Speaker
Description
Open-source communities are powered by people, ideas, and collaboration. However, organizing sustainable community events also requires resources, partnerships, and meaningful support.
Through my experience working in different events and communities, including serving as a Sponsorship Lead for UbuCon Asia, I have learned that sponsorship is more than simply asking companies for financial support. Successful sponsorships are built through relationships, shared value, trust, and a clear understanding of how businesses and communities can support each other's goals.
In this talk, I will share practical insights and lessons from my experience in community events and sponsorship management. I will discuss how organizers can identify potential partners, communicate the value of supporting open-source communities, create meaningful sponsorship opportunities, and build relationships that can continue beyond a single event.
The session will also explore the challenges involved in sponsorship, including approaching potential partners, handling rejection, understanding sponsor expectations, and balancing commercial interests with the values and goals of a community.
This talk is intended for community organizers, event volunteers, new contributors, and anyone interested in helping open-source communities build stronger and more sustainable partnerships.
Talk Description
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My Journey in Community Events and Open Source
A brief introduction to my experience working with different events and communities and my role as Sponsorship Lead at UbuCon Asia. -
Why Sponsorship Matters for Community Events
How sponsorship and partnerships can help communities organize events, create opportunities for contributors, and make events more sustainable. -
Beyond Financial Support
Why sponsorship should be viewed as a partnership rather than simply a financial transaction. This section will explore different forms of support that organizations can provide to communities. -
Building Meaningful Partnerships
Practical approaches to identifying potential partners, understanding their interests, communicating community value, and developing mutually beneficial relationships. -
Challenges and Lessons Learned
Insights from working in sponsorship and community events, including approaching potential partners, managing expectations, dealing with rejection, and maintaining relationships. -
Creating Long-Term Value
How communities can move beyond one-time sponsorships and develop partnerships that contribute to the long-term sustainability and growth of open-source communities.
What the Audience Will Learn
By the end of this session, participants will have a better understanding of:
How sponsorship can support sustainable community events.
How to approach and communicate with potential partners.
How to create value for both sponsors and communities.
How to build relationships beyond a single event.
Common challenges in sponsorship and practical lessons for dealing with them.
How contributors and organizers from non-technical backgrounds can contribute to open-source communities.
Technical Level
This is a non-technical talk. The session focuses on community building, partnerships, sponsorship, event organization, and practical lessons from community involvement.
Author(s) Bio
Rabina Karki is a Business Development and Partnerships professional with experience in events, sponsorship, and community initiatives. She previously served as a Sponsorship Lead for UbuCon Asia and is passionate about building meaningful partnerships and sustainable open-source communities.
| Category | Community Building and Diveristy |
|---|---|
| Pronouns | She/her |
| Where are you located? | Kathmandu, Nepal |
| Do you need travel sponsorship from GNOME Foundation in order to join our event? | Yes |