Transparency alert!

I got an email from an old friend who I sent the press release that was supposed to go out this morning to that said:

Here’s the deal… if I saw this release, I don’t think I would realize it included me, and that you want me to attend.

Okay, that’s really not what we wanted to convey.  Her point hit home.  We immediately trashed the old release.  We hope this better conveys the message:

SpaceUp DC, Washington DC’s first Space Unconference

Washington DC – August 27-28 – SpaceUp hosts the first Space Unconference in the Washington DC area

SpaceUp DC is not leaving the nation’s space program to the rocket scientists alone. Instead, the organization is inviting all area space enthusiasts to share their thoughts, ideas and plans for space exploration, innovation and outreach.

The format is an “unconference”—a unique, intimate approach that lends itself to the organization’s goals more effectively than traditional prearranged speaker conferences. All attendees will be given equal opportunity to participate and collaborate on vaulting humankind into a space-faring culture. More information on the unconference concept is available in a short video at: http://bit.ly/a9i0se

SpaceUp’s interests extend far beyond the event. “Our intent is to bring interested people together to focus on creating actionable plans for change,” said Michael Doornbos, grand poobah of SpaceUp DC. “We need to tap the minds of entrepreneurs, artists, engineers, writers, musicians, students and enthusiasts if we intend to continue our pioneer spirit and compete globally as a leader in innovation.”

The two-day unconference begins at 9am, Aug. 27, at George Washington University’s Funger Hall auditorium. Tickets and additional information are available via the event website: http://spaceupdc.org

Contact:
Michael Doornbos
SpaceUp DC Founder
mike@evadot.com
Ph: (540)907-4138

If you’ve signed up, you should have received this in an email, but if you didn’t or are curious about “insider info”:

Some Logistics

We’re going to start at 9am on Friday and Saturday.  There will be some introductions, contest information, snacks/drinks and a mad dash to the session grid.  We’ll explain how the session grid works each morning.

This is an intimate event put on by people who don’t put on conferences for a living, but who are really passionate about space exploration. We’re all motivated to move forward and are excited about what we can accomplish here. Come with the mindset that you’ll have to roll up your sleeves and help other people, and it’ll be awesome.

Clothes are a must, but dress in whatever you’re comfortable in. Hiking boots and flip flops are completely fine.  Heck, wear your PJs if you want. Extra cool points if they have footies.

We’ve heard several people express some aprehension in presenting their ideas to a group.  If you are one of these people, please let us know.  We’ll help you get paired up with someone who can help you with this. If you’re short of ideas, we’ve got a cheatsheet at http://spaceupdc.org/2010/08/04/what-can-i-do-at-spaceup-dc/ and on the wiki at http://wiki.spaceupdc.org

Lights, Cameras… Moonpies!

Ben and Cariann from Spacevidcast are bringing a number of cameras and going to be broadcasting to the internet LIVE. This is AWESOME! Remember to wave hi to Mom.

And since we’re all likely to be recorded, probably hundreds of times, and there are a few under 18 attendees, plus people watching on the internet, we’re going to keep everything rated PG. Thanks for understanding.

Deck the halls

We need your stuff!  The Funger Hall building has a large commons area.  We want you to bring your space related stuff to show off and talk about:

• Posters
• Toys/Games
• Books
• Artwork
• Patches
• Memorabilia
• Photos
• Aliens (make sure they clear customs first)
• Projects
• Mars rovers
• Robots
• Computer Simulations
• Cube Sats

Questions?

Please contact Michael Doornbos at mike@evadot.com