This FAQ provides MobileActive08 event information to session facilitators - those presenting a workshop, presenting at a mini-talk, or demonstrating a project or product at the SIMPlace or an application in the SIMLab.

When and where is my session taking place?

Your session is listed on MobileActive's agenda. You can quickly locate your session in the agenda by browsing through the alphabetical list of speakers.

If you are facilitating a Workshop or presenting at a Mini-Talk, please check the agenda to find out where your session will take place.

If you cannot find your session listed or would like to change the description, please contact Katrin at katrin [at] mobileactive [dot] org.

What are the different types of sessions? (SIMlab, SIMplace, Mini-Talks and Workshops)

SIMplace - Showcasing Projects and Products:

The SIMplace - short for Social Innovation Marketplace - is a bazaar of products and projects. SIMPlace hosts staff small tables at specific times on the first and second day of MobileActive08, and discuss their project or products. The use of screens, props, materials, and graphics is encouraged. Note that the SIMPlace will be open during the entire time at MobileActive08, and SIMPlace hosts are encouraged to staff the tables as much as they want (and bring plenty of materials).

SIMlab - Test-driving Mobile Applications:

In the SIMlab, participants will intensively test-drive mobile applications. Unlike in the SIMplace which is designed to briefly showcase a product or project, the SIMlab is a ‘sandbox’ that encourages participants to get their hands 'dirty' - to try out an application. There is designated times where you as a SIMlab presenter will staff the SIMlab stations for users to explore your mobile application in depth with you providing information and guidance. The SIMlab will be available during the entire time at MobileActive08. This means that if you want to install your app on the available computers, attendees can try them out at any time, even outside of the designated SIMlab times.

Mini Talks:

Mini Talks are short, 15-minute presentations followed by a 15-minute question and answer session with the audience. Talks will be delivered twice during one session. (15 min talk/15 min Q&A, short break for audience to change, and then a repeat of the same 15 min talk/15 min Q&A) This allows participants to potentially expose themselves to a total of four talks throughout the event. The mini talks focus on mobile projects, research papers or case studies.
Note that the SIMplace, SIMlab and Mini-Talk sessions run in parallel to each other and are scheduled on Day One (Oct 13) from 2:00 - 3:15pm and on Day Two (Oct14) from 11:45am to 1:00pm.

Workshops:

Workshops, or skill-share sessions, are interactive and participatory 90-minute sessions that demonstrate the potential of mobiles for social impact. They are "how-to" workshops which address the event’s theme either strategically or tactically, as well as conversations and dialogue among participants. Workshops are scheduled on Day One (Oct 13) from 3:45 - 5:00pm and on Day Two (Oct 14) from 9:45 - 11:15 am.
 

What are Open Space/Self-Organising sessions?

In the afternoon of the second day, participants will be invited to co-create the remainder of the event's agenda by initiating topics of interest to them on the theme's event - "Unlocking the Potential of Mobile Technologies for Social Impact" and more specifically around the question: "What are the key issues and opportunities?" Along the principles of open space events, participants will be invited to self-organise as they convene around topics of interest to exchange of ideas, views and opinions.

What makes these sessions different from those outlined above is that the majority of topics have not been identified prior to the event and any participant is welcome to initiate a discussion topic. In essence, all participants are pro-active resources in this effort.

What amenities/equipment will be provided to me?

The following equipment will be provided to all session participants:

• Support of a technician
• Wireless internet access
• Power/plugs

If you are leading a workshop or a mini-talk, in addition to the equipment listed above, you will be provided with the following:

• A data projector and a screen
• A flipchart and markers
• Room set-up (space permitting) according to your instructions specified prior to the event. Please see question "Can I specify how I would like the room set-up?" if you would like to specify your space's set-up.

If you are demonstrating a product or project at the SIMplace, in addition to the equipment listed above, you will be provided with the following:

• A high cocktail-size table and 2 chairs
• A tent card with your product's or project's name.

If you are demonstrating an application at the SIMlab, in addition to the equipment listed above, you will be provided with the following:

• One computer connected to the internet
• One large screen

What if I need additional equipment?

If you require additional equipment, please contact anelja [at] africanearthevents [dot] co [dot] za. Note that we will do our best to accommodate your request but cannot make any guarantees.

Can I specify how I would like the room set-up for my session?

If you are facilitating a workshop or presenting at a mini-talk, you can specify how you would like the room set-up ie. U-shape, classroom style, circle of chairs etc. by contacting anelja [at] africanearthevents [dot] co [dot] za before Oct 3. Note that we will do our best to accommodate but we may be limited depending on the specific workshop space.  If you are demonstrating an application in the SIMLab, there are no special seating due to space limitations.

What is expected from me?

All facilitators are expected to:

• Have been in contact with and coordinated with the other presenters (if applicable) prior to MobileActive08
• Be present at the assigned room/space at the start of your session
• Start and end according to the schedule.
• Share slides and articles or papers (or any other relevant background information) by October 10
• Engage participants by supporting them as active contributors rather than passive listeners.
• Be willing to meet with one MobileActive08's event documenters who will be supporting your session with documentation

• Contact katrin [at] mobileactive [dot] org if you have any questions.

Do I need to share any materials or slides of my session?

All session leads are requested to share any materials they have prior to the event.

If you have created a Powerpoint presentation, please add it to Slideshare and tag it with "mobileactive08'.

Additional Information on Logistics

How do I arrange an airport transfer?

If you require an airport transfer, please send your flight details to Anelja de Bok, anelja [at] africanearthevents [dot] co [dot] za and she will be in touch to confirm the details. Airport transfers must please be booked at least one week prior to the conference.

Where do I find information about my hotel?

Your confirmation letter stated whether the conference will provide you with complimentary accommodation. If yes, the we are holding a room for you at the Protea Hotel Wanderers (right next to the conference venue) from 12 October to 16 October 2008. Anelja de Bok will be in touch to confirm these details.

If you are responsible for your own accommodation, please visit the Logistics page on the website for a list of recommended hotels. Please notify anelja [at] africanearthevents [dot] co [dot] za where you will be staying.

Who should I contact if I have any other questions?

If you have any questions related to logistics such as your flight, airport transfers, accommodation etc. please direct them to Anelja anelja [at] africanearthevents [dot] co [dot] za.

If your question or concern relates to the agenda and/or your session, please contact Katrin at katrin [at] mobileactive [do] org. If you have any inquiries about the event in general, please contact David Barnard dbarnard [at] sangonet [dot] org [dot] za.