The Open Source // Open Society conference, set to hit Wellington on 16-17 April, will be a two “huge days” of inspiring brain food and practical workshops with software developers brought together by one idea: ‘Open’.
Along with Enspiral based Chalkle and Loomio, cohost Github is bringing some serious talent which means software developers should bring along their computers because there will be several highly interactive, practical workshops featuring the team.
OS//OS will also be expanding the conversation beyond technology into education, business, government, data and democracy. Ever considered what happens when open source principles are applied to educational curriculums?
Sascha Meinrath, founder of the Open Technology Institute will open the conference giving a broad sweeping talk showing how ‘Open’ changes everything.
Sharing how the industry is at a critical juncture that could lead to a more liberatory technological ecosystem, Meinrath says the market is currently on a “far darker path”, heading into more of a "Digital Feudalism" - as exemplified by ever increasing lockdown of consumer services, applications, devices, and platforms
“Entire industries become transformed when a critical mass embraces openness,” says Brandon Keepers, head of open source, Github.
“The rules change and each participant, whether they want to are not, are forced to change how they play.
“The fashion industry saw this happen in the US when courts ruled that apparel is too utilitarian for copyright protection.
“The software industry is experiencing this as the masses opt in to open source licensing. Openness drives innovation and those that embrace it survive.”
Ever wondered how Github works with Governments to help them ‘Open’ their processes? Hear from Ben Balter, Head of Open Government, on what they have been doing with the White House.
“To have GitHub cohost their first conference outside of the US in Wellington is a strong endorsement of our tech capability,” says Gerard Quinn, CEO, Grow Wellington.
“Open source approaches align well with the collaborative nature of the tech community here.
“Wellington companies like Catalyst IT, Silverstripe and Loomio have achieved international success using innovative open source models.”
As well as a stellar line up of keynote speakers from New Zealand, the US and Australia, attendees will have plenty of time to connect with other participants and contributors, during sessions like the world cafe and break out spaces.