Far be it for us to pass up the opportunity to support really great people putting on really great local government related events, this summer (such as it is) we will be heading on down to two fun and fascinating events to listen, learn and share our thoughts with localgov curious colleagues on all things local, social and digital.
#LocalGovCamp
First up, this coming Saturday we will be heading to my home town of Birmingham to take part in LocalGovCamp.
Image: Glen Wood
Run for a good few years now, LocalGovCamp brings together the great and the good of local government to freestyle conversations on the future of local public services. Previously solely the preserve of fellow digital fan boys (and girls), the crowd gets more and more diverse every year showing both an increasingly acceptance that digital matters, but also improving things considerably as more diverse views and experiences are brought into the conversation.
Ideas for sessions are being discussed ahead of time over on the LocaGovCamp site so get sharing…
#OpenSSW
In contrast to LocalGovCamp, #OpenSSW – that’s Open Space South West to you and me – is the first of its kind.
The brain child of Carl Haggerty (a thoroughly intrapreneurial and digitally minded chap in Devon County Council) and supported by a whole host of organisations (above all Public-i), OpenSSW (to quote the website):
“is an event and a network, bringing together public sector providers, businesses, community organisations and academia to reimagine the ways in which collaboration and web technologies will shape the future of public services in the south west.
“You’ll hear from inspiring people from across the region as well as nationally who are recognised as leaders in their fields for example service design, digital futures, eDemocracy, local councils, evidence-informed policy and practice , leadership and social enterprise. The speakers will also lead and suggest workshops for further discussion and learning.”
The event is part conference style talks but also part unconference localgovcamp style, giving everyone a chance to get involved.
For out part, we’ll be sending Carrie Bishop and Joe Smith down to speak and generally get stuck in.
As Carrie says, bring. it. on.