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SME Server Conference in SLC, Utah Feb 24-25, 2007

Offline pfloor

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SME Server Conference in SLC, Utah Feb 24-25, 2007
« on: January 30, 2007, 02:39:31 AM »
Paul Floor is proud to announce the 2007

SME 7 Server Conference/Workshop
Salt Lake City, Utah
February 24-25, 2007


Come meet the SME7 developers in person!

Free 2 day conference/workshop
Meet Gordon Rowell, Shad Lords and Charlie Brady*
One-on-one experience with the developers



Day one (Saturday)

    9:00am   - Meet and greet.
    10:00am - State of the SME Server project.
    12:00pm - Break for lunch.
    1:00pm   - Interactively learn the proper integration and packaging methods for SME7.
                       - Worked Example #1 Examine the integration of smeserver-ddclient.
    4:00pm   - Hands-on SMEserver.org website content brainstorm session.

Day two (Sunday)

    9:00am   - Interactive integration and packaging methods for SME7
    (part 2).
                       - Worked Example #2 Examine the integration of smeserver-userpanel.
    12:00pm - Break for lunch.
    1:00pm   - Hands-on sessions with the developers.
    3:00pm   - Q&A and Open discussion.

* Additional Proposed discussion:
    -Looking forward - SME transition to RHEL5
    -Possible x86_64 version

* Although this conference/workshop is free, donations will be greatly appreciated.
* All users of SME are asked to donate.  This conference/workshop will benefit ALL SME users.
* Enough donations have been collected so far fo me to commit to bring in Charlie Brady.
* Charlie Brady WILL be attending this conference/workshop.

* Charlie Brady will bring unparalleled experience to this conference/workshop.
* All donations will be used to pay the developer's travel/hotel expenses.
* Any remaining funds will be donated back to development.
* Only your donations can make this happen so please donate generously.


Notes:

    - This is intended to be a hands-on experience.
    - Everyone attending is expected to have read the
developer's guide in its entirety.
- This conference/workshop is limited to the first 10 participants.
- Participants will be required to provide their own transportation and accommodations.
- All participants will be required to bring their own computer equipment.
- High-speed wired internet access will be provided.[/list]
* Hosted by Paul Floor - Reservations taken on a first come, first served basis *
In life, you must either "Push, Pull or Get out of the way!"

Offline gregswallow

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Wish I could be there....
« Reply #1 on: January 30, 2007, 03:06:04 AM »
Thanks for organizing this Paul.  It sounds like fun.  I would like to come, but the timing coincides with my wife's due date - our first :) - and I definitly don't want to chance missing that.

Offline chris burnat

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« Reply #2 on: January 30, 2007, 03:44:26 AM »
If there is some printed material coming out of this conference, will copies be made available to the forum?
- chris
If it does not work out of the box, please fill in a Bug Report @ Bugzilla (http://bugs.contribs.org)  - check: http://wiki.contribs.org/Bugzilla_Help .  Thanks.

Offline pfloor

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Re: Wish I could be there....
« Reply #3 on: January 30, 2007, 05:43:44 AM »
Quote from: "gregswallow"
Thanks for organizing this Paul.  It sounds like fun.  I would like to come, but the timing coincides with my wife's due date - our first :) - and I definitly don't want to chance missing that.

Congratulations!

You know, if you induce labor right now you will be able to make it to the conference!  :lol:
In life, you must either "Push, Pull or Get out of the way!"

Offline pfloor

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SME Server Conference in SLC, Utah Feb 24-25, 2007
« Reply #4 on: January 30, 2007, 05:51:49 AM »
Quote from: "burnat"
If there is some printed material coming out of this conference, will copies be made available to the forum?

Obviuosly, any changes to the dev guide, manual, etc. will be published.
 
I've also been thinking about this:  I may be video taping the entire conference.  I don't know if this will be transcribed or if I am going to release it as video.

I'll let you know what I come up with.
In life, you must either "Push, Pull or Get out of the way!"

