Call for OpenCon 2015 Satellite Events

We’re excited to announce a call for partners in organizing OpenCon 2015 satellites events around the world to bring the energy of the in-person event to those unable to attend the main conference in Brussels, Belgium. OpenCon 2015 satellite events are held in partnership with the main conference and can be of any size, in any place, simultaneously or up to 6 weeks after the main conference. Individuals or organisations interested in planning an event can learn more, find support and resources here:http://opencon2015.org/satellite/.

OpenCon 2014 saw satellite event partners on five continents host almost 300 people from the Ukraine to Brazil, Uganda to Australia. For those who can’t attend the main meeting, satellite events will provide a way to participate in the conference, join the growing OpenCon community, and become open advocates by attending an event closer to home. As with the main conference, satellite events will provide a place to conceptualize, catalyze, and launch initiatives advancing Open Access, Open Data and Open Education.

Satellite events serve as an excellent opportunity to build local networks and momentum in your area and can reflect the fact that conversations surrounding Open Access, Open Education and Open Data are not homogeneous and vary country by country and institution. They also provide an opportunity to capitalise on excitement generated fromInternational Open Access Week and continue to educate academia on these critical issues.

Satellite event partners will have the freedom to design an event which suits their needs, while being supported and guided from peers, OpenCon 2015 organisers, and the Right to Research Coalition. Satellite events can be held concurrently, time shifted, or on different days. They can rely exclusively on OpenCon 2015 keynotes and panels for programming, or they can be a mix of content from the main OpenCon meeting and locally organized presentations. Satellite events are expected to range in size from small viewing parties to more expansive events that include many local advocates and experts to provide their perspective.

We’re committed to heavily supporting local partners to ensure running satellite events is not a heavy burden. We’ve developed a support pack which provides ideas on running impactful events, guidance on doing a professional meeting, web pages and ticketing systems, resources and more. Significant support will also be provide publicising satellite events, especially those arranged early.

Individuals or organisations interested in planning an event can learn more, find support and download resources here: http://opencon2015.org/satellite/.