Convenors Convenors...

An important role within the PGA network is that of the Convenor. In the European PGA network a convenors main task is to host and co-ordinate the next conference. After our experience with the Leiden conference we can assure you that hosting and co-ordinating a conference for hundreds of people from many different countries is a hell of a job. It is probably for this reason, we have not found a new 'victim' to take on task of convening the next conference. During the wintermeeting we will discuss how and where the next conference will take place. Although there has been shown some interest, to this point no one has taken on the job yet. Because it is crucial for the future of the European PGA network to have someone to convene the next conference (if we want to have one) we have got to find ways to make this task more bearable.

Some things have to be done by a local group. For example finding meeting-locations and sleeping-places. You also need local people for the local contacts. This can be with neighbours, local government or police. Local people know better what kind of problems or positive things you can expect and how to deal with them. It also makes the conference (and preparation) run much more smoother when you can rely on a considerable number of local volunteers for small tasks. But lots of other things can be arranged by people and collectives from abroad. For example:

• cultural programme. It can be easy if a group that is active in this area itself uses its contacts to get an inspiring programme.
• organising and facilitating the discussions. Experienced people who helped during earlier meetings together with new volunteers can take this task on them.
• arranging translating, both beforehand and during the meeting. Same as point before.
• building a website for the new conference. Both to announce the event and for reports. This can be done from everywhere.
• computer facilities. In Leiden this was arranged by the Amsterdam ASCCI collective, but there are more teams that are able to do this.
• arranging food during the conference
• raising money
• helping out the convening collective in the months running up to the conference

To get this text more practical: it would be great if groups who come to the wintermeeting in March in Dijon could take on responsibilities. How can you help with the preparation of the next conference? We will need those contributions to convince candidates for the convenorship.