Offline mrjhb3

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SME Server Conference in SLC, Utah Feb 24-25, 2007
« Reply #5 on: January 30, 2007, 06:17:00 AM »
I would seriously consider going just for the heck of it, but I will be in San Fran that weekend on vacation with the family.  :(

John Bennett
......

Offline pfloor

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« Reply #6 on: January 30, 2007, 06:23:54 AM »
Quote from: "mrjhb3"
I would seriously consider going just for the heck of it, but I will be in San Fran that weekend on vacation with the family.  :(

John Bennett
Sorry to hear that you can't make it.  You will be missed.

Have fun on your vacation in SF (vacaition??? I don't think I know what that word means anymore :lol: )
In life, you must either "Push, Pull or Get out of the way!"

Offline chris burnat

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SME Server Conference in SLC, Utah Feb 24-25, 2007
« Reply #7 on: January 30, 2007, 06:33:35 AM »
Quote from: "pfloor"

 
I've also been thinking about this:  I may be video taping the entire conference.  I don't know if this will be transcribed or if I am going to release it as video.

I'll let you know what I come up with.


Thank you for considering this Paul, either way would be great!
- chris
If it does not work out of the box, please fill in a Bug Report @ Bugzilla (http://bugs.contribs.org)  - check: http://wiki.contribs.org/Bugzilla_Help .  Thanks.

Offline brianr

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SME Server Conference in SLC, Utah Feb 24-25, 2007
« Reply #8 on: January 30, 2007, 10:27:34 AM »
I wish you well with this endeavor, I'd also like to come, but its really too far for me (from the UK)

I have sent a donation. and would encourage you to video the proceedings, I'd very happy to pay for a copy.

Good luck
Brian j Read
(retired, for a second time, still got 2 installations though)
The instrument I am playing is my favourite Melodeon.
.........

Offline byte

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SME Server Conference in SLC, Utah Feb 24-25, 2007
« Reply #9 on: January 30, 2007, 10:56:00 AM »
Would have loved to met up with you guys but too far for me as well...Maybe we should have a UK one too  8) Going to make a donation so have a well earned drink on me Shad/Charlie/Gordon!!

PS. Congrats Greg!!
--[byte]--

Have you filled in a Bug Report over @ http://bugs.contribs.org ? Please don't wait to be told this way you help us to help you/others - Thanks!

Offline crazybob

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« Reply #10 on: January 30, 2007, 04:36:58 PM »
Would love to attend, but other commitments prevent. I also would be interested in any materials resulting from the conference

Have fun

Bob
If you think you know whats going on, you obviously have no idea whats going on!

Offline CharlieBrady

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SME Server Conference in SLC, Utah Feb 24-25, 2007
« Reply #11 on: January 30, 2007, 05:33:48 PM »
Quote from: "crazybob"
Would love to attend, but other commitments prevent. I also would be interested in any materials resulting from the conference


The most important "materials resulting from the conference" should be new packaged contribs or new features implemented in the core distribution :-)

Offline CharlieBrady

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SME Server Conference in SLC, Utah Feb 24-25, 2007
« Reply #12 on: January 30, 2007, 05:37:45 PM »
Quote from: "pfloor"
Quote from: "burnat"
If there is some printed material coming out of this conference, will copies be made available to the forum?

Obviuosly, any changes to the dev guide, manual, etc. will be published.
 
I've also been thinking about this:  I may be video taping the entire conference.  I don't know if this will be transcribed or if I am going to release it as video.


Given the small size and hand-on nature of the conference, I think it might be a distraction to try to create a record of just the "conference" itself, when we want to concentrate on producing code and documentation, and new skillsets and enthusiasm in the developers who attend.

From what I see in the announcement, perhaps "workshop" rather than "conference" is a better description.

Offline gordonr

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Proposal for a Europe SME Server conference thread created
« Reply #13 on: January 31, 2007, 09:40:53 AM »
I've split the discussions about a possible Europe conference into another thread.

http://forums.contribs.org/index.php?topic=35497.0
............

Offline pfloor

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« Reply #14 on: February 01, 2007, 06:13:04 AM »
Quote from: "pfloor"
* If enough donations are collected then we will also be able to bring in Charlie Brady.
* Charlie Brady will bring unparalleled experience to this conference.

