UbuntuNet-Connect Conferences
Project Background
UbuntuNet-Connect is the annual research and education networking conference for Eastern and Southern Africa. Running since 2007, it serves as a premier platform for over 150 leading policymakers, internet infrastructure providers, regulators, network engineers, researchers, librarians, and academics from Africa and beyond. Hosted in different countries across the region on a rotational basis, the conference is an essential forum for discussing current challenges, exploring new ideas, and showcasing progress, products, and services in the research and education community. The conference is funded through registration fees, sponsorships, and partnerships, emphasizing its importance as a hub for fostering collaboration and innovation.
My Role and Activities Involved
Since UbuntuNet-Connect 2022, I have served as the Chairperson of the Organizing Committee, a role that involves overseeing all aspects of conference organization. This position requires expertise in people, stakeholder, financial, and project management, as well as strict deadline management. Amongst other things, I lead:
- Fundraising: Reaching out to potential partners and sponsors, negotiating mutually beneficial packages for the conference.
- Event Programme : Managing the abstract submission and review process and curating the event’s agenda.
- Conference Promotion : Driving promotional campaigns across multiple channels, including email, advocacy, and social media.
- Venue and logistics: Ensuring that logistics, venue arrangements, and hospitality meet the conference’s high standards.
Additionally, I oversee all communications with both internal and external stakeholders and am responsible for advertising the conference to promote registration and engagement. On top of this i chair and manage all meetings ensuring that both hosts and organizers are fully informed and up to date.
Key Achievements
- Sponsorships and Partnerships: Under my leadership, the conference consistently attracts mutually beneficial partnerships, raising significant funds that contribute to its continued success. This reflects the value the event offers to industry players in research and education.
- Registration and Attendance: The conference consistently draws over 160 attendees, with a record high of 240 participants in 2022, highlighting its relevance and growing appeal.
- Abstract Submissions: UbuntuNet-Connect continues to be a sought-after platform for researchers to present their work, evidenced by the steady increase in abstract submissions each year.