We are trying to get into a routine of informally meeting to get to know each other, our projects and share knowledge. Understandably, while good for the Edinburgh folks, it may not be enough of an incentive for people outside Edinburgh to travel in. So, we are thinking we'd like to start targetting specific subjects for more formal sessions.
To do this, we need a space to meet that can accommodate minimum 8-10 people, with internet and projection facilities. Most companies have security concerns about letting strangers into their conference rooms out of hours but there may be education places, creative spaces or relevant companies that would be willing to accomodate us - can you have a think, ask around ?
Location wise, anywhere with good transport links.
So, with a venue (or set of venues) we can start planning to have sessions on specific areas of interest.
Comments
Would Alloa be out of the question?
I haven't asked yet because I suspect that Alloa won't work as a venue, but there are a couple of potential places there that fit the requirements that I can ask.
Some pros for Alloa are:
Some obvious cons:
If there's interest I'll ask.
Nick.
Gets my vote
Alloa would get my vote if needed, it's not as out of the way as you might imagine... if you can get to Stirling then you can get to Alloa.
I would enquire about the places you mention, that way we'd have information to work on.
You live there Nick or thereabouts, I live in Falkirk and I'll see if there are any areas available for technical sessions.
Food can always be got before or afterwards, I don't think it's too important for the 'non social events'.
KH
Falkirk
Falkirk Enterprise and Action Trust (FEAT) have rooms available for 10 people... conference facilities, PC, prjector etc...
Monday to Friday in the evenings they would want 72 quid a visit.
Q
Just found
Just found this:
http://www.meetup.com/The-Edinburgh-Web-Design-And-Development-Meetup-Gr...
Firstly -- we could get in touch with them.
Secondly -- we could use the same venue they do?
Minto House is part of the
Minto House is part of the University of Edinburgh .... any contacts, alumni ??
Alloa/Falkirk
Good central locations and I'd be happy to take up to 4 people from Edinburgh in my car.
Jackie
Possible Alternative
Stopped by Net Resources, Palmerston Place, Edinburgh and spoke to Sara. They have a large training room that would be ideal (Duvien will know it as I believe he also went through the GIC training course). Didn't discuss cost but might be worth getting in touch.
John
That's right and they are
That's right and they are really nice and very approachable folks. I still miss my time being there, very inspiring and fun :)
It did cross my mind before about asking Roan or Sara but since they use ModX (another good open source project) i wasn't sure if it'll be in their interest. Either way, i get in touch with them and see.
Got a reply from Net
Got a reply from Net Resources. They'll be happy for us to use the training room. However, it will cost to hire since it is a business premise after all which i think is fair. So what i need to know, is this something we'll be happy to pay for? and how many hours do we need for the session?
So the options here will be to all chip in on the day of the event so how many people turns up, we divide the cost among everyone (therefore the more the cheaper).
Or if someone here is working for a company, perhaps you're company might like to sponsor our group in hiring the room or provide some office space?
Prices
I think that being realistic we're going to have to fork out some cash to get somewhere decent, this is becoming more and more apparent. However before deciding on a particular venue surely we need to know how much each is going to charge.
How much will Net Resources charge?
KH
@KeithHurst - Hiring rooms
@KeithHurst - Hiring rooms out is not something they do so i think they'll need a bit of time to decide on a reasonable fee. Will let you know once they get back in touch.