North West Connects: Showcasing entrepreneurs, creativity and innovation in the North West Region

[Heather James]

I've sent you this email because you attended an Open Coffee Sligo event at the Clarion, or you've left a comment on the http://opencoffeesligo.org/ site saying you wanted to hear more about what is going on. Please forward to any and all you think would be interested. If you wish to continue this conversation and participate in this event described below, please subscribe to the North West Connects google group

At the most recent Open Coffee Sligo meeting, the conversation turned to the inevitable: many events happening in Dublin... why not in the North west? Soon we had the makings of a two day event which can showcase the best, brightest, most inspiring and positive things happening in the northwest region. As Fergus (Cosy Stoves) said, "People don't realise what is going on their own backyard." 

Aidan McKenna (Healthcare Rates) came up with the name North West Connects, suggesting we can make connections from business to business to community to arts. There are lots of people doing great things: starting companies, offering services, doing good things in the community and we need a chance to showcase these. We liked the user-generated BizCamp structure and approach, but through discussion we wanted to expand out, beyond just business to include community, education/training, arts, and so on.

The catchment area could include: Donegal, Sligo, Fermanagh, Mayo, Leitrim, Galway and Roscommon.

The event will be co-organised locally by members of the Open Coffee Sligo group. If you wish to help organise you can sign up on the spreadsheet described below. Write in what you can offer, and put your own name down. You can also write in a suggestion and we can find a volunteer to follow up on it. 

The two days would be structured to include a good start and good finish, keynote speakers and blocks of concurrent tracks; as well an exhibition area, and poster area to allow for people/companies to share information about their services. The event will be hosted at IT Sligo, with the date to be determined. Likely, the end of October. If you know of any potential timing conflicts, please suggest alternatives. 

The event will be entirely free, and speakers will be invited to speak for free. Though hopefully we can offer accommodation to anyone coming from outside of town. The incentive for speaking is a chance to showcase your company/service/community initiative. 

There are alot of questions which remain, and which we need to determined soon. 

1) Who is the audience?

2) What is the goal/outcome?

3) What sponsors and speakers can we attract?

4) A specific structure for the event. 

Denise Rushe (@sligoevents) set up the Google Group where we can start the conversation about this event. 

Click to subscribe to this email list north-west-con...@googlegroups.com 

North West Connect To-do list: Sponsors, Speakers, People to Contact

I created a spreadsheet to track suggested contacts and ideas. You can view and edit this spreadsheet . If you want to change the layout or sorting, that is OK, but I want to make sure to track:

1) Who to contact where

2) Who will contact them

3) What we're asking for

4) Whether the action is completed

I propose we ask for small sums of money from many sources. This will lessen the burden on any one institution. It will also emphasise the inclusive and collaborative nature of the event. 

We already have two sponsors! Eddie Johnston (Lickable Wallpaper ) is preparing a website/contact point. And Aidan McKenna (http://twitter.com/amckenna78 )  is sponsoring the domain name. Give 'em a pt on the back next time you see them :)

If you have any questions/ideas/devil's advocacy services, please join the Google Group and we can start the conversation there. Of course you can also email me personally or contact me via my mobile: 086 831 8386

Glad to talk anytime!

- Heather James

co-organiser Open Coffee Sligo

[Kevin Peyton]

Hi Heather / Denise.

Feck - really sorry i missed yesterdays meetup. Great to hear about
the idea for an connect event in October in Sligo - I think it will be
good for a wide range of people.

Take everything that follows as me being devil advocate and
constructive comment - reason : i think before you start approaching
potential speakers, sponsors etc - there needs to be a clear
explanation of what it is and who it's for....

