Proposal
Washington, D.C. USA: A perfect place for a Capital Conference
Washington, D.C. is a bustling capital with excellent amenities, rich culture, and world-class conference space. Happily, it provides these features affordably. This city is also home to an active community of Plone developers and users that support a variety of NGO (non-governmental organization), government and corporate organizations using Plone.
We propose that Plone Conference 2008 be held in Washington, D.C on October 8-10, 2008. As expected, we will plan for 2 days of training immediately before and 2-3 days of sprinting immediately after.
Organizers
The Zope and Python User Group of D.C. is the first organization of its kind in the world, and it's the model on which all Plone user groups are based. We've been hosting presentations on Plone-related topics for years, and we look forward to hosting you. In addition, we'll rely on the professionals at the Reagan Building to help plan a world-class event, and community leaders to help choose the best sessions.
Traveling to D.C.
Washington, D.C. is serviced by three major airports (Reagan National, and Dulles International Airport, and Baltimore Washington International), offering travelers many flight options for both comfort and economy. For domestic and regional travelers, Washington, D.C. is serviced by Amtrak (and is only a short ride from Boston, New York, or Richmond) and several regional rail lines (Virgina Railway Express and Maryland Rail Area Commuter rail).
Once you're here, getting around the city is a breeze with its convenient and easy-to-use mass transit system, reducing the need for attendees to rent cars and saving time, money and stress.
A conference at the heart of it all
The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center offers an ideal location for the Plone conference. The Reagan Building combines the convenience of a downtown location and state-of-the-art technology with the affordable cost the community expects, all in a setting heralded as one of United State's best architectural achievements. With five rooms available for the conference, we can accommodate up to 100 speakers. The Reagan Building's Amphitheater alone seats 625, with space for translators and all the controls a technology community could desire. Yet, not every session is fit for large crowds, so we will also have rooms such as the Hemisphere suites to facilitate more intimate talks. The conference space is within walking distance of Washington's famous national mall, with free museums and other attractions, and also minutes away from the bustling downtown scenes of Chinatown and the Penn Quarter.
Accommodations
The Reagan Building is surrounded by hotels in every price range. An extremely affordable rate has been negotiated with the nearby Hotel Harrington. Other potential hotels include the J.W. Marriott, Willard Intercontinental, and the Washington Court Hotel. Costs at these various hotels range from $107 to $260 a night. All boast wifi connections and business centers. Furthermore, it's easy to get to the Reagan Building from almost anywhere in the city via Metro.
Social Events
In true Plone style, we can promise you that you will have a blast in the District.
An international city, Washington, D.C. is home to hundreds of excellent restaurants, great museums, and a vibrant nightlife. Although there is no one food associated with Washington, D.C., that is one of our strengths; we offer a diverse culinary selection, with affordable and delectable cuisine ranging from Ethiopian to German.
Additionally, with a conference in the heart of the Downtown, there will always be plenty to do to unwind in one of our internationally renowned museums, conveniently located theater district, or at one of the numerous bars in Chinatown, Georgetown, and Dupont Circle.
Home of the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. has some of the world's most interesting and exciting museums, all an easy walk from the Plone conference location. With seven major art galleries (including the U.S.'s National Gallery of Art) and two sculpture gardens in walking distance, even ravenous art lovers will be satisfied. And for those interested in more practical affairs, museums such as the Smithsonian's Museum of Natural History, National Museum of the American Indian, and the Air and Space Museum are sure to please. Better yet, the vast majority of Washington's museums are free to all.
When the museums close, Washington's night life kicks up. With the Folger Shakespeare Theater and the famous Ford's theater in close proximity to the conference location, and the renowned Kennedy Center available by public transit, live theater lovers may want to book a few extra nights. For those who might want a more relaxed atmosphere, Washington's downtown is home to dozens of friendly movie theaters and other entertainment venues, sure to keep the conference attendees' hearts light.
Sponsorship and Public Relations
If Washington, D.C. is chosen, we are fully prepared to promote Plone and secure conference sponsorship. We have experienced professionals working already to help raise visibility and defray conference costs.
Costs
We can offer registration within the range of $350.00 to $550.00 USD and we are committed to keeping that price as low as possible for our attendees. Registration fees will help to pay for the cost of conference space, audio/visual, food, internet, logo/t-shirts, printed materials, personnel, any applicable sales tax, and the required 10% Plone foundation fee. Because these prices are in U.S. Dollars, international visitors will be particularly pleased with the happy effect on actual cost.
Summary
With a low cost for admission in an exciting city with outstanding accommodations, we are pleased to submit our proposal and invite everyone to consider Washington, D.C!
Additional Information