Mappers from all around the world are kindly invited to SOTM15, in the beautiful location of Venice (map)
The Venue will take place at Aquae Venezia 2015, hosted in the Main Stand of the International Water Fair, located at (map) close to Parco di San Giuliano and VEGA (Scientific and Technological Park) and [1].
SOTM15 is planned between the end of May 2015 and the first week of June 2015. (see #When)
Easy transport access to and from the event's location by bus, train or tram. Venice city center is close to the conference and can be reached in 10-15min.
Different options for accomodation will be made available to attendees (B&B, hotels, apartments, hostels and so on).
Affordable Delegate Cost –suggested EUR150 max (USD106)
Brochure of Aquae Venezia 2015
Why Venice
Promotion of OSM in Italy relies on the cultural and geographical varieties of its territory, an important heritage for people from all around the world. In particular, Venice represent a unique example of how human geography radically shape the environment in which we live and is a key factor of cultural, social and artistic integration.
With the 50% of mapping’s contribution from abroad on Venice the OSM community can reshape the definition of common goods, helping mapping, managing and maintain information of one of the most important World Heritage Site beyond the common understanding of tourism economy.
The conjunction of the International Water Fair can open new scenarios of development for the community. On one hand the presentation of UNESCO International Annual Report on Water can address those mappers who are involved in humanitarian crisis management, hydrogeological risk, citizen science projects. On the other hand, the presence of startups and companies can offer an opportunity of expanding OSM toward new business scenarios.
The Public Administrations, in particular Regione Veneto (regional government) and the City of Venice, begun releasing geographical data that are progressively imported in OSM. SOTM15 can be a great opportunity to spread the word of how important free geographical data are for both citizens and governments in addressing society issues.
While we understand the importance of having a common language (such as English) for discussing ideas, projects and business we believe that cultural differences are worth sharing, especially while having some good food. We then decide to arrange a one-day multilingual business workshop. It will happen in the restaurant-park area and it provide a chance to all the participant to discuss with their own languages. Linguistic differences are a value not a limit.
You can look for plenty of different solutions of accommodation (hotel, B&B, hostels) both inside the old city of Venice or near the event’s location. We believe that brilliant ideas are made of great people, good food, and astonishing location.
OSMmapper, Wikipedian, Civic Hacker, Opendata expert. 2 years experience in geographic information systems of the City of Venice, responsible for the release of the geographical data of the City of Venice
The event will be scheduled for the 29-30-31 of May or the 5-6-7 June. We are currently working to fix the best time for SOTM15 between those two slots in order to guarantee that:
in the period scheduled for the event accommodation’s expenses in Venice are lower and the availability is usually guaranteed
is the best time to put together SOTM15 with companies that partecipate to the International Water Fair
there are no other events that may coincide with SOTM15.
Where
Venice (map) will host Aquae Venezia 2015 the International Water Fair, sponsored by EXPO 2015.
SOTM15 will take place in the Main Stand of the International Water Fair (14.000sqm, 2000sqm projectable surface), within which approximately 100 expositon's stands will be available, as well as two conference rooms (250 and 110 seats), main scientific area and restaurants.
Advanced multimedia solutions will be available to the participant, such as wifi coverage, multi-stream with keynotes, presentations, workshops, panel sessions. Lightning talks will take place in the conference rooms.
Expenses
An individual contribution of 150€ (190USD) that include:
3 days entrance at the Fair
breakfast and lunch
benefits from sponsors
Sponsors
The organising committee will contribute with logistic, welcoming and exhibition spaces. Further companies and public institutions will sponsor the event.
How to get there
The selected venue for SOTM15 is located between Mestre and Venice in the Porto Marghera area (map)
