User:R.O.C/Wikimania 2007 Taipei
| English | 中文 |
Wikimania 2007 candidate cities (shortlist): Alexandria (talk) | London (talk) | Taipei (talk) | Torino (talk)
other official bidding cities: Hong Kong (talk) | Istanbul (talk) | Orlando (talk) | Singapore (talk)
City details
- Country: Republic of China (Taiwan)
- City proposed: Taipei
- Proposed dates: August 3 to 5, 2007 (flexible and can be extended/changed on request)
- Contact persons: Littlebtc, Theodoranian
Taipei is the provisional capital of the Republic of China and the largest city on Taiwan, a small but dynamic high-tech island off the southeastern coast of China. Located in central East Asia, Taiwan is connected with all East Asian and West Pacific countries (e.g., Japan, Korea, Mainland China, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and many others) quickly and affordably.
Taiwan enjoys the freest government in Asia, according to Freedom House's report. Taiwan is rich in Chinese culture. The National Palace Museum in Taipei holds world's largest collection of Chinese artifacts, artwork, and imperial archives.
Taipei is the center of Taiwan's economics, culture, media, and education. There are many private companies and public institutions in IT, tourism, and other industries who are interested and able to provide sponsorship. Taipei is a highly developed city in Asia with excellent infrastructure for international conventions and tourism, yet Taipei has an unbelievably low cost-of-living index.
Taipei is also blessed by a large, organized, and experienced local Wikimedia community. Countrywide meet-ups are held every three months, usually in Taipei; and several Wikipedians in this bidding team were among major organizers of Chinese Wikimedia Conference 2006.
Taipei on Wikipedia zh:臺北市
Conference venue
Overview
Taipei offers a scenic, spacious, well-isolated, all-inclusive conference venue in a busy and convenient area of Taipei.
Chien Tan Overseas Youth Activity Center (Template:Coor d) is a comprehensive convention center in a large, quiet landscape garden by Keelung River and Chien Tan Peak in a scenic and busy area of central north Taipei. There are three interconnected buildings: a 10-story residential building facing the large lawn with views of Keelung River and Chien Tan Peak, an education center by Chien Tan Pond, and a convention building housing the Grand Hall.
The Jiantan subway/metro station is ~400 meters (~5 minutes of walking) from CTOYAC; and the renowned Shilin Market, where numerous delicious Taiwanese food is prepared in the traditional way, is ~300 meters from the metro station.
Academia Sinica, the national academy of Republic of China, offers its main campus in Nangang, Taipei as an alternative venue.
Technical facilities
Wireless network and other A/V equipment will be provided free of charge by our local sponsors in both convention/education areas and the residential building.
Halls and rooms
Two local sponsors will cover the cost of venue in total. CTOYAC will offer a discount of 15-20%, depending on our conference size; another local sponsor (which would like to remain anonymous until Taipei is chosen as the host city) will cover the rest of cost occurred on venue, including A/V technical assistance and others.
| Item | Proposed Space | Price (each room; discounts in negotiation; for budget use only) |
|---|---|---|
| Main hall | Chiang Ching-kuo Grand Hall, with 800 seats | NT$22,000 (US$670) per half day, NT$39,600 (US$1,205) per day |
| Seminar rooms | 6 rooms with 70 seats | NT$7,300 (US$222) per half day, NT$13,100 (US$398) per day |
| 3 rooms with 40 seats | NT$5,500 (US$152) per half day, NT$9,900 (US$274) per day | |
| 7 rooms with 32 seats each | NT$3,600 (US$110) per half day, NT$6,400 (US$195) per day | |
| Lounge facilities | Chiang Ching-kuo Function Room, with a capacity of 300 | NT$15,000 (US$457) per half day, NT$27,000 (US$822) per day |
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The education building overlooks Chien Tan Pond in a quiet landscape garden that is isolated from the surrounding busy areas of north central Taipei. -
The residential building (right) is connected with the convention building (left), which houses the CCK Grand Hall. -
A function room with a capacity of 200 in seminar style. It can also be arranged in banquet or reception styles. -
There are more than 7 rooms of the same size that can be used for workshops, seminars, and BoF.
Accommodation
CTOYAC
CTOYAC has a 10-story residential building on site for accommodation. There are 889 beds for a capacity of 956 guests in various room types ranging from luxury suites to 8-person rooms. The building is connected with the convention building, and all rooms are air-conditioned. The building faces a great lawn in the garden, overlooks Keelung River, and has a view of the Chien Tan Peak.
| Room type | Beds/Guests per room | Number of rooms | Total capacity of guests | Price (discounts in negotiation; per person rates based on full occupancy) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CTOYAC suite | 1/2 | 9 | 18 | NT$2,400 (US$72) per room per night (US$36/person night) |
| CTOYAC twin rooms | 2/2 | 86 | 172 | NT$1,880 (US$57) per room per night (US$28.5/person night) |
| CTOYAC 4-bed rooms | 4/4 | 65 | 260 | NT$2,700 (US$82) per room per night (US$20.5/person night) |
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Lobby of the residential building. -
A twin-bed room in the building (each room has an independent bathroom with shower and toilet). -
A four-bed room in the building (each room has an independent bathroom with shower and toilet). -
All rooms are air-conditioned. -
Lounge area with balcony outside the rooms. -
A convenience store in the building. -
An ATM in the building that accepts Visa and MasterCard. -
Public phones for international calls.
