Wikimania 2014/2013 activities
In preparation for our 2014 bid, I think we should start thinking about what we can do in Hong Kong in 2013. We'll know by then whether our bid has been successful, but I think we should plan to take advantage of Wikimania 2013 either way. If you look at other big international events (eg. the Olympics) you'll see that it is common for delegations to organise their own side-events to take advantage of everyone being together. These events can help showcase your organisation and be excellent networking opportunities both with other delegations and locals. Wikimania tends not to see much like this going on, and I think WMUK should start changing that. I've created this page for us to brainstorms how to do that. --Tango (talk) 15:52, 23 June 2012 (UTC)
WMUK party at British consulate
I propose that we approach the British consulate in Hong Kong and suggest that they co-host a party with us. I suggest the evening 2 days before the main conference starts (so, if the conference starts on Thursday, the Tuesday evening). There isn't usually much official happening that evening, and lots of people will have arrived by then (for the WMF board meeting, hackathon, chapters meetings, etc.).
While, technically, we have a consulate in Hong Kong, rather than an embassy (the embassy is in Beijing) it is very much like an embassy and one of the things embassies do is hold events to help showcase their country and culture. So, I think they would probably be interested in holding an event for visiting Wikimedians from around the world.
If we win the 2014 bid, then this would be a kind of launch party for Wikimania 2014. If we don't, then it will just be a great way to get WMUK noticed and show off what we can do while having a good time.
I'm not sure how large an event this would be (that would probably depend on what the consulate has to say about it), so it might be an open invitation to all Wikimedians that have arrived by then, or it might have to be invitation only. We would probably want to invite some local dignitaries as well.
I'm also not sure what the cost would be. I'm hoping the consulate would be enthusiastic enough about it to cover most of the costs themselves, in which case the costs should be minimal.
What do people think?
--Tango (talk) 15:52, 23 June 2012 (UTC)
- Sounds broadly like a good idea to me. There seem to be a huge number of side events going on at Wikimania 2012, which should be very interesting to attend and see how well they work. This seems like a natural extension of that idea. The big question would be, what would be special and interesting about this event for the average attendee? Is it the mix of attendees that would be present, or the location, or the type of event, or having surrounding activities (such as exhibits, demonstrations, etc), or a combination, or ...? Thanks. Mike Peel (talk) 21:58, 23 June 2012 (UTC)
- The prestige of an Ambassador's Reception (well, Consul-general's Reception, but we can have Ferrero Rocher!) would probably be a big draw. The opportunity to meet local dignitaries might appeal to some people. And, if we time it right, simply the fact that there isn't much else on that evening and its got free food and drink! --Tango (talk) 22:33, 23 June 2012 (UTC)
WMUK exhibition
This suggestion is to create a display stand / exhibition that covers everything that WMUK has done, and is going to do, in a creative and engaging fashion. Such a display stand could include:
- Banners/stands that include photographs and outline information
- Interactive computer displays showing WMUK's highlights, and giving access to more information
- Leaflets explaining WMUK's various activities in detail
- Goodies such as pens, key rings, mugs, etc. to be taken away. Also business cards. And sweets.
- People manning the stand to answer questions
- Something creative to draw people's attention? (a big Wikipedia globe? Stand-up cardboard cut-outs of staff and trustees?)
There would be costs involved with this, both with the creation of the stand and shipping costs. The stand would be reusable at future events, though, as would the handouts created for it.