We are getting very close to getting Charlie Brady to this conference/workshop thanks to the extreme generosity of these very fine SME supporters:

Stephen Noble
Gavin Weight
Brian Read
Robert Stalzer
Peter Cowley
And some others that wish to remain anonymous.

This is a great start.  We just need a bit more and I know there are many,
many others out there that use SME on a daily basis that would like to see
Charlie there.  A few more of you with $25 donations will make this work and the benefit of Charlie's participation will be priceless.

Thanks to all,

-Paul
In life, you must either "Push, Pull or Get out of the way!"

Offline p-jones

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SME Server Conference in SLC, Utah Feb 24-25, 2007
« Reply #15 on: February 01, 2007, 06:58:15 AM »
PFLOOR

Paul
Would you contact me privately please. createch@xnet.co.nz

Ta
...

Offline pmstewart

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Conference - what a great idea!
« Reply #16 on: February 01, 2007, 11:24:57 AM »
Contrib Members,

I live very close to the SLC area as well as another gent who is currently
working closely with me to implement SME Server.

Can assist in many ways (currently between jobs and have a little free time).

Have a few key local contacts and resources.  Please advise if I can be of
assistance.

Paul

**Note**  Since my SME box is up and down - my contribs email pmstewart AT sitbs.com may not work correctly.  Send all personal correspondence to pmstewartt@comcast.net

Offline psoren

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SME Server Conference in SLC, Utah Feb 24-25, 2007
« Reply #17 on: February 01, 2007, 05:07:30 PM »
Quote from: "pfloor"


This is a great start.  We just need a bit more and I know there are many,
many others out there that use SME on a daily basis that would like to see
Charlie there.  A few more of you with $25 donations will make this work and the benefit of Charlie's participation will be priceless.

Thanks to all,

-Paul


I have no chance to come to the conference/workshop, i would have loved to meet the great team behind. But i have donatet and hopefully others will benefit from that, and further development of this nearly perfect distribution can go on. Hopefully there could come some things out of this that might even help to get dummies like myself to contribute with "real contribs"

Per

Offline calisun

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« Reply #18 on: February 02, 2007, 05:59:21 AM »
I think video taping the conference is a great idea. I bet if you guys make the video available for download, it  will be a big hit among SME server community.  


John
If  you need a guide in San Francisco  on your vacation, let me know, I live 20 minute drive from SF.
My wife likes to go to SF to play a tourist for a day.
SME user and community member since 2005.
Want to install Wordpress in iBay of SME Server?
See my step-by-step How-To wiki here:
http://wiki.contribs.org/Wordpress_Multisite

Offline calisun

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« Reply #19 on: February 02, 2007, 07:27:04 AM »
Has  there  been any thought given to have  SME Server  represented at Linux World Conference & Expo?
They have .org pavilion where we could have a table setup for free.
Last year some of the booths at  .org pavilion were: KDE, GNOME, Fedora Project, Debian, Gentoo just to name a few.
This would give our project a recognition and big audience that might give us more users and developers.

It is a big event with all the major players there, Red Hat, SUSE/ Novell, IBM, AMD, HP, SUN, etc.

LinuxWorld Conference & Expo®
August 6-9, 2007
Moscone Center Center
San Francisco, CA

Also,  if any of the developers are interested in speaking at the conference, you can submit your topic paper here;

http://linuxworldexpo.com/live/12/speakers//callforpapers

This is an event that I would recommend to any Linux enthusiast. I have been attending it for past five years in a row, and I can't get enough.
Anybody can register to get a Free entrance to the exhibit hall.

http://www.linuxworldexpo.com/live/12/
SME user and community member since 2005.
Want to install Wordpress in iBay of SME Server?
See my step-by-step How-To wiki here:
http://wiki.contribs.org/Wordpress_Multisite

Offline pfloor

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SME Server Conference in SLC, Utah Feb 24-25, 2007
« Reply #20 on: February 03, 2007, 10:48:24 PM »
Quote from: "pfloor"
* If enough donations are collected then we will also be able to bring in Charlie Brady.


