European BigLEM / Laserist Conference 2012

[dzodzo]

i'd love to come too, as for suggestions, maybe some DIY workshop would be great for me, doesn't have to be too official just if someone has a projector in build he could bring it over and show what to put where and how for noobies like me

[Stoney3K]

i'd love to come too, as for suggestions, maybe some DIY workshop would be great for me, doesn't have to be too official just if someone has a projector in build he could bring it over and show what to put where and how for noobies like me

Hands-on tinkering is something I find very important at a conference/convention like this.

Simply put, if the entire programming was based on big speakers, exhibitors and keynotes, there would be little 'fun' factor left in the event and it would probably get a more commercial character, which I do not want. Making money is not a problem if it covers the expenses for the event, however I would not aim to make a profit from such an event.

So workshops are definitely part of the plan and they will be on the call for papers as well. If there are workshops which involve interaction with running lasers, I guess they will be somewhat shielded from the 'ignorant' audience to prevent any unfortunate accidents.

@masterpj: As far as on-site catering is concerned, I will try to find a venue that has the least restrictions possible. We had a great convention-run catering at FOSDEM, which had sandwiches (€4 for a BIG baguette sandwich), coffee, special Belgian beers and waffles. Needless to say, it kept 5.000 hackers on their feet for about 3 days straight.

Although I like the University of Brussels as a venue, I am still considering other options. I've been to quite a few venues, including a great convention venue in Bonn:



Which, obviously, is more expensive, but would warrant the costs if we can attract larger speakers and exhibitors.

To me, the requirements for such a venue are:

* Inexpensive, unless there is a good reason to attract additional funds
* Large (~1000 seat) auditorium for keynotes, break-out rooms for workshops

* Easily accessible by road and public transport, proximity to (high speed) rail and air interconnect
* Short travel times from major or capital cities
* Close or on-site accomodations for crew, speakers and attendees (as the event will span multiple days and host international visitors)
* Close or on-site, inexpensive catering

[masterpj]

Great

Im sure I'll be there.
Be sure to stack up on some cola.
It's my main working power drink

And it has to be belgium wafflezz *drool*

Off course when the LEM is spread over more days then I will stay for every one of them

[danielbriggs]

Hands-on tinkering is something I find very important at a conference/convention like this.

Simply put, if the entire programming was based on big speakers, exhibitors and keynotes, there would be little 'fun' factor left in the event and it would probably get a more commercial character

I think a happy medium would be best...


When do we turn up...?

[jeejeedr]

Were about to bake belgian waffles at my house as I'm writing this

On topic: There are numerous locations in and around brussels that could be conveniant. I'll try to lookup some (with price frame) next week.

[hobbybob]

I will be there.
If needed i could supply some 400V to 230V convertors, which i also use for my Lanparties. I have 4 available, 32A 400V going in, 6x230 16A coming out.

So 24 groups of 16A, with 4x32A going in.
Also powerblocks (dozens) available.
Let me know if you need them, saves on renting stuff.

gr
dimitri

[mccarrot]

Please not you will need allot of tables.

At the Ilpendam Lem I had 3 rows of tables and had aleady had a short in table space with the limited ammount of people.

I think a table area of 2m2 a person should be ok

[Stoney3K]

Please not you will need allot of tables.

At the Ilpendam Lem I had 3 rows of tables and had aleady had a short in table space with the limited ammount of people.

I think a table area of 2m2 a person should be ok

Keep in mind that the setup I am considering is very different from the normal 'LEM' context. This is a conference, meaning people get the opportunity to present new projects or products, give talks in front of an audience and show off their laserist skills.

Sure, if you want room for hands-on tinkering, I believe that can be arranged. But I also want the opportunity for the general public (not necessarily laserists) to experience the fun of laser displays and possibly get some new people involved.

Tables, chairs and power are still required for the trade exhibit and development/tinkering rooms, but that's something we will arrange a lot later. The first thing we need to do is to get an organising comittee together (2-3 people) and search for viable venues and sponsorships. PR will need to start up after that.

[michelrietveld]

Great idea, Brussels is not too far away, also better for our French friends, count me in but be sure to post a date soon so i can block it in my agenda and prepare the family

Michel
Utrecht
Netherlands

[kl79]

Great idea, Brussels is not too far away, also better for our French friends, count me in but be sure to post a date soon so i can block it in my agenda and prepare the family

I second all he said (especially for the agenda)

Keep in mind that the setup I am considering is very different from the normal 'LEM' context.This is a conference....

arf...a conference in english..you must know it's not easy to everybody to understand english, so for a conference, it will be hard to follow..so, yes, I prefer an "anormal 'LEM' context"...where we can have a beer, discuss, exchange..
(I don't post only for me, but also for some french reader who read the forum everydays and don't post due to their english..)


But what kind you choose, I will be there