2006 - Dunedin, NZ! linux.conf.au is the annual Australasian Linux technical conference, and is one of the largest gatherings of users and developers of Free and Open Source Software in the Southern Hemisphere. It is an opportunity for developers and groups to present their ideas amongst peers, and for the Free Software and Open Source communities to gather in general. Summary: Call for Miniconfs The 2006 conference is being held in Dunedin, New Zealand, at The University of Otago[1]. More information can be found on the conference website: http://lca2006.linux.org.au/ Call for Miniconfs: The organisers of linux.conf.au 2006 would like to invite any groups or organisations wishing to hold a 'Mini Conference', or 'Miniconf', to present a short proposal outlining their interest. Miniconfs are held on the Monday and Tuesday before the start of the main conference (23rd and 24th of January 2006). Proposals for 1-day or full 2-day Miniconfs are welcome. Proposals should be made via email to the main conference organisers at: organisers(a)lca2006.linux.org.au . Proposals are due by Wednesday August the 31st, 2005. This is a very short period for proposals - Just over two weeks, since there have already been expressions of interest from several groups, and we wish to provide organisers with as much time as possible to organise their Miniconf. Organisation of a Miniconf is the complete responsibility of the individual, group, or organisation that has expressed interest. This includes, but is not limited to, inviting speakers for the Miniconf, scheduling allotted time, and leading the Miniconf. linux.conf.au 2006 will only provide a venue to hold the Miniconf, which includes AV equipment. We will also provide a mechanism for Conference delegates to 'register' which Miniconfs they intend to attend, during their registration for the main conference. Please note that attendance at Miniconfs is only available to delegates registered for the main conference. Miniconf Speakers are not eligible for the same benefits as main conference Speakers, and will need to register if they wish to attend the main conference. Dates to Remember: * Proposals Due: Wednesday August 24, 2005 * Announcement of Chosen Miniconfs: Friday August 26, 2005 * Conference begins: Monday January 23, 2006 Please feel free to forward this announcement to your local LUG, or any other person or group that would be interested! [1]: http://www.otago.ac.nz/ [2]: http://www.opensource.org/osd.html Regards, Mike Beattie, linux.conf.au 2006 Organisers