jasonamyers · July 11, 2013 19:01
diff --git a/gistfile1.txt b/gistfile1.txt
 Hi Jason,

 I've chaired PyOhio for the last three years, and we'd love to see more conferences. With PyCon being capped, and with us only able to accept a third of the talk proposals we received this year, there is increasing demand for more get togethers where we can share and learn from one another.

 I am not a board member of the PSF, so I can only speak to my experience in answering some of your questions. I don't speak for the PSF.

 As for needing to be a 501, no you don't need to be. PyOhio only incorporated last year (this is our sixth year) and is still waiting on 501 status (we got caught up in the 501 scandal too). What incorporating does is gives you a structure to do things under rather than having individuals, and it helpful once you've reached critical mass. But you don't need it to start generally. 501 status makes paying taxes easier, otherwise if you have money in the bank at the end of the year, you have to pay taxes. Also, some sponsors prefer that because they can use funds from a different category (charitable spending) rather than from a marketing or recruitment budget.

 As for PSF blessing, we've never asked for PSF "blessing", but we have made sure they know what we are doing so they can help promote it. They want Python to grow and are excited for any opportunity to help Python experts and newbies learn and grow in the language. We have been blessed that PSF has had funds to sponsor our Sprints (buying food) for a few years, and has helped subsidize our video recording costs (THANK YOU!). If you use the Python logo itself, you do need to follow the guidelines and ask for permission.

 There are a number of conference "how-to's" and I have on my to-do list writing up my experience with PyOhio (soon...). But off the top of my head, here are some suggestions:

 PyOhio's first year was in the Columbus Public Library main branch meeting rooms. Ever since we've used facilities at The Ohio State University, and we've been able to rent that space very inexpensively because we work with the student Open Source Club and we have an educational mission.  So my first advice would be to find cheap or free space. You don't need to get fancy.  Make sure they have projectors, and a microphone if the room is large.

 A few supplies, like name tags, a poster board to sign up for lightning talks if you have them (they are very fun and popular), and a printed program/schedule (we fold a standard size paper in half) is all you really need, and you might not even need that.

 As for paying, we rely on sponsors and donations. The last three years we've also made some money by selling t-shirts (not required to attend, but for folks that want to help out or want a t-shirt). Think bake sale.

 Sponsors definitely like to help out. Generally we've had success with sponsors who hire tech people (local consulting companies, technology companies), and companies that sell to them. They get a benefit by getting in front of motivated developers, and you get a benefit by paying for your hard costs.

 Finally, get the word out about your conference... there are lots of people willing and wanting to talk, and attend. They just need to know about it!

 I hope this has helped a little, and you can contact me any time to talk (though preferably next month after PyOhio), and if you aren't planning to already, come on up to PyOhio July 27-28 and we can talk more!

 Best of luck and keep me in the loop! I'll do what I can to promote.

 Cheers,
 Eric
	Hi Jason,

	I've chaired PyOhio for the last three years, and we'd love to see more conferences. With PyCon being capped, and with us only able to accept a third of the talk proposals we received this year, there is increasing demand for more get togethers where we can share and learn from one another.

	I am not a board member of the PSF, so I can only speak to my experience in answering some of your questions. I don't speak for the PSF.

	As for needing to be a 501, no you don't need to be. PyOhio only incorporated last year (this is our sixth year) and is still waiting on 501 status (we got caught up in the 501 scandal too). What incorporating does is gives you a structure to do things under rather than having individuals, and it helpful once you've reached critical mass. But you don't need it to start generally. 501 status makes paying taxes easier, otherwise if you have money in the bank at the end of the year, you have to pay taxes. Also, some sponsors prefer that because they can use funds from a different category (charitable spending) rather than from a marketing or recruitment budget.

	As for PSF blessing, we've never asked for PSF "blessing", but we have made sure they know what we are doing so they can help promote it. They want Python to grow and are excited for any opportunity to help Python experts and newbies learn and grow in the language. We have been blessed that PSF has had funds to sponsor our Sprints (buying food) for a few years, and has helped subsidize our video recording costs (THANK YOU!). If you use the Python logo itself, you do need to follow the guidelines and ask for permission.

	There are a number of conference "how-to's" and I have on my to-do list writing up my experience with PyOhio (soon...). But off the top of my head, here are some suggestions:

	PyOhio's first year was in the Columbus Public Library main branch meeting rooms. Ever since we've used facilities at The Ohio State University, and we've been able to rent that space very inexpensively because we work with the student Open Source Club and we have an educational mission. So my first advice would be to find cheap or free space. You don't need to get fancy. Make sure they have projectors, and a microphone if the room is large.

	A few supplies, like name tags, a poster board to sign up for lightning talks if you have them (they are very fun and popular), and a printed program/schedule (we fold a standard size paper in half) is all you really need, and you might not even need that.

	As for paying, we rely on sponsors and donations. The last three years we've also made some money by selling t-shirts (not required to attend, but for folks that want to help out or want a t-shirt). Think bake sale.

	Sponsors definitely like to help out. Generally we've had success with sponsors who hire tech people (local consulting companies, technology companies), and companies that sell to them. They get a benefit by getting in front of motivated developers, and you get a benefit by paying for your hard costs.

	Finally, get the word out about your conference... there are lots of people willing and wanting to talk, and attend. They just need to know about it!

	I hope this has helped a little, and you can contact me any time to talk (though preferably next month after PyOhio), and if you aren't planning to already, come on up to PyOhio July 27-28 and we can talk more!

	Best of luck and keep me in the loop! I'll do what I can to promote.

	Cheers,
	Eric