Creative sector has been mentioned a few times - given Lookwest focus
on this area - is the tag line for this? - but with a clear business
aspect and focus to it - or is that too narrow. If that is the case -
should the theme be something like a north west equivalent of
interesting (http://www.interesting2007.com) or SXSW (www.sxsw.com/) -
which immediately could offer interesting branding opportunities alone
- north by north west :)

1. the sectors/streams that will be included : arts - biz -
marketing/pr - design - technology as an example.
2. separate it out from open coffee - the mailing list for both
will be different
3. given that the <biz, recession, boot, sales>camp model is so
successful - this should be used for a few of the speaker slots
4. high profile names possibly fitting into each of the areas under
(1) - could be easier getting people from the region??? we all know
some of them....
5. Heather mentioned an area where companies could set up stands -
nice one
6. Special rates from hotels in sligo organised (try to attract out
of towners?)
7. What other events on in sligo at same time (science week, choral
festival, sligo live?)

Happy to chat at length about your thoughts and ideas

...and i know that i said don't talk about sponsorship etc until some
overall themes sorted - but Electric Mill will be pleased to sponsor
lanyards + name badge holders + eventbrite setup for the event.... :)

Kevin

On Jul 3, 2:01 pm, Heather James <hja...@gmail.com> wrote:
> I've sent you this email because you attended an Open Coffee Sligo event at

> the Clarion, or you've left a comment on thehttp://opencoffeesligo.org/sitesaying you wanted to hear more about

> what is going on. Please forward
> to any and all you think would be interested. If you wish to continue this
> conversation and participate in this event described below, please subscribe
> to the North West Connects google

> group<north-west-con...@googlegroups.com>

>
> At the most recent Open Coffee Sligo meeting, the conversation turned to the
> inevitable: many events happening in Dublin... why not in the North west?
> Soon we had the makings of a two day event which can showcase the best,
> brightest, most inspiring and positive things happening in the northwest
> region. As Fergus (Cosy Stoves) said, "People don't realise what is going on
> their own backyard."
>
> Aidan McKenna (Healthcare Rates) came up with the name North West Connects,
> suggesting we can make connections from business to business to community to
> arts. There are lots of people doing great things: starting companies,
> offering services, doing good things in the community and we need a chance
> to showcase these. We liked the user-generated

> BizCamp<http://www.bizcamp.ie/>structure and approach, but through

> discussion we wanted to expand out,
> beyond just business to include community, education/training, arts, and so
> on.
>
> The catchment area could include: Donegal, Sligo, Fermanagh, Mayo, Leitrim,
> Galway and Roscommon.
>
> The event will be co-organised locally by members of the Open Coffee Sligo
> group. If you wish to help organise you can sign up on the

> spreadsheet<http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AsZMixctEqUhcmRwdW1QMHp3dEd3a...>

> described
> below. Write in what you can offer, and put your own name down. You can also
> write in a suggestion and we can find a volunteer to follow up on it.
>
> The two days would be structured to include a good start and good finish,
> keynote speakers and blocks of concurrent tracks; as well an exhibition
> area, and poster area to allow for people/companies to share information
> about their services. The event will be hosted at IT Sligo, with the date to
> be determined. Likely, the end of October. If you know of any potential
> timing conflicts, please suggest alternatives.
>
> The event will be entirely free, and speakers will be invited to speak for
> free. Though hopefully we can offer accommodation to anyone coming from
> outside of town. The incentive for speaking is a chance to showcase your
> company/service/community initiative.
>
> There are alot of questions which remain, and which we need to determined
> soon.
> 1) Who is the audience?
> 2) What is the goal/outcome?
> 3) What sponsors and speakers can we attract?
> 4) A specific structure for the event.
>

> Denise Rushe (@sligoevents <http://twitter.com/sligoevents>) set up the

> Google Group where we can start the conversation about this event.
> Click to subscribe to this email list
> north-west-con...@googlegroups.com
>
> North West Connect To-do list: Sponsors, Speakers, People to Contact
>
> I created a spreadsheet to track suggested contacts and ideas. You can view

> and edit this spreadsheet<http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AsZMixctEqUhcmRwdW1QMHp3dEd3a...>

> .
> If you want to change the layout or sorting, that is OK, but I want to make
> sure to track:
> 1) Who to contact where
> 2) Who will contact them
> 3) What we're asking for
> 4) Whether the action is completed
>
> I propose we ask for small sums of money from many sources. This will lessen
> the burden on any one institution. It will also emphasise the inclusive and
> collaborative nature of the event.
>
> We already have two sponsors! Eddie Johnston (Lickable