GOOD NEWS!!!

I am happy to announce that Charlie Brady will be attending!!!

Almost enough donations have been received so I am committing to bring in Charlie and make up any difference out of my pocket.

A BIG Thanks to all that contributed so far!!!

Stephen Noble
Gavin Weight
Brian Read
Robert Stalzer
Peter Cowley
Per Sorensen
Craig Jensen
Steve Wan
And 5 others that wish to remain anonymous.

Thanks again to everyone,

Paul
In life, you must either "Push, Pull or Get out of the way!"

Offline pfloor

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SME Server Conference in SLC, Utah Feb 24-25, 2007
« Reply #21 on: February 16, 2007, 03:21:02 AM »
Conference Update

The conference/workshop is coming along nicely.  The response has been fantastic so far, both from attendees and donators.

The turnout so far has been great so I secured a larger conference room.  The original location was a bit tight and this has given us a bit more room to breathe.  Consequently, we can now accept a few more participants if anyone is still interested.

I would like to personally thank everyone that has donated!  You have all made this possible with your kind and generous donation.

THANKS!!!

Stephen Noble
Gavin Weight
Brian Read
Robert Stalzer
Peter Cowley
Per Sorensen
Craig Jensen
Steve Wan
Rex Gaylord
John Davey
Nick Critten
Gary Barnett
And 4 others that wish to remain anonymous.

P.S. Donations are still being accepted and remember, any leftover fund after all expenses are paid will be donated right back to development!
This is a win-win situation for everyone.
Don't be shy, click that button below!
In life, you must either "Push, Pull or Get out of the way!"

Offline dmay

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« Reply #22 on: February 16, 2007, 06:52:40 AM »
Has anyone considered offering this conference to the masses via a hosted WebEx event?

Darrell

Offline bpivk

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« Reply #23 on: February 16, 2007, 10:28:55 AM »
Quote from: "dmay"
Has anyone considered offering this conference to the masses via a hosted WebEx event?

Darrell


Was thinking the same thing.
How hard would it be if someone finds a camera, plugs it into his computer and hosts the event on the web?
"It should just work" if it doesn't report it. Thanks!

Offline brianr

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« Reply #24 on: February 16, 2007, 10:46:34 AM »
a very good idea.
Brian j Read
(retired, for a second time, still got 2 installations though)
The instrument I am playing is my favourite Melodeon.
.........

Offline pfloor

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« Reply #25 on: February 16, 2007, 08:31:07 PM »
Quote from: "dmay"
Has anyone considered offering this conference to the masses via a hosted WebEx event?

Darrell

Are “you” offering to do it?  That would be very nice if you could.

Several have suggested it but no one has researched it out to find out exactly what is entailed.  So I decided to do some research.  Here is what I found.

Webex trial free for 14 days to 1 host = Free! (Doesn't do us much good as it only allows 1 participant)

Webex 1 host and 10 attendees $49.  This might work, let's see.  No this won’t because it doesn't have video (only screen shots) and voice is US toll only. Not a good choice.

Webex to 5 hosts and 75 attendees $375 per month (BUT Requires 12 month contract so this is a $4,500 commitment).  Not do-able.

Ah, here is what I'm looking for.  The pay-per-user option.  Let's see, 33 cents per minute, per attendee.  This sounds a bit more reasonable...let’s do the math.

16 hours (2 days) X 60 minutes = 960 minutes X .33 = $316 per attendee.  Let’s say 10 remote attendees that would be $3,160.

I contacted Webex and they are willing to do this:

Host plus 10 remote locations = $2000
Host plus 20 remote locations = $3000
This includes video and VIOP.
This is a package deal and needs to be paid up-front.  It must be paid and set up no later than today as they need several days to get it set up and Monday is a holiday.  Also, there will be no support as they are closed Saturday and Sunday.

Besides the money, the logistics of this are out of my scope.  Just screen shots would be useless without video so someone (perhaps you Darrell) would have to come and bring all the equipment, hook it all up and make it work, man the cameras, change between screenshots, etc.

