Talk:Wikimania Takes Manhattan

Accommodation for international guests.

Hello everyone, by now I guess almost everyone might have got scholarship response. Our scholarship won't bear the accommodation expense for Wikimania Takes Manhattan, but I would like to know that whether Wikimedia NYC or interested locals can help us in finding economical accommodation from 5th or maybe 6th July till 9th morning? It would be great if all people flying to US could stay together. If I come for it then I would surely take Wikibus to DC along with others on 9th July. Also booking into NYC and out of DC should be feasible or into and out of NYC only? I would be happy to travel back to NYC (on my expense though) after 15th July and take flight to India if its feasible. Thanks. Rangilo Gujarati (talk) 20:04, 21 April 2012 (UTC)

Wikimedia NYC is working now on finding the right economical accommodation for our guests over the WTM weekend.--Pharos (talk) 14:38, 26 April 2012 (UTC)

Thanks Pharos, looking forward to it :) --Rangilo Gujarati (talk) 11:24, 27 April 2012 (UTC)

Hey, we still haven't heard about accommodation options, I can't book my itinerary before knowing where and if I would be staying in NYC. Can someone please give an update on this. Thanks. --Rangilo Gujarati (talk) 11:44, 4 May 2012 (UTC)

Same here... Hostelling International has another branch in NYC, that maybe good via group booking, etc... All depends on what the NYC team can come up with. I seriously dont have anywhere near the $$$ required to afford the 'ordinary/usual' accommodation costs of NYC... :( Rehman (talk) 13:52, 4 May 2012 (UTC)

FYI - I have just looked at HI NY's booking site and all male dorms are now marked as sold out for July 5. I'm going to start looking at Jazz on the Park as mentioned on the main page - http://www.jazzhostels.com. -- Chuq (talk) 03:17, 18 May 2012 (UTC)

Yup, even though HI-NYC shows some bed available, it is indeed fully booked out, per my email convo with them. Attempting to book online ends up in some error. Hence I too have booked a bed at Jazz in a 2-bed dorm... Have no idea who I'll be with, so if anyone is interested in staying with me, please ping me, and lets find out how to stay in the same room, so that it'll be easier to coordinate with whatever the events, etc. I'm new to the US as well, and I dont bite. :) Rehman (talk) 15:48, 18 May 2012 (UTC)

Scholarships

Hi. I need to know if scholarships includes WTM... Just cross-posting here in case if anyone else also cant figure this out, or if someone from here can answer to my question. :) Rehman (talk) 07:20, 23 April 2012 (UTC)

AFAIK, it doesn't include WTM, but I'd like a clarification as well in any case. MikeLynch Public (talk) 07:23, 23 April 2012 (UTC)

Accommodations for Wikimania Takes Manhattan are not included in the scholarship (e.g. it's your own expense), but i think Wikimedia NYC is working to get some low cost accommodations. It's okay if you want to book your flight to NYC and out of DC after Wikimania. Just tell the travel agent and at least for international people, I don't think it makes a difference in the cost. Cheers. Aude (talk) 10:43, 23 April 2012 (UTC)

Oh okay. :( As I understand, it would be less costly for most participants if WTM is moved to soon before or after the main conference schedule, as currently, the majority of people who want attend the main event and WTM (and dont want to attend the hackathon), have to pay for accommodation/food/etc on the 10th and 11th, on which days I believe they mostly wont be doing anything...

For people with scholarships (like myself), the 10th and 11th might not be an issue as I understand that thats being handled by the scholarship. For me, the issue would be on dealing with accommodation/food/etc during WTM on 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th. I might also have to opt-out of the WTM event if those days are too costly (depending on what I learn in the coming days)...