> Wallpaper<http://www.lickablewallpaper.com/> )
> is preparing a website/contact point. And Aidan McKenna (http://twitter.com/amckenna78)  is sponsoring the domain name. Give 'em a

> pt on the back next time you see them :)
>
> If you have any questions/ideas/devil's advocacy services, please join the

> Google Group <http://groups.google.com/group/north-west-connect> and we can

[Really Practical]

Hi Heather and everyone

I organise OpenCoffee Derry and I'm sure that there'd be a bunch of us
up for coming down and lending our support. Personally, I'd be happy
to speak (if needed) about digital media, blogging for business, that
kind of thing ...

If I were to offer an idea, it could still be worthwhile using the
name BarCamp or BizCamp when you describe it to potential sponsors -
ie. you can point to the success of other BarCamps as examples - it
would probably also attract other people who've been to a BarCamp
somewhere else.

Look forward to hearing more about your ideas - and a trip to Sligo!

Cheers - Mark

On Jul 3, 2:01 pm, Heather James <hja...@gmail.com> wrote:

> I've sent you this email because you attended an Open Coffee Sligo event at

> the Clarion, or you've left a comment on thehttp://opencoffeesligo.org/sitesaying you wanted to hear more about

> what is going on. Please forward
> to any and all you think would be interested. If you wish to continue this
> conversation and participate in this event described below, please subscribe
> to the North West Connects google

> group<north-west-con...@googlegroups.com>

>
> At the most recent Open Coffee Sligo meeting, the conversation turned to the
> inevitable: many events happening in Dublin... why not in the North west?
> Soon we had the makings of a two day event which can showcase the best,
> brightest, most inspiring and positive things happening in the northwest
> region. As Fergus (Cosy Stoves) said, "People don't realise what is going on
> their own backyard."
>
> Aidan McKenna (Healthcare Rates) came up with the name North West Connects,
> suggesting we can make connections from business to business to community to
> arts. There are lots of people doing great things: starting companies,
> offering services, doing good things in the community and we need a chance
> to showcase these. We liked the user-generated

> BizCamp<http://www.bizcamp.ie/>structure and approach, but through

> discussion we wanted to expand out,
> beyond just business to include community, education/training, arts, and so
> on.
>
> The catchment area could include: Donegal, Sligo, Fermanagh, Mayo, Leitrim,
> Galway and Roscommon.
>
> The event will be co-organised locally by members of the Open Coffee Sligo
> group. If you wish to help organise you can sign up on the

> spreadsheet<http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AsZMixctEqUhcmRwdW1QMHp3dEd3a...>

> described
> below. Write in what you can offer, and put your own name down. You can also
> write in a suggestion and we can find a volunteer to follow up on it.
>
> The two days would be structured to include a good start and good finish,
> keynote speakers and blocks of concurrent tracks; as well an exhibition
> area, and poster area to allow for people/companies to share information
> about their services. The event will be hosted at IT Sligo, with the date to
> be determined. Likely, the end of October. If you know of any potential
> timing conflicts, please suggest alternatives.
>
> The event will be entirely free, and speakers will be invited to speak for
> free. Though hopefully we can offer accommodation to anyone coming from
> outside of town. The incentive for speaking is a chance to showcase your
> company/service/community initiative.
>
> There are alot of questions which remain, and which we need to determined
> soon.
> 1) Who is the audience?
> 2) What is the goal/outcome?
> 3) What sponsors and speakers can we attract?
> 4) A specific structure for the event.
>

> Denise Rushe (@sligoevents <http://twitter.com/sligoevents>) set up the

> Google Group where we can start the conversation about this event.
> Click to subscribe to this email list
> north-west-con...@googlegroups.com
>
> North West Connect To-do list: Sponsors, Speakers, People to Contact
>
> I created a spreadsheet to track suggested contacts and ideas. You can view

> and edit this spreadsheet<http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AsZMixctEqUhcmRwdW1QMHp3dEd3a...>

