Upcoming Event: Gov 2.0a Conference, May 6-7

Mobile apps, social networking, and digital connectivity are already transforming our lives in many ways. Alongside these developments has been a growing movement, known as Government 2.0, to apply these technologies to make government more transparent, participatory, and collaborative. As a short film by the Open Knowledge Foundation explains, government data combined with these newly available tools has huge potential value both for governments and ordinary citizens.

Next week, leaders in Oklahoma’s Gov 2.0 community will gather for the 2nd annual Gov 2.0a conference, May 6-7 at the Skirvin Hilton in downtown Oklahoma City. You can register to attend the conference here.

On Friday, attendees will hear from a number of speakers representing city and state organizations, community groups, non-profits and businesses that are interested in applying technology to make our government more efficient, accessible, and accountable. Keynote presentations include Governor Mary Fallin on government modernization and i2E CEO Tom Walker on opportunities in Oklahoma technology industries.

On Saturday, staff from the City of Oklahoma City will host a CityCamp event, where they seek ideas for how to use web and mobile technologies to improve services.  That afternoon, a group of software developers will take public data and APIs and try to build useful applications in a day.

In addition, there will be a free “GovUp” networking reception at Tapwerks Ale House on Thursday, May 5.