Please do correct me if my facts are wrong. Just my thoughts. Thanks for the reply :) Rehman (talk) 11:02, 23 April 2012 (UTC)

We will be working on getting appropriate accommodation for WTM, see section above; for the "hackathon" period in DC, this also includes a number of non-hacking pre-conference sessions, and of course DC has some nice places to tour as well :)--Pharos (talk) 14:43, 26 April 2012 (UTC)

Thanks Pharos! Looking forward to the finalized WTM accommodation information for scholarship recipients :) Rehman (talk) 08:36, 28 April 2012 (UTC)

WTM Dates and Hackathon

Hi. Currently the WTM is planned to end on the 9th at round 10am, while the estimated arrival time of the bus at DC is about 2pm on the same day. But the Hackathon starts on the following day at about 9am. Are there any accommodation plans for the participants from NYC? What about the scholarship participants or others that have places like Hostelling International pre-booked from 10th onwards? Rehman (talk) 11:16, 2 May 2012 (UTC)

I think scholarship recipients got this form to fill, and this gives an option to check in on the 9th. 117.192.222.62 14:36, 2 May 2012 (UTC)

Oh yes, I forgot about that. Thanks :) Rehman (talk) 14:44, 2 May 2012 (UTC)

Bus to DC

Hey guys, how do I make a reservation for the bus to DC? I just booked my flights (for Friday, 6th of July) and the hostel in NY (for the WE), so I would be very glad to get a seat in the bus going to DC on Monday :-) -- Toblu (talk) 21:03, 6 May 2012 (UTC)

You've already made a preliminary reservation by signing Wikimania Takes Manhattan#Interested visitors. We will have to do a once-over to see who's really coming (I suspect that less than half are), and then we'll know for certain about the availability of the bus spot for you.--Pharos (talk) 17:51, 8 May 2012 (UTC)

When we will know for sure? I would like to book my tickets asap and I would like to know if there will be a bus from NYC to W and back, otherwise I guess I 'll have to buy some extra tickets. I got the fellowship nd today I was informed that it doesn't include transportation from DC to NYC. -- Magioladitis (talk) 18:05, 17 May 2012 (UTC)

Hi Magioladitis. As per the original scholarship notification email, it said "Recipients will also recieve a transit card to cover costs to and from the venue". I believe that mean NYC-DC and DC-NYC for those who book a round-trip from NYC? Rehman (talk) 18:20, 17 May 2012 (UTC)

No Rehman, I doubt that, AFAIK "a transit card to cover costs to and from the venue" means from HI DC to GWU and back, i.e in Washington DC only. --Rangilo Gujarati (talk) 18:29, 17 May 2012 (UTC)

Oh. Hopefully someone from the organizing team would confirm this... IMO it would be much more helpful if it's to and from the airport, as that is where most of the international participants would be needing help with (like me). HI-DC and GWU is not that far apart, and is actually very much walkable... Rehman (talk) 18:37, 17 May 2012 (UTC)

Yep, you're right. According to Sage, it does not include airport-to-hostel or vv. Just official travels between GWU and the hotel/hostel... Rehman (talk) 03:37, 20 May 2012 (UTC)

There will be a bus from W back to NY too? -- Magioladitis (talk) 09:53, 20 May 2012 (UTC)

Only if "there is major demand", according to this page. But I doubt that will happen as most international attendees booking roundtrip from JFK will obviously have varying flight times/dates (I don't know how many international/locals are attending). Thus depending on the time the bus leaves DC, it would either be too late or too early (or maybe even way too early that they need to stay a night, which many wouldn't want to for whatever reasons) for them to reach NYC... For instance, I need to be at the airport no later than 9AM on the 16th, that would mean leaving DC at least for hours earlier on the 16th...

It would be nice if something is arranged though. But on the other hand, if the organizers actually plan on doing it, it needs to be done much sooner. Taking my case as an example, since there is no such transport confirmation (as of right now), I'll be booking an Amtrak train to NYC tonight, to be sure it doesn't get booked out or to avoid spending a fortune on the ticket (between 15th and 16th, there is only one Amtrak train which allows checked-baggage). So the more the confirmation of the bus from DC-to-NYC is delayed, the more chances that there will be less demand for the bus on that day. Just my thoughts... :) Rehman (talk) 10:40, 20 May 2012 (UTC)

Wikibus is only from NYC to DC on July 9. There are inexpensive bus services [1] [2] (or train) you can take back to NYC after Wikimania. Aude (talk) 15:47, 20 May 2012 (UTC)

I getting lost. I am traveling from Athens, Greece and I would like to participate in NY events too. The best for me would be to buy a round-trip to W or to NYC? Thanks in advance. -- Magioladitis (talk) 17:55, 23 May 2012 (UTC)

Who is going to be in the bus to the WDC? I need to plan my trip asap. -- Magioladitis (talk) 09:49, 1 June 2012 (UTC)