The Grand Hotel
Across the street of CTOYAC is the elegant Grand Hotel in ~200 meters (3 minutes of walking). The Grand Hotel, built in a Chinese palace style on Chien Tan Peak, is a major landmark in Taipei and is often used by state guests and VIPs. Typical rates (before discounts that may be negotiated) range from NT$3,850 (US$117) to NT$5320 (US$162) per room per night.
Catering
Breakfasts and lunches are provided by the CTOYAC restaurant on-site. Food can be prepared in Western styles or in Taiwanese and other Chinese cuisines. Food can be served in banquet style or buffet style. All these particulars can be accomodated to our need and request. The cost of breakfasts and lunches will be covered from local sponsorship.
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A Chinese restaurant on site with more than 360 seats.
Travel and transportation
Estimation of travel costs
The following table summaries estimated cost for flights from all continents between August 2006 and January 2007. Data are based on search results at http://www.zuji.com.hk. Tax and fees are not included.
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- * Prices for Hong Kong, Singapore and Sydney in USD are converted from the original amounts in HKD, SGD or AUD, respectively.
Visa information
Visa-Exempt Entry
Citizens of the following 30 countries may enter Taiwan, R.O.C. without a visa:
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Visa-Exempt Entry Requirements [1]:
- A passport valid for at least six months after entry (unless otherwise stipulated by treaty or agreement).
- * Japanese Citizens may use a passport valid for at least three months.
- A confirmed returning ticket to home country or to a third destination together with any visa that may be required.
- No record of violations of R.O.C. immigration regulations.
Landing Visa
For citizens of Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovak, and for citizens of USA whose passport is valid for less than 6 months.
Visitor Visa
Contact the nearest Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (or other official representative offices of Taiwan, R.O.C.) in your area. A list of consulate representative offices can be found at http://www.boca.gov.tw/lp.asp?ctNode=125&CtUnit=72&BaseDSD=18&mp=2. More information on visitors visas can be found at http://www.boca.gov.tw/content.asp?CuItem=1906.
Local transportation
Taipei is served by the Chiang Kai-shek International Airport (IATA: TPE), about 30 kilometers west of Taipei City in Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Taxi
A taxi ride from CKS Airport to Taipei costs about NT$1100 (US$33).
Public transportation
Shuttle buses run between CKS Airport and Taipei Main Station, and the ride takes about 40-50 minutes. Bus fares range from NT$110 (~US$3.35, United Bus) to NT$125 (~US$3.80, Guo-Guang Bus), and groups of 10 or more usually get a 15% discount.
From Taipei Main Station, one can take Metro Taipei Danshui Line (Red Line) towards Danshui and get off at Jiantan Station, which is ~400 meters from CTOYAC. Use Exit 1 at Jiantan Station and walk along Jihe Rd. (southwest), turn left at Tonghe St. onto Zhongshan N. Rd. Sec. 4, and CTOYAC is on the right at 16 Zhongshan N. Rd. Sec. 4.
Local sponsorship opportunities
The bidding team has contacted several potential sponsors. Some of them have shown great interest in sponsoring Wikimania and covering the core expenses in total on venue, accommodation, and catering. If Taipei is selected as the host city for Wikimania 2007, the detailed sponsorship arrangement will be finalized. According to our conservative estimation, local sponsorship will be no less than NT$1,500,000 (US$45,600+).
- The Wikimedia chapter in Taiwan will be founded by the end of this year. The bidding team and Wikimedia Taiwan members will help to organize Wikimania 2007 Taipei.
- Institute of Information Science of Academia Sinica will coordinate various resources form Governemnt, Academia and Enterprises into this enormous activity. IIS hopes to enhance the strength of Taiwan's open source society and establish a healthy and enduring network to connect the world via looking into several issues which might be raised in conference including local developing progress of open source and local initiation of open content in Taiwan.
- FON community in Taiwan will help by providing wireless LAN at the conference venue.
- Business Weekly Taiwan is a famous weekly magazine interested in Web 2.0 and Wikipedia. Theodoranian had a lunch with president of BW, and they will possibly sponsor Wikimania 2007 Taipei.
- Cottingham & Company
- Cottingham is a drink company and it will provide all alcoholic drinks (e.g., beer, whisky, vodka, etc.) for the party on Saturday night free of charge.
- Other IT companies
- Many IT and hardware companies are headquartered in Taipei. With help of IIS, we have chance to get sponsorship from these companies.
- more sponsorships are in discussion...
