Please propose possible venues for our meetings. In a perfect world, I think our criteria would be sufficient physical space for growth, Wi-Fi access, and a large screen we can use for presentations. We may have to consider options that provide only two of three and then look for our own solutions for the third. I should probably add that we want something free of charge. I definitely don't think we want to try to pick up money from folks in the group to pay for meetings.
I would suggest that I contact the Buzz Coffee House and see if they are interested. They have a large area for a coffee shop, it's a really nice environment, and they offer free, secure Wi-Fi. They lack a monitor for presentations as far as I know, and I'm not sure if there's an easy solution to this. If someone out there has a digital projector, we might be able to make something work off of that. Lugging a big LCD screen around is probably a non-starter.
We can also look at pubs and bars. These generally are large and offer large screens. They don't typically have public Wi-Fi available, but it's possible that they may have private Wi-Fi we could use. I wouldn't recommend they open up a network they don't routinely offer to guests, but who knows? If they're willing...
The public library downtown must have meeting facilities. We can look into those too. I'll make some calls tomorrow and report back.
I created a Wiki page we can edit as we get organized. Right now it's a good place to summarize the options and proposals from our topics in one document.
Comments
NCC
I think I've got it. The Nanaimo Curling Club has a boardroom, with wifi and a screen (and maybe a projector). They're willing to let us use it on a trial basis.
Cost:
That's the trial part. For now, they're willing to let us have it at no charge. There are two other facilities, a pub and a food service (they're separate), and if we could find it within us to spend money in either I'm sure they'd be much more likely to let us keep coming for free! Otherwise, the charge would be approx $50/meeting which isn't terrible, but once you consider the contribution of each of 5 or even 10 of us, you might as well get a beer and/or a burger for your troubles...
Location:
106 Wall St. Nanaimo
The boardroom is in an area inaccessible to the public, so we'll have to meet in the lobby beforehand.
Time:
I think our current plan of every 3rd Thursday will be okay. Currently the boardroom is only booked a few times a month. But if there's a conflict, since we're a charity case, I'm sure we can find another night! :)
Confirmed
Okay, we're good to go for 7 - 9pm on the 3rd Thursday of the month.
As I said, we'll have to meet in the lobby first. Aim for the elevator at the left end of the lobby. Since curling season is in full swing, there'll be a lot of people there, so try to look Drupal-y. :)
If you're late, there may be someone in the Pro Shop who can let you in (but try not to be -- we don't want to be a pain -- they're busy and volunteers).