Open Government Data Camp 2010

    The Open Knowledge Foundation is organising an international workshop on open government data, which will take place in London this autumn:

    You can register at:

    From the announcement:

    What is it?

    Basic details are as follows:

    • What? A two day workshop for people interested in open government data.
    • When? 18-19th November 2010
    • Where? University of London Union, London, UK
    • How much? Tickets cost £10 to help cover costs. You can sign up here!
    • Hashtag? #ogdcamp2010

    Tell me more…

    Its been a big year for open government data. Around the world governments and public bodies have been opening up official datasets for the public to reuse. There has been an explosion of new applications, competitions, hackdays and other initiatives from local authorities, central government departments, international bodies and others. This event will bring together movers and shakers from the world of open government data — including government representatives, policymakers, lawyers, technologists, academics, advocates, citizens, journalists and reusers.

    What will happen?

    There will be two days of discussions, drafting, planning and hacking. Crucially we hope to:

    • Build consensus around key legal, technical and policy issues related to opening up government information.
    • Strengthen the community of people working on different aspects of opening up official data around the world — from both inside and outside government. (Many people working on this area will not have met in person!)
    • Encourage the exchange of experiences, expertise and ideas between those involved in leading open government data initiatives in different countries.
    • Make things! We hope there will be plenty of space for developers to hack on things — from refining core bits and pieces of technology to rapid prototyping of new ideas.

    What will the format be?

    Presentations will be kept to a minimum. Each day will begin with a sprinkling of short talks followed by plenty of time to talk, plan and work on things.

    Can I submit a presentation?

    We are going to put out a call for short presentations (around 30 x 10 minute slots) shortly. Details/links will be posted on the open-government discussion list.

    Can I propose a session?

    Yes please! Again, we’re going to brainstorm, plan and schedule sessions on the open-government discussion list — so head there if you have any cunning ideas!

    What kinds of topics will be covered?

    Possible sessions include:

    • How can we encourage other countries to open up official information?
    • Open government data in law and policy: obstacles and opportunities
    • Promoting reuse: competitions, community engagement, the role of the media
    • Finding open government data: catalogues, registries and metadata
    • Raw Data Now! Technical aspects of opening up government data
    • The role and value of linked data
    • Open government data and data journalism

    What kinds of outputs will there be?

    Projected outputs include things like:

    • First draft of an international ‘open data manual’ (organised as a ‘Book Sprint’)
    • A set of key open government data principles
    • A timeline of key developments for open government data around the world
    • A fairly comprehensive list of official initiatives — including data catalogues and competitions
    • A list of key examples of the reuse of open government data
    • Launch of RawDataNow.com — illustrating what we mean by ‘raw data’ aimed at those who publish official information
    • Brainstorming about projects which would make it easier for citizens to find, analyse and visually represent the data they are looking for

    Who’s behind the event?

    Open Government Data Camp was conceived and is being primarily organised by the Open Knowledge Foundation. The event is also supported by:

    • Cabinet Office, UK
    • EU LAPSI project, Turin, Italy
    • EU LOD2 project, Leipzig, Germany
    • Guardian, UK
    • Sunlight Foundation, USA

    Who is coming?

    The Camp will have a total capacity of around 200. You can find a list of participants at:

    If you add your name to the list, please don’t forget to register! (And vice versa: if you’ve registered, please also add your name to the pad page above…)

    Can I sponsor the event?

    Yes please! We are still actively seeking sponsorship for lunches, coffee, travel and accommodation for international participants and so on. If you think you might be interested, please contact jonathan dot gray at okfn dot org.

    What countries will be represented?

    We are currently expecting representation from:

    • Argentina
    • Australia
    • Austria
    • Belgium
    • Brazil
    • Canada
    • Denmark
    • Finland
    • France
    • Germany
    • Hungary
    • Iceland
    • India
    • Ireland
    • Italy
    • Luxembourg
    • Netherlands
    • New Zealand
    • Norway
    • Russia
    • Spain
    • Sweden
    • Taiwan
    • United Kingdom
    • United States

    Why do I have to pay?

    The £10 ticket price is to help cover costs. If the ticket price is a problem, don’t hesitate to let us know. We won’t turn anyone away because they can’t afford to come!

    Where can I stay?

    We are not currently arranging accommodation for participants. However, to get (or to give!) information about hotels and hostels for a range of budgets, go to:

    Can I follow the event remotely?

    You will be able to follow on Twitter and via live notes/discussions on the OKF Etherpad site. There are currently no plans to stream the event.