Apr
17

Brisbane, Australia Meetup

UPDATE 2 (May 7th): I’m coming back home to get back to work and regular Briefs early, so the Brisbane meetup is cancelled. I’m so sorry! Here’s an explanation.

I’ve been getting emails since we started GeekBrief.TV from viewers in Australia asking exactly when we are going to come there and do a meetup. We’ve traveled all over the United States and have had the pleasure of meeting Geek Brief viewers in many of the 50 states. I can finally say…let’s have an Australia Meetup!!

If you’ve been following my quest for the Best Job in the World, you’ll know Neal and I are heading to Australia in May. I’ll be very busy from the 2nd of May to the 10th with interviews and shooting GBTV episodes. Tourism Queensland has been awesome in working with me to set aside a day for a GeekBrief.TV gathering in Brisbane, so much appreciation goes to them!

Now, I have never been to Brisbane, so I’m going to need a little help from you guys! The meetup will be on May 11th. Where should we meet? What time is best for everyone? Leave a comment below to help me set this up.

I’m looking forward to meeting you!

UPDATE May 3rd:

I wanted to do Southbank as everyone suggested, but it’s going to be in the evening and dark, so I think it’s easiest and centrally located if we chose a place like Jo-Jo’s. Since it’s the type of place you don’t have to order something if you don’t want to, I think everyone can be happy! So, here are the details:

Monday, May 11th
6:00 PM
Jo-Jo’s (upstairs – take the escalators)

Pavilion Building at the Brisbane City Mall
1st Floor Cnr Queen Street Mall & Albert Streets
Brisbane QLD 4000 Ph: 32212113

Posted in Best Job Blog
46 Comments Posted by Cali Lewis

Paul Cassar says:

April 17, 2009 at 4:54 pm

So disappointed was hoping you would come to Sydney oh well I’m sure everyone in Brisbane will organise it for you

Warren says:

April 17, 2009 at 5:01 pm

Damn can’t make it to Brisbane then but are you guys coming to Cairns? You should consider it seeing as it’s the best example of Reef, Rainforest and true Queensland lifestyle

Tim says:

April 17, 2009 at 5:23 pm

Hi Cali,
I have a couple of suggestions…
could meet at Australia Zoo http://www.australiazoo.com.au/(1 hours drive north Brissy)or if have to stay in Brisbane could meet at South Bank
http://www.ourbrisbane.com/see-and-do/places-to-see/south-bank
http://www.discoverbrisbane.com/brisbane/southbank.html
http://www.visitsouthbank.com/attractions/south_bank_parklands
Hope this helps?

Kind Regards,
Tim

Matt and Mary says:

April 17, 2009 at 5:59 pm

Any chance of a Sydney catch up?

April 17, 2009 at 6:10 pm

i dont know! where ever it is! ill be there? maybe u should have it in the city, Becuase public transport in brissy is kinda crap its only good for going into the city hehe!! Maybe we should go to queen street mall? and find a pub in there or something? i dont care! all i know is ill be there! p.s Brisbane city is only tiny, you will probly luagh at it! But its what i call home <3

Nigel Hill says:

April 17, 2009 at 6:24 pm

Hi, it’s @9thDesignRgmt here. Glad to hear you are making the trip to Brisbane. It’s a lovely and growing city.

What are the criteria for the venue. Do you want a bar, club, restaurant, casino, something else? I’m guessing a bar/club where you can mingle.

I’m trying to move to Brisbane right now. Hopefully I will be there in time for the meetup and the totally nerdy Macross convention the following weekend. :p

Best Regards,

Nigel

Graham Acworth says:

April 17, 2009 at 9:36 pm

Hi Cali.
@grahamacworth here.
If you need large areas to cater for groups then southbank can provide good options. The have a grandstand arrangement in the middle of the area that has surround seating which is normally open to general public. They have had shows there and filmed TV episodes (eg Funniest Home Videos)
I’m sure the Southbank Organisers would love the PR.

The Brisbane River is surrounded by Hotels and Small meeting rooms. Often Microsoft/Intel will use these to launch products. The Mariot Hotel etc

For the ultimate conference rooms with hi-tech access (well hitech for Australia/Brisbane) is our Convention Centre which is also located near Southbank.

I am a school teacher and if you need assistance at any stage (at least after 3pm) let me know.

Cheers,
Graham

@dewayne_k says:

April 17, 2009 at 10:22 pm

I was just in brisbane… it would be great to have a sydney meetup as well… its only 1.5hr flight..
but i might be able to find a reason to get up their 4 the day..

anyhow l8rs

Daz says:

April 18, 2009 at 4:29 am

Hi Cali and Neal,
Southbank is probably best, though I would recommend the State Libray as a good place.
It has good wireless coverage for the mountains of GB and other stuff you will need
http://www.slq.qld.gov.au/services/int/wireless
Also it is close to my work so would be handy. Lunchtime or afternoon would suit me best.

nzhook says:

April 18, 2009 at 5:37 am

While your in Aussie, you should pop over the ditch and see New Zealand.

PK Lai says:

April 18, 2009 at 9:50 am

Hey Cali & Neal,

I agree with Graham and Daz too! South Bank is a great place to meet up! It’s just across the river (Brisbane River) from the City (Brisbane City).

I’ve lived in South Bank for 2 years and it’s a great place! If wireless internet access is not required during the meet up, the Southbank Parklands would be great! Can even organize a BBQ there too! Also, a huge underground car park underneath the park itself makes it easy for everyone to access. Even those who’ll be taking public transport, South Bank is so easy to get to.

I would really love to come to the meet up but I’ve moved to Hong Kong now. How nice would it be if this happens a year ago… T.T

Anyways, best of luck!!

PK Lai (@pklai)

Gustavo Shad says:

April 