Business-to-Linux event (Was- A group statement on SCO's actions)

[Bill Peeler]

(sorry if this comes out as a dupe - i forgot to change email addresses
and expect the first post to get blocked)

i just read in yesterday's newspaper (Herald) that UVSC is having a 'Big
Big Business Show' yesterday (Wed) and today (Thur). It is at the McKay
Events Center on the UVSC campus.  the sponsor appears to be the
Provo/Orem Chamber of Commerce.  Cost is $3.50 at the door.  I'm 50
miles away, so i don't know that I'll make it, but this show sounds like
a possible venue for this.  If we plan and execute properly, i think
this could be a very positive thing for Linux in the local area.  This
is touted as a business to consumer show, so there may be better events
for us to target.  Later on in the article, this event is touted as a
B2B event.  runs from 10am to 7pm.

If i can work out a thorny transportation issue with the newest (2 days)
driver in my house, i think I'll run up for the last couple or three 
hours. Anybody want to meet there and talk while we walk?

I'll commit some of my time to organize and promote something like this.

Jared is right on about the large amount of time and effort this will
entail.  I'm guessing from other things I've helped organize that we
would all be astounded at the amount of time and effort involved.  Jared
and I almost certainly couldn't do it alone.  Any other volunteers?

However, done once, it would be much easier to replicate all or portions
for other events.  Maybe I'm too optimistic, but i hope we could get to
the point that every B2B type event in the area has a Linux 'booth' or
presence.

Corporate Alliance is one of the hosts.  Jared Stewart is the CEO.

Jared, your ideas are almost exactly what i was envisioning, you just
articulated them better.  I think we would want to do a survey of the
members of the Chamber to find out what they would like to see and what
questions they would like answered.  I'll bet we could piggy-back one of
the Chamber's mailings for just the cost of the insert.  If i see Steve
Densley there, I'll bring the whole subject up.

I'm guessing we could get some loaner hardware and setup support from
some of the local hardware co's to demo stuff on.  I'm envisioning a
full network with Linux and windows clients inter-operating.  Star
office
and/or open office sharing docs with Windows software, etc.

If the UG is interested enough, i propose a UG meeting to brainstorm and
plan.

later

bill

<my original post and Jared's reply snipped>