By car from NY to W (one way)

anyone interested in renting a car for a day (or two) from NY to W ? For 4 guys (with fuel) it is about the same price as a bus trip, more comfortable and we could take Philadelphia (and maybe some other places in between) too... --Vince (talk) 09:54, 7 May 2012 (UTC)

Interesting idea, but I dont know... Because, 1) The wikibus is free from what I heard. And 2) most of the international participants will land in the US at JFK in New York, and hence will be with all their luggage for the whole 6th-16th events. So I doubt there will be space in a car to haul the luggage from NYC to DC... Just my opinion. Rehman (talk) 09:59, 7 May 2012 (UTC)

Yes, probably free but it goes 2 days before Wikimania because of the Hackathon and I am not an attendee of that. (I would not understand a single word unfortunately...) Btw renting could be in W too. I just wish to use that two days with some guys whom are as dumb as me when it comes to programming to expand the trip a bit in the land of cars. Just drop me a line on my talkpage if you're (or anyone) interested, there is plenty of time for planning. --Vince (talk) 18:24, 7 May 2012 (UTC)

I'm interested in something like this... would be good to see some of the in-between locations. However I have the same issue in that I'll be an international visitor (Australia) and will have 12 days worth of luggage with me. If there is interest from more than four people then a small mini bus could be arranged? But then again, fuel costs increase. I saw a "top 100 landmarks" list which included Gettysburg and Atlantic City (neither of which I know anything about!) - I don't know if these are the kind of destinations you had in mind? -- Chuq (talk) 11:31, 12 May 2012 (UTC)

I'm international too. Since never been in the US before, starting from the "classic" Philadelphia - Lancaster (aka Amish) county - Baltimore almost straight line that I got mostly as an advise to take, I'm open for everything, just note that we'll have only about 2 half and one full day for wandering... 9th (from the morning but I heard that NY traffic is awful) 10th and 11th, and we should be in Wash at the end of 11th. (im ok with late night arrival btw). Distances are not large, but given the fact u have such a short time, count heavy driving time too... --Vince (talk) 07:24, 13 May 2012 (UTC)

Alternate suggestion: Book into a hostel in (e.g.) Philadelphia for evenings of 9th and 10th. Explore nearby areas from there during afternoon of 9th, all day on 10th and morning of 11th. Luggage can remain at hostel? Just an idea! -- Chuq (talk) 07:38, 18 May 2012 (UTC)

is anyone (still) keen on this idea? -- Chuq (talk) 14:59, 4 June 2012 (UTC)

How can I back to New York?

My air tickets is arrive in NYC on July 5, and departe from NYC on July 17. So I need to return to NYC from DC on July 17 to take my return plane. How can I get back to New York? Where can I take the buses and what's the schedules of buses form DC to NYC? Thanks! --Shujenchang (talk) 15:53, 21 May 2012 (UTC)

Hi. See the Bus to DC section above... Rehman (talk) 01:51, 22 May 2012 (UTC)

reserved bus back to NY, thx for your help :D --Shujenchang (talk) 17:54, 22 May 2012 (UTC)

Wikimania Group for Jazz as well?

Hi. Is it possible to make arrangements so that Wikimedians could stay together in Jazz dorms as well? Just like what is done with HI-NYC...? Rehman (talk) 16:15, 22 May 2012 (UTC)

Yes, it is possible, but it will require more active coordination work on your part. If you and a friend can arrange under the same booking for the same room, that would be ideal; if not, if you and others book a bed and email me all your details I will try to get the Wikimedians together if possible.--Pharos (talk) 17:17, 22 May 2012 (UTC)

I think the second option would be great, as most of the attendees would no know each other at this point. Maybe a new page/table could be created to list down the people registered into Jazz, and wanting to stay together with fellow Wikimedians? Rehman (talk) 18:30, 22 May 2012 (UTC)

I was going to volunteer to share the room with you Rehman - the only reason I haven't is because I'm arriving on the 5th, which would double my cost for the first night... which of course I would like to avoid! If there is potential of a Wikimania group then there may be a larger pool of people, so I would stay with others arriving the same day. -- Chuq (talk) 05:54, 23 May 2012 (UTC)

