Software Freedom Day

Hi there,

As I'm sure you have heard, the 28th of August 2004 is the first international 
Software Freedom Day and I'm coordinating an event to celebrate and give 
exposure to opensource software at the Menlyn Park Events Arena - the impact 
it has and the role it plays in our lives. The day was recently highlighted 
on "Carte Blanche" by billionaire and tech-whizz Mark Shuttleworth (I've 
included a link at the bottom of the document).

Not at all surprising, the idea is to get as many people aware of and involved 
in the event as is humanly possible and to do this I would like to organize 
an event that will not only offer exceptional educational value, but will 
also offer great entertainment value.  

The format of the event is still very flexible and will depend on the 
exhibitors and attendees, but I'd love to have a combination of exhibitions 
and technology showcases that will attract attention, an 'install fest', 
public addresses by roleplayers and live entertainment offered by South 
Africa's best young talent. In short the idea is to blow people's hair back!

I know this is really short notice, but I'd appreciate any input you may have 
on this and if possible, sponsorhip for the day's events would be appreciated 
more than you believe! Of course, sponsors will have their branding on all 
advertising material and branding on the day (banners / posters / etc) are 
also welcome. This is not only to offer the sponsors an opportunity to 
advertise themselves to about 60'000 visitors expected on the day, but also 
an opportunity for them to show their support. Promotional items and branded 
corporate gifts can also be distributed on the day. I'm also rallying the 
press to get some coverage on the day before-hand if possible at a local or 
global level. 

It would be great to also have 'more substantial' prizes on offer - like 
boxed-set software, training courses, hardware (maybe a computer or two?) and 
the like. I really do believe that items of educational value (Software 
Training Guides / Sponsored Training etc) will highlight what the day is 
really about.

More information regarding the parts of the event that have still to find 
sponsors are available on request, but any and all support and suggestions 
are welcome! I must however ask that you contact me at your soonest 
convenience as the advertising material should start going out on the 21st 
August (this Saturday).

Thanks for your time!

Loki Taljaard
Member of the Pretoria Linux User's Group
+27 (0)84 752 0179

If you'd like more information regarding Software Freedom Day, please visit: 
http://www.softwarefreedomday.org (International)
http://www.softwarefreedomday.org.za (National)
http://www.loki.co.za (Pretoria)

If you'd like to read a transcript of Mark Shuttleworth's interview on Carte 
Blanche, please visit:
http://www.mnet.co.za/CarteBlanche/Display/Display.asp?Id...


If you'd like more information regarding Menlyn Park Shopping Center and 
events arena, please visit:
http://www.menlynpark.co.za