[QCLUG] St. Ambrose IT Showcase

[Derek Kozlowski]

LUG Community,
I am contacting the group once again to invite the Linux Users Group
to organize a booth at the upcoming 3rd annual Technology Showcase on
Thursday, March 19th at St. Ambrose University.  We use this as a
chance to show off upcoming technologies as well as educate our users
to the resources that are available.  Last year we had a substantial
showing of support from vendors who have participated by setting up
booths, presenting, and donating swag and products for giveaways.

I thank all of you that participated last year and was impressed by
the number of individuals that commented about the Linux booth on the
exit survey.

We are adding a few new participants this year including Microsoft,
ECS, KALA (St. Ambrose Radio), and the SAU student chapter of IEEE.
In addition to the Mac and Linux User Groups, previous exhibitors have
included Apple, Pratt, Cisco, Dell, CDW, Video Games etc, Verizon and
Valcom. Individual groups on campus have also used the yearly showcase
as a way to demonstrate innovative usages of technology.

Industrial Engineering (Robotics), Graphic Design, Computer Club
(Virtualization + Open Source Software),  Ocupational Therapy (Control
Systems), and Music.

So what I am looking for is representation of the local Linux
enthusiasts.  I am interested in getting a demo area setup where
Showcase visitors can stop by to see the free alternative to MS/Apple.
 Most visitors probably have never heard of Linux so I am sure many
will be surprised to see how simple and fun Linux can be to use.  In
addition to the demo systems (various distros, kde, gnome, compiz,
etc), I would love to see some knowledgeable LUG members that would be
willing to demonstrate the systems, tools, applications, package
management, and answer any questions that they may have.  In addition
to the daily computer applications I am also interested in showing off
1 or 2 interesting projects that show the flexibility of a free
operating system.

If anyone is interested in getting involved or knows of other groups
companies that would like to contribute to the showcase feel free to
send me a message or post back to the group mailings.

Questions or Comments?

Thanks,
- Derek

Derek Kozlowski
Information Technology
St. Ambrose University