Talk:Google Reception

Google Reception

I am kind of curious what the rationale was for calling it the Google Reception honoring the World Digital Library...was the Wikimania 2012 Reception not good enough? Edsu (talk) 21:53, 20 June 2012 (UTC)

Google, one of our sponsors, chose the naming rights to the opening reception as one of their sponsor benefits, as stated on the sponsorship page. We chose to honor the World Digital Library because their mission and vision align well with the Wikimedia mission and vision, and we wanted to bring attention to this great international program (their vision states: The World Digital Library (WDL) makes available on the Internet, free of charge and in multilingual format, significant primary materials from countries and cultures around the world.) :) --AutoGyro (talk) 23:32, 20 June 2012 (UTC)

Photo ID?

In what form should the required photo ID be? Is a passport picture tacked to the Wikimania badge sufficient? --Gereon K. (talk) 21:04, 22 June 2012 (UTC)

Oh, now I got it. You mean identity card or passport. --Gereon K. (talk) 21:49, 22 June 2012 (UTC)

"leave laptops and large bags at the hotel or at home"

Some people will be coming straight from the day's activities, not returning to distant hotels, and some of us are staying at hostels where it may not be sensible to leave unattended valuables. Andy Mabbett (Pigsonthewing); Talk to Andy; Andy's edits 20:39, 29 June 2012 (UTC)

While it's not a requirement, it is a strong suggestion, simply because it would make entering the Library of Congress much faster and easier when going through security. It's OK if a few people bring their bags and laptops, but if everyone did it, a large portion of the event will be spent simply entering the venue. Laptops and large electronics, for example, have to be taken out of their bags and go through a scanner, and that would take more time than just simply walking through a metal detector, which is why we encourage attendees, when possible, to leave large bags and laptops at home :) --AutoGyro (talk) 21:00, 29 June 2012 (UTC)

Hi. I'm curious as well. It seems like a considerable number of people may be attending the Google Reception straight from the Hackathon, and will most probably be with a laptop and/or a bag/backpack. Also, a backpack doesn't count as a large bag, right? Thanks Rehman (talk) 10:32, 1 July 2012 (UTC)

Yes, a backpack is a large bag. It's probably best for people to stop back at their hotel or hostel (the hostel has in-room lockers) and also change into somewhat nicer clothes, if they want. Aude (talk) 19:27, 1 July 2012 (UTC)

Thank you. Rehman (talk) 02:24, 2 July 2012 (UTC)

How to doll up

For the benefit of attendees, I have collected together a veritable style guide.

• 
  A man's suit.
• 
  Men in suits.
• 
  A man in a suit.
• A man in a suit.
  A man in a suit.

As you can see, the dress code for this event allows you to adopt a wide variety of contemporary styles and should not hold you back from any form of creative expression. Although visitors from outside of the U.S. should note that "these are not the droids you are looking for" is not an advisable answer when quizzed by the hard-working men and women of the United States Customs and Border Patrol. Ceremonial light-saber carriers should consider the rules enforced by the Transport Security Administration before travel. Enjoy your trip. —Tom Morris (talk) 23:32, 1 July 2012 (UTC)

As well as the rules of the U.S. Capitol Police that handles security for the library. ;-) Harej (talk) 12:55, 6 July 2012 (UTC)

What about a man in a suite ;)? --AutoGyro (talk) 17:20, 9 July 2012 (UTC)

Camera

Are we allowed to take photographs, any restrictions on cameras Gnangarra (talk) 09:38, 4 July 2012 (UTC)

+1 --PierreSelim (talk) 19:10, 4 July 2012 (UTC)

yes, just be aware of certain places where photography is not allowed. There would be a sign in those locations. --AutoGyro (talk) 02:38, 5 July 2012 (UTC)

Missed online registration

I missed online registration, so I was planning on doing onsite registration for the conference. Is there any chance to complete onsite registration before the reception?--Bkwillwm (talk) 13:29, 8 July 2012 (UTC)

You can register onsite on Tuesday and Wednesday in the morning and through 5:00 PM :) --AutoGyro (talk) 14:55, 8 July 2012 (UTC)

Dress and attire doubt

"Smart trousers and shirt, jacket and tie optional, for men. Similar, or a smart dress for women. Equivalent national dress is also welcome. This is a chance to connect with a lot of diverse and great people who can be your collaborators and supporter"

Hi, is it mandatory to use smart trousers and a shirt? --Ezalvarenga (talk) 03:23, 9 July 2012 (UTC)

While it's not mandatory, it's highly recommended. Many professional guests will be in attendance, including those from international institutions, museums, libraries, educational institutions, etc, so be comfortable, but show off your best style :) --AutoGyro (talk) 17:09, 9 July 2012 (UTC)

Hi, AutoGyro. Thanks for the answer. I don't have these cloths, so I'll use a regular jeans and a t-shirt - with my best style I would wear shorts tho. :) --Ezalvarenga (talk) 18:49, 9 July 2012 (UTC)

Photo ID Pt 2 = passport for non-Americans

To judge by what seems to have happened at the National Archives this afternoon, for non-Americans the only acceptable photo-id may be a passport. Some clarification on this point by the Wikimania organizers would be very welcome! Johnbod (talk) 06:18, 11 July 2012 (UTC)

When in doubt, the best option is to bring your passport :) --AutoGyro (talk) 18:47, 11 July 2012 (UTC)

Thanks!

Great venue & great reception. Nicely done. :-) --Eloquence (talk) 02:31, 12 July 2012 (UTC)

+1, it was an amazing start for an hopefully amazing Wikimania :) --Bücherwürmlein (talk) 03:05, 12 July 2012 (UTC)

+1, Thanks. --Rangilo Gujarati (talk) 04:33, 12 July 2012 (UTC)

+1 It was a great pleasure to be admitted in this beautiful building. Did I understand right that it was announced that there will be a Wikipedian in residence at the Library of Congress in the future? If so, is there a link to an official announcement and what was the name of the person who announced it (man with the flower I think)? Thanks for your help, Letartean (talk) 04:57, 12 July 2012 (UTC)

+1 Really well done. Rehman (talk) 11:06, 12 July 2012 (UTC)