Open Knowledge Festival comes to Thessaloniki in 2018

Update 30 November 2017: Despite earlier announcements, Open Knowledge International have decided not to run OKFestival 2018. There have been some recent major changes in the organisation that have adversely affected our ability to produce a Festival which would match the expectations of our networks and partners.
We are, obviously, disappointed by this decision but we hope to take the time to look at the concept of OKFestival and develop it so that it returns as an event that is relevant to the open knowledge movement and the people who are so integral to its work. We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the organisation of OKFestival so far and look forward to working with you in the future.
Work is continuing on a rescaled, more targeted event to gather our network together and to collaborate on active themes which can move the organisation and the Open Knowledge Network forward together. Further news on this event can be found in this blogpost.

It seems a long time since the open knowledge community were last together at OKFest 2014 in Berlin but we are now excited to announce that, after a short spell of hibernation, OKFest 2018 will take place on 3-6 May 2018 in Thessaloniki, Greece.

What is OKFest?

The Open Knowledge Festival (known as OKFest) is the biggest gathering of the open knowledge community and will bring together over 1,000 people from more than 60 countries to share their skills and experiences; encouraging them to work together to build the very tools and partnerships that will further the power of openness as a positive force for change.

Organised by Open Knowledge International and owned, in the broadest sense, by the open knowledge community, OKFest and its outcomes will be shaped by the communities’ active participation. We have space for many different approaches, methods and ways to participate.

Why should I attend?

The OKFestival is a fantastic event that differs from a traditional conference. It is driven by the community and made up of a host of sessions which will allow attendees to learn new practices and engage in dialogue to develop their interests. OKFest will also have a full programme of workshops, lightning talks, hackathons and other sessions to inspire and encourage. It is an excellent networking opportunity, the social events and festival “vibe” will be the perfect set-up for collaboration and sharing experiences.

What happens next?

We’ll be asking for your help in making this our best ever event. This will be a fantastic opportunity to celebrate all that the movement has achieved so far, and all that lies before us.

Watch this space for updates and the latest information, and wait for the call for proposals to create your area in this community-driven event. Follow @OKFest on Twitter, and check out the OKFest website for all the info as it comes in.

In the meantime:

• Get thinking – what do you want to see and how can you make it happen?
• Get doing – ask your friends and colleagues to join in, or arrange satellite events for those who can’t make it in person!
• Get sharing – talk with people on Twitter (#OKFest18), at other Open Knowledge events, through our forum, on Facebook, and whenever you speak with people about open knowledge!

While the plans for OKFestival 2018 are taking shape, why not visit the OKFestival 2014 website to see what happened back then (or relive your time in Berlin).

See you in Thessaloniki!