The Event? A chance for Government of Canada employees to get together and talk about what they're doing with social media and new technologies. A chance to meet others in communications, marketing, web development, design (and any other job description) to find some inspiration, some motivation and help build a community.
It's a lot like the hugely successful event held over in the United Kingdom last month, and New Zealand before that. Ideas, demonstrations, crazy suggestions, projects already under way - and all on a schedule set up by the people who show up ready to participate.
Just take a look at all the people blogging about egovernment and government 2.0 already.
When? Very soon, but still up in the air. Preferably a Friday in the weeks before Parliament Resumes Sitting. Why Friday? It's a slow day in the life of government communications types.
Help Decide! Sooner is better than later. Would you prefer 1: Last week of August 2: First week of September 3: First week of October (indicate your response here, or send a message to the Google Group)
Where? Definitely in Ottawa. We're weighing options, with a central location being preferable. Maybe the Code Factory.
How Long?
We think there's enough happening inside government departments to take up a whole day - in demos, discussions and Q&A sessions.
Will There Be Food? Yes, most likely a potluck lunch of some sort.
What Will It Cost?
The cost will be low. Very low. Like $20. During July, we're going to nail down attendance, location and whether we want to make a tshirt or not. That will help determine the cost.
Who Can Attend?
For this first meeting, we'd like to keep attendance restricted to Government of Canada employees. We'd like to create an environment where public servants can discuss the opportunities, the frustrations, the possibilities and the roadblocks to implementing new technology in a government environment - without feeling like they will be pitched on a new service or company.
Who's Participating?
Add your name and email address (blog, flickr, twitter, identi.ca or anything else also welcome). Or you can email it to Colin.
Is There Limited Seating?
Yes. We figure we can find a space for 50 to 60 people. We already know about 20 that will attend, so make sure to add your name to the list of participants and sign up for the Google Groups mail list.
Can you Make A Presentation?
Add your name and presentation title here.
What Subjects Do You Want Covered?
Add your wish list here
Volunteers
Can you bring drinks, snacks, food, thousands of multi-coloured post it notes, entertaining slide shows, a mime? Just put a note here.
How to get in touch?
Colin McKay colin@canuckflack.com
Join the Google Groups Mail List
Sign up for the barcampOttawaGov mail list on Google groups.
Is This An Official Event?
This is not an event put on by the Government of Canada. You can argue with your boss that this will be a highly effective low-cost training opportunity, and if you really need it we can make up a convincing yet completely untruthful conference pamphlet to help make the argument.