> .
> If you want to change the layout or sorting, that is OK, but I want to make
> sure to track:
> 1) Who to contact where
> 2) Who will contact them
> 3) What we're asking for
> 4) Whether the action is completed
>
> I propose we ask for small sums of money from many sources. This will lessen
> the burden on any one institution. It will also emphasise the inclusive and
> collaborative nature of the event.
>
> We already have two sponsors! Eddie Johnston (Lickable

> Wallpaper<http://www.lickablewallpaper.com/> )
> is preparing a website/contact point. And Aidan McKenna (http://twitter.com/amckenna78)  is sponsoring the domain name. Give 'em a

> pt on the back next time you see them :)
>
> If you have any questions/ideas/devil's advocacy services, please join the

> Google Group <http://groups.google.com/group/north-west-connect> and we can

[Johnny Beirne]

Hi Mark,

I am organising CruiseCamp in Carrick on Shannon if you would like to
attend.

For more information, please see http://cruisecamp.eventbrite.com/

Regards,

Johnny

[Aoife Flynn]

hi all

Sorry for my slow reply, have been thinking about this for a few days but couldn't get to a response until now.

I really like the idea and would be delighted to be involved in any way I can. I've put myself in as a possible speaker depending on the structure the conference and am happy to assist with marketing?  Denise and I could work on this together maybe to create a marketing and PR plan and execute it?

Other Models:

I love the idea of bringing in a creative element and would point you towards CreateCamp which took place in Kilkenny on 2008. It was based on the barcamp model you mention but had a focus on creativity be it enterprise or technical or the arts.  From an arts point of view that was the first crossover event I was aware of and having "creative" rather than biz in the title appealed greatly- and I think it would do again. I know a lot of arts organisations that are crying out for something like this and could promote it into that sector easily.  Maybe CreativeCamp NorthWest? 

Only thing I found with Creative camp is that the open structure left an unsatisfactory conclusion. It was all so open ended that it was hard to determine the "result". It would be great if there was a broad theme or focus that speakers could respond to, or 2 - 3 core streams?  that speakers could be clustered under?

There was a great event in York called ShiftHappens which looked at arts and technology and parallels to their development. The Guardian reported on it here

There was also a Reboot Britain event which is larger and more unwieldy than we need but they do have a really nifty planning device online to plan your programme - best I've ever seen. Anyone know how do do this??!!  I like that they have streams " politics" "environment" etc so you can focus on areas you are interested in.  

Speakers

Really like all the ones suggested. Once we have a core theme I'd be happy to make some suitable suggestions. How about the CEO of the Digital Hub in Dublin for example to talk about the role of hubs in fostering a culture of start-ups and enterprise, or the impact enterprise or technology can have on a socially disadvantaged area?  

Hotels/Location

I have a good relationship with the Glasshouse Hotel who are very approachable and I'm sure would be happy to give discounted rates if it is off season.  Ditto with their meetings spaces.  They have a lot from big to small and as it is so central they might be worth meeting? Am happy to approach them and see what deal we could get to then compare to Clarion or somewhere if you like?  Glasshouse have the advantage of being in town for those that might train or bus it from outside Sligo keeping transport costs really low

Support

The Model would love to support or sponsor something. We won't have the building this year (but can advance offer it for the 2010 event!) But we could sponsor a social event on the first evening perhaps? Or depending on the date co-ordinate with a gig? 

Dates 

Date wise I think i is best to avoid clashes with Sligo Live or the Choral fest simply because they take up so much room in hotels that it is hard to compete- especially in getting deals.  If it is a 2-day event should it be mid-week?  Can be hard to get people to give up their weekends - particularly aRts people! If it were free to attend and over say a tue/wed or wed/thu I think we could get a lot of arts orgs interested.  October is ok and November would be good.

Ok- long response. Sorry!  Happy to help in anyway I can. Think this is brilliant and really want it to happen. I'm working in Edinburgh for the month of August so am less available then, but happy to spend a lot of time on it from Sep onwards. 

Did anyone have any thoughts on agencies that might fund this sort of thing?