Local team
Bidding Team
- Littlebtc: I'm User:笨笨的小B in Chinese Wikipedia, I'm living in Taipei beause I will be a student of National Taiwan University.
- Theodoranian: I think I can help after my working hours.
- H.T. Chien / 眼鏡虎: I live in Taipei and I can help after my working hours.
- KJ
- Fran.huang: I am a team member of OSSF in Academia Sinica.
- TzuChiang_Liou: I am the teamplayer of OSSF in Academia Sinica.
- Ching Chiao 喬敬: I live in Taipei and I can support this event in secretariat function. I can also help recruit sponsors.
- roc (talk): help in general and in English communications
Will help if Taipei is chosen
- Littlebtc
- Theodoranian
- mingwangx (talk)：Now I am working on preparatory work of Wikimedia Taiwan. Once the chapter is established, we will be devoted to Wikimania 2007.
- H.T. Chien / 眼鏡虎 (can help with English/Chinese document translation, communication and etc.)
- Alex S.H. Lin (T/C/M).tw
- Koika 15:47, 21 August 2006 (UTC)
- Alltonight15:52, 21 August 2006 (UTC)
- Jasonzhuocn19:20, 21 August 2006 (UTC)
- Guests 15:00, 22 August 2006 (UTC)
- Essolo 03:01, 26 August 2006 (UTC)
- Wing 13:03, 31 August 2006 (UTC) (I would help for document translation etc., on the meeting I can serve as helpsperson)
- roc (talk) 08:42, 1 September 2006 (UTC) (help with English communications and documents)
- Garywgl 16:15, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- KJ
- Briston
Miscellaneous
Our Warmest Invitation
We cordially invite all to Taipei in 2007.
Taipei is the largest city on Taiwan, a dynamic high-tech island in East Asia and world's fourth largest producer of IT products. The government and IT companies in Taiwan are devoted to innovative models and technologies, and the movement of free software and open content is advancing with an ever-growing impact. We have discussed Wikimania 2007 with Academia Sinica and various leading companies in Taiwan, and we are very confident to receive at least NT$1,500,000 (US$45,000+) in local sponsorship. Considering the low cost index in Taipei, we will have enough money from local sponsorship to pay for venue, catering, and even travel scholarships.
Asia has world's most Internet users (38% of the world) and broadband subscribers (~68% of the world) [2]. An estimation of 10% of total edits at Wikimedia comes from Asia [3]. Wikimedia possesses an important community in Asia who share the same visions, values and characters, Wikimedia also faces a great market in Asia. We sincerely invite the global community of Wikimedia to Asia after our conventions in Frankfurt and Boston, and we believe that Wikimania Taipei will bring more diverse audience and perspectives, assisting Wikimedia and Wikimania in fulfilling its commitment to an international project for all human beings.
Taipei has functioned as the capital of Republic of China on Taiwan for over 50 years, with rich Chinese culture and a unique blend of other Asian cultures. Known as "the beautiful island", Taiwan is also an adventure treasure trove with high mountains, spectacular gorges, and hot springs. The flights from Europe/America to Asia do not cost significantly higher than other intercontinental trips, and the cost index in Taipei is much lower than other global cities. We are certain that Wikimania Taipei will offer a pleasant, tasteful, spectacular, and culturally rich experience for all participants.
Reaching far, going diverse, we sincerely invite all to Taipei in 2007, for a Globe in Accord.
Attractions near venue
- Jiantan Station, a Metro Taipei station with Dragon Boat design.
- Shilin Night Market, the most famous night market in Taipei City.
Attractions in Taipei
- National Palace Museum, holds one of the largest collection of Chinese artifacts and artwork in the world.
- Taipei 101, the tallest building in the world.
- Yangmingshan National Park, featuring cherry blossoms and sulfur deposits.
- Danshuei, a town with beautiful riverbank scenery.
- Bitan.
Self-evaluation
Weaknesses
- Weakness 1: Citizens of the PRC will have difficulty visiting Taiwan without a local sponsor.
- Solution 1: Wikimedia Taiwan is going to be founded later this year, and it can act as the sponsor for PRC citizens.
- Weakness 2: Typhoons may strike and force schedule changes.
- Solution 2: All conference buildings, including the convention area, restaurant, and residential building, are connected and are not affected by weather. It is very rare that a strong typhoon causes major delays at airport and surface transportation.
Strengths
- Taiwan ranks first in Asia with the degree of political freedom, according to Freedom House's Freedom in the World 2006.
- A devoted, motivated, energetic, relatively large Wikimedian community in Taiwan.
- Experience in organizing regular Taiwan Meetups every quarter.
- Interests from both IT enterprises and the general public on innovative ideas and knowledge sharing.
- Taipei is a highly developed city in Asia and provides excellent infrastructure for conventions and tourism.
- Taipei enjoys a low cost-of-living index, which was ranked 28 in Mercer Human Resource Consulting's most recent Cost of Living Report [4].