Sent you an email :) Rehman (talk) 13:10, 23 May 2012 (UTC)

Is there anyone else staying in Jazz on the Park? Or does someone have a rough idea how many Wikimedians are staying there? I didn't see much communication about it. (I booked a bed in a 2-bed dorm from the 6th till the 9th, larger ones were sold out.) SPQRobin (talk) 22:14, 9 June 2012 (UTC)

Hi there. I booked a 2-bed as well, from 4th to 9th. Cheers. Rehman (talk) 15:55, 10 June 2012 (UTC)

As I don't know (yet) anyone else staying there, if you want we might mail them asking to place us in the same room, although you booked from the 4th... SPQRobin (talk) 20:15, 12 June 2012 (UTC)

4th July Celebration

Hey all, I just wanted to know that if anyone is arriving in NYC on 4th July then maybe we could go together for Independence Day celebration that night, or else if any local wikipedian(s) is/are going then I would love to join too. Thanks. Rangilo Gujarati (talk) 13:22, 25 May 2012 (UTC)

As a local, I'd be glad to lead a July 4th fireworks outing.--Pharos (talk) 01:39, 29 May 2012 (UTC)

I am arriving on 3rd July at the evening. -- Magioladitis (talk) 09:50, 1 June 2012 (UTC)

Changed my flight from 6th to 4th to include this :) Will be landing at about 15:00 on that day. Also registered for the July 4th event at the GoogleDocs reg page by Pharos in the below sections (but didn't get any confirmation that it went through though). Rehman (talk) 01:26, 6 June 2012 (UTC)

Wikimedia group pavilions at Wiki World's Fair

Sign up here for the Wiki World's Fair and to organize a pavilion for your Wikimedia region, chapter or wikiproject :)--Pharos (talk) 18:24, 1 June 2012 (UTC)

Dear chapters and other wiki-groups, please sign up on that page :)--65.88.88.164 15:45, 5 June 2012 (UTC)

Sites in the sightseeing tours

So are there any plans on the places we may visit during the sightseeing tour? If not, I'd like to propose a bunch! :) Rehman (talk) 14:05, 2 June 2012 (UTC)

Wikibus

Given that there are apparently only 48 places on the wikibus and nearly twice that number have signed up, is there any chance of laying on another one, even it's not free? I imagine the cost of hiring a bus split between ~40 passengers would be negligible. HJ Mitchell (talk) 03:27, 3 June 2012 (UTC)

We will look into this possibility if there are in fact more that 48 who sign up for the WikiBus on the google form.--Pharos (talk) 18:59, 6 June 2012 (UTC)

Final signup at googleform

Please establish your FINAL SIGNUP at the googleform, especially to be sure you get a WikiBus seat.--Pharos (talk) 17:03, 5 June 2012 (UTC)

When are you announcing the final list? -- Magioladitis (talk) 18:15, 20 June 2012 (UTC)

Sorry, I saw it just now... Is there still seat on WikiBus now? --Shujenchang (talk) 14:37, 26 June 2012 (UTC)

Details of activities?

I assumed that this would automatically be added, but it hasn't yet. Aside from the Wiki World's Fair, I couldn't find any information on the activities or itinerary for Wikimania Takes Manhattan. Are these details available, and/or will they be in the future? Thanks, Ynhockey (talk) 09:55, 13 June 2012 (UTC)

I've now put up a rough schedule here: Wikimania Takes Manhattan/Schedule.--Pharos (talk) 18:57, 18 June 2012 (UTC)

The gathering place

Where will be the place we gather on July 9th to attend WTM? --Shujenchang (talk) 16:18, 26 June 2012 (UTC)

According to the schedule the only activity on July 9 is to leave Manhattan in the morning from Port Authority Bus Terminal. Ainali (talk) 18:04, 26 June 2012 (UTC)

A mistake. I actually mean June 6 to attend the event.--Shujenchang (talk) 01:04, 27 June 2012 (UTC)

People, I arrived today to HI NYC and nobody here knows about the Wikimania / WTM group. Anyone else is staying here? --208.125.25.41 14:18, 6 July 2012 (UTC) RACSO

Hey. I'm at HI. Not sure if I already met you, but you could find me in room 418 ;-) Rehman (talk) 22:49, 6 July 2012 (UTC)