Posted by AndrewEchidna on April 15, 2011 at 12:59am
We really need some ideas for our meeting space -
Ideally we can utilize different spaces depending on what type of meeting we are running.
Ability to have a wireless access and power for laptops is ideal.
Comments
I am in favour of meeting at
I am in favour of meeting at the main library. I am from out of town and just assume they have wireless and presentation equipment. It worked great for DrupalCamp Toronto. There are plenty of bars within walking distance.
Fee$
Unless the policy has changed over the last couple of years, using one of the big rooms at the library costs money, no exceptions.
I thought the London Art Project might be another possible venue, but again they were looking for some cash. I suggested a barter for a new website, but they didn't seem keen (even though they've desperately needed one for years).
We might have better luck further out of the downtown. Palasad North has rooms that can be closed off (and free parking).
If we can get by with some of the free resources mentioned tonight (Poachers, rTraction, unLab) and build some goodwill with a community project or two we may be able to build a larger list of options.
Beer?
I agree with Andrew, that we can choose the location somewhat based on the agenda of the meeting, although beer is always good. After-meetings beers is always an option too.
Free is good, and something with a private room would be nice so we don't have bad music drowning us out. I think it also depends on what kind of attendance we'll have going forward.
Martin, I remember the Palasad having some pretty good rooms that were away from the rest of the crowds, which would be good, as long as their is wifi available.
My apologies for missing the
My apologies for missing the meeting yet again, problem with being a dad is that sometimes family stuff just gets in the way. In any case, I REALLY do want to make it to these and if a new venue is being sought, I have a couple ideas, perhaps they have already been dismissed for some good reason.
1) London has two schools that are part of the Community use of Facilities program for the public school system. Knollwood Park Public School, Gammage Street, is one of the schools participating (there is a Kelsy's close by so we can still drink beer). I'm not sure about wifi but I think LonDUG would qualify as a Group D and it would cost under $30/night ... not free exactly but likely less than the price of a beer per attendee ... we could even fix-price it so that a small kitty was raised to help for the days only 2 or 3 show up.
2) What about approaching UWO CS department and/or Student Union? (we can still drink beer in the Grad Centre) There must be some students there interested in Drupal and I still know a few people there (graduated in 94 so they are dwindling in number), we might be able to get this hosted (informally) for free, particularly if we were willing and able to share / lecture to visiting students.
3) Waterloo hooked up with the local E-waste recycling folks, another Not-for-profit group that had their own place. I suspect that happened because they themselves used drupal and got something out of it. I would think there are at least some similar places and/or even local businesses using Drupal that might be willing to participate (but I'm sure this approach has been brought up a number of times).
Also I know somebody fairly high-up in the London Public Library so I'll double check on the "no exceptions" ... roughly how many people do we want to plan for?
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Sad that I don't know the answer to this...
I never deal with this kind of stuff, being chained to my desk and all, but it is possible that a Library co-sponsored event might get around the fees. I'll ask, but I don't know what the results will be.
Dave?
Local Company Venues -
Our boardroom (207 King St) can comfortably seat 8 people and can provide beer and wifi - this will work for a limited set of event types.
rtraction (downtown as well) has also offered up there venue which I believe is slightly larger. - and can probably provide beverages.
I will also approach the covent garden market and see what options are available there as well.
Tru Restaurant also has a large private room with a projector screen as well - I'll confirm on wifi.