must add that we (ABD Computers) would like to plug ourselves on the
two days by giving out cards and a list of Linux services we offer. But
the board and merchandise will be that of Linux Australia. If you wish
me to provide you with details on display suggestions or if you have
some of your own my contact details are below.


Regards,
Sara Kaan
-- 
Pia Smith <pia@linux.org.au>
Linux Australia