[Johnny Beirne]

Hi all,

I was wondering if we should use IGOpeople.com for North West Connect. We
can have *private* nicely displayed conversations and *publically* grow the
profile/awareness and membership.

Regards,

Johnny

-----Original Message-----
From: north-wes...@googlegroups.com
[mailto:north-wes...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Really Practical
Sent: 04 July 2009 12:11
To: North West Connect
Subject: Re: North West Connects: Showcasing entrepreneurs, creativity and
innovation in the North West Region

[Heather James]

This is a good point, it makes linking back and forth easy, and sharing more easy. I think I saw Denise hop on a little while ago. It was initially her suggestion to house planning talks in Google Groups. Though Eddiej is making a blog/site for promotion.  

We have 12 people in the group here so far. It's early enough days that we can move. I like the ability to tweet/link in IGO people. What do others think? 

Should we put it to a poll? 

http://poll.fm/11w9o

Poll asks: Where should we have the planning discussions for Northwest Connects?

- Move to IGO People

- Keep it on Google Groups

- Use both

- Other?

Glad to get some consensus on this point at this early stage, if people can take a moment to confer. 

- Heather

[Heather James]

Thank you Aoife!

Lots of good ideas there. 

I wrote Sched.org and asked about non-profit pricing as we are a voluntary group. Looks like a great tool. 

Streams is really the best solution to allow for cross-pollination and where we can rub elbows, while still being relevant and interesting to people who will come and obviously have varied interests. At the OpenCoffee meeting we identified 2 streams: a ' businessy' stream; a 'great things happening in the community' stream. Now your suggestion: 'an arts theme'. Tho I was seeing the arts as fitting into the community stream, I can see your point. Would love to hash this out on paper/in person. I sense a brief meeting coming up soon! 

I like the idea of having selected keynotes or panels which anchor the streams/discussions, then block time for the user-generated presentations. 

Re: The venue: IT Sligo. The largest lecture theatre in IT Sligo holds 130 people (there are 2 of these). Down the hall there are 2 more lecture halls which hold 107 each. The central halls can be used for exhibition/display (no sales allowed unless each vendor gets tax clearance). If we get over 130 (likely?) I wonder if we'd pump video of a presenter to the other room? Hmm... We also have a large canteen, with standing room, and with mic and a wee stage, brief welcome/wrap up speeches could be given.  

(This venue is still tentative pending approval. We want it to be fully supported by the IT. This is important as they'd easily let us have the event there for free, but we require additional supports, e.g., insurance/porters/cleaners/security, etc)

Who might be available for a brief meeting soon? We can wait til Denise returns. 

Talk to you all soon!

- Heather

[Heather James]

Hello Mark!

Thanks for joining :) Please do put in a suggestion for a presentation on the spreadsheet The more proposals we get the better at this stage. It will be useful as we're still seeing what shape the event can take. 

Very good point about the 'camp' as it is a well known format at this stage. Is Northwest Connects Camp too long, lol? NWCamp? Um... Maybe we can have a wee think about it. 

Glad to see some discussion happening so quickly. 

 - Heather

PS- I'm planning on going to Derry for the Collage Party at the Context Gallery sometime from 24th July and 7th August and the exhibition/project continues to 21st August. Hopefully an event there will coincide with your next Open Coffee :) more info on the collage party:  www.contextgallery.co.uk

On Sat, Jul 4, 2009 at 12:10 PM, Really Practical <iddi...@googlemail.com> wrote:

Hi Heather and everyone

I organise OpenCoffee Derry and I'm sure that there'd be a bunch of us
up for coming down and lending our support. Personally, I'd be happy
to speak (if needed) about digital media, blogging for business, that
kind of thing ...

If I were to offer an idea, it could still be worthwhile using the
name BarCamp or BizCamp when you describe it to potential sponsors  -
ie. you can point to the success of other BarCamps as examples - it
would probably also attract other people who've been to a BarCamp
somewhere else.

Look forward to hearing more about your ideas - and a trip to Sligo!

Cheers - Mark