Information
LinuxFest Northwest is an annual conference organized by the Bellingham Linux Users Group and other Northwest User Groups to unite and improve the Linux and Open Source Community around the Northwest US, and Southern BC.
LinuxFest Northwest has evolved into a three tier conference: ‘Science Fair’ based exhibit hall, focus rooms and tracks for certain technology themes or specific Open Source groups, and an un-conference training camp, in the style of BarCamp. While there are some differences (LFNW does more pre-planning on the sessions), they have the common goal of bringing smart people together in an environment that is accessible to everyone.
This generally means that you will have a lot of smart people in a small space who have all come with something to share and a desire to learn. Since this is a free+cheap event and on a weekend, we also get to welcome folks who can’t usually take the time or money to go to commercial conferences – so it’s a lot of fun with fresh faces.
Since this is a free event and entirely volunteer run (and no, this is not our day job), we also expect active participation from everyone when it comes to running the conference. This is as simple as picking up after yourself or actively fixing something if you see it’s broken. Please feel welcome to take an active role in making this a great event. We help set the stage, but all of you make this happen!
Sessions and Topics
Continuing from previous years, we will have a plethora of tracks. Approximately ten tracks with extra rooms on the side for community gatherings (BoFs). Large rooms each hold around 100 people, while small rooms hold more than 25 attendees with laptops.
New this year
You can help make decisions on the schedule. Presenters will propose sessions and post them to the site. You indicate your preferences for sessions. That information will help the Fest organizers in the schedule creation process.
There will be a cut-off date to create a final schedule, about two weeks before the Fest. Once this is published, you’ll need to update your personal schedule from the sessions that made the cut.
Updating your schedule is important for two reasons:
- So we can schedule the presentations in the “right-size” room.
- We’ll give you a live iCal view – that means you won’t miss anything – you can walk around the Fest and always have YOUR schedule up-to-date on your mobile phone or laptop.
Really, that means any changes during fest will be instantly available. And all built on F/OSS technology. Ain’t that cool?
What to Bring
- Your computer (and power adaptor)
- A surge protector or extension cord (labeled with your name)
- A notebook
- Business cards
- A water bottle and snacks if you want to avoid the vending machines
- Cash for eats if you don’t bring snacks
- An unhealthy love for all things Open Source