At this point it looks highly unlikely that this can/will happen unless someone else does it. I can’t, I don't have the resources or the time.
In life, you must either "Push, Pull or Get out of the way!"

Offline dmay

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« Reply #26 on: February 17, 2007, 06:52:02 PM »
Quote from: "pfloor"

Are “you” offering to do it?  That would be very nice if you could.

Possibly. Are any of the presenters familiar with WebEx? Have whomever that is contact me directly.

Darrell

Offline pfloor

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« Reply #27 on: February 17, 2007, 07:18:28 PM »
Quote from: "dmay"
Quote from: "pfloor"

Are “you” offering to do it?  That would be very nice if you could.

Possibly. Are any of the presenters familiar with WebEx? Have whomever that is contact me directly.

Darrell

All of the presenters will be busy presenting.  I will be busy with logstics.  However, if you can arrange the following (off the top of my head) I think you can make this work.

1-A Webex account that has video/voice capabilities.
2-Camera(s)
3-VOIP equipment (regular camera sound won't work with Webex).
4-OR conference call capabilities (including the ability to call from our location as I can't use the corporate phones unless it is toll free).
5-A video switch box to switch from camera to screen shots (optional but will enhance the experience due to the fact that most of the demonstrations will be via laptos projected on a 72" screen and I don't think a camera will pick up the projections very well).
6-A PC to run it all from.
7-Someone that is not participating to run the whole thing.

Also, this is going to be mostly unscripted so the "controller" person will need to be good enough to know when to switch camera/screen shots.

-Paul
In life, you must either "Push, Pull or Get out of the way!"

Offline dmay

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« Reply #28 on: February 17, 2007, 07:49:19 PM »
Quote from: "pfloor"
Ah, here is what I'm looking for.  The pay-per-user option.  Let's see, 33 cents per minute, per attendee.  This sounds a bit more reasonable...let’s do the math.

Actually there are typically two parts to a WebEx. WebEx 0.33/min + teleconference 0.20/min. Total 0.53/min/person charged to the host.

Some things to consider:

The entire conference does not need to be live via WebEx.
The WebEx does not need to include video.

With some creative agenda planning you might simply offer defined WebEx sessions, when you are actually demonstrating how to do something. This may be only a few hours. Possibly one session per day.

Darrell

Offline pfloor

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« Reply #29 on: February 17, 2007, 08:24:12 PM »
Quote from: "dmay"
Actually there are typically two parts to a WebEx. WebEx 0.33/min + teleconference 0.20/min. Total 0.53/min/person charged to the host.

Or a cheaper alternative .33 per minute + .02 for VOIP but this requires a VOIP mic at the sending end.

Quote
Some things to consider:

The entire conference does not need to be live via WebEx.
The WebEx does not need to include video.

With some creative agenda planning you might simply offer defined WebEx sessions, when you are actually demonstrating how to do something. This may be only a few hours. Possibly one session per day.

Darrell


Very true.  Someone (else) needs to do this from this end.  The biggest problem would be timing.  We have not really scripted this, who is going to determine what to broadcast and what not?

Maybe I haven't made myself clear about this.

First of all, I think the idea is GREAT, however.

-Someone else is going to have to figure out how to do it.
-Someone else is going to have to set it up.
-Someone else is going to have to provide all the necessary equipment.
-Someone else is going to have to man it.
-Someone else needs to determine what to broadcast.
-Someone else is needs to provide a Webex account.
-Someone else is going to have to pay for it.
-We will not change our agenda to accommodate a Webex schedule.
-We will not guarantee any type of timeline.

-I will make the room, HS internet connection, power, etc, available for whoever wants to take this on.

I don't think it is fair to ask anyone that has made special arrangements, paid hundreds of dollars to get here and is expecting a one-on-one weekend with the devs to do any of this.

I won't do it, I won't ask our guests to do it and I especially won't ask the 3 devs that have so graciously donated their time to do it.

However, if someone else wants to arrange to make this happen, I will cooperate in every way.  I will be setting up the conference room on Friday from noon to 6pm.  Email me and I will provide directions.
In life, you must either "Push, Pull or Get out of the way!"