Our chosen theme is outreach. Editorship is the lifeblood of the movement, and it is a primary strategic objective of the Wikimedia Foundation to increase the number of active editors. This theme is expressed as follows:
We propose to run two events simultaneously in neighbouring parts of the venue;
Wikimania: the "traditional" community conference.
Wikifest: open to the public and comprising an exhibition, workshops and two tracks that are specifically programmed with talks designed for outreach.
Wikifest will be marketed to the general public, but Wikifest tickets will not allow entry to Wikimania, though tickets to Wikimania will allow access to Wikifest.
This bid proposal covers the Wikimania component only. Wikifest is an independent initiative run by the bid team in conjunction with WMUK and fundraised independently. However, that Wikifest is being run simultaneously may be considered a positive addition to the Wikimania experience, and will lead to cost reductions in the Wikimania budget due to economies of scale.
The following videos express some of the thinking behind why we believe this is a good idea, and why London is the best place to do it.
Clay Shirky - Professor, New York University
Cory Doctorow - Editor, Boing Boing
Jimmy Wales - Co-founder, Wikipedia
Boris Johnson - Mayor of London - "As Mayor of London I would be delighted to see London host the Wikimania conference in 2014. It is a great honour for the city and a warm welcome will be extended to you throughout this prestigious event."
A stimulating, characterful venue that is the largest performing arts centre in Europe. It's centrally located with great transport links, and amongst other facilities, it has two theatres, two art galleries, two resident orchestras, three cinemas, a large library including a dedicated arts library, music library and historical book collection, three restaurants, a handful of bars, and the second largest conservatory in the city.
I spend a lot of time in London, and believe I can help significantly with ensuring a well-funded conference at a great venue, with VIP speakers (academics, politicians, media, entertainment). I have extensive and good relationships with the UK press and believe I can help land great press coverage for the conference. I'm a big fan of this bid.--Jimbo Wales (talk) 16:36, 27 July 2012 (UTC)[reply]
A Wikimania in the UK is long overdue. I don't live in London, but I will help out in what ways I can if the bid is won. Looking forward to a great conference! CT Cooper ·talk06:45, 6 March 2013 (UTC)[reply]
