Association For Free Software AFFS Annual Conference, 17 May 2003 Norfolk, England, 29 April 2003 -- AFFS is pleased to confirm details of its first Association For Free Software Annual Conference (AFFSAC), to be held at Aston University in Birmingham on Saturday 17 May 2003. This is a great opportunity for free software supporters and developers to meet, share experiences and plan activities for the year ahead. AFFSAC is a one-day plenary conference, with sessions about topics such as networking, multimedia and activism. The conference is free to AFFS members and those who have applied to join, with small charges for optional extras. Online registration and electronic ticketing is available on the AFFS web site at http://www.affs.org.uk/ Uniquely, the talks give priority to people developing and using free software, with speakers announced by project rather than company. Talks range from the 5-minute "lightning talk" to 40-minute keynotes, followed by question-and-answer sessions. The full programme will be published shortly before the conference and more applications from speakers are welcomed until then. The conference has been welcomed by the developer group, the Association of Free Software Professionals. Neil Darlow of AFSP said: "AFFS and AFSP can, through cooperation and individual effort, promote the recognition of free software to a level where enterprises and consumers of software will routinely consider free software as a viable solution." Later, at the same venue, the AFFS Annual General Meeting will hear reports on the first year's work and current members will make key decisions about the year ahead. Association For Free Software The Association for Free Software is a non-profit association with the primary goal of promoting the adoption of FSF free software in the UK, formed in 2002. The Free Software Foundation says that free software is software that gives users the rights to use, distribute, modify and redistribute modifications of it. AFFS is the UK associate body of the Free Software Foundation Europe. Aston University The Aston University Campus is in the centre of the exciting and vibrant city of Birmingham, home to over 50,000 students. Birmingham, Britain's second city, is flourishing and is now internationally recognised as a leader in leisure, entertainment, business, shopping, industry and sport. ENDS Notes 1. For more information about AFFS see http://www.affs.org.uk/ 2. For more information on FSF Europe see http://www.fsfeurope.org/press/ 3. For more information on Aston University see http://www.aston.ac.uk/ 4. Email contact: frontdesk(a)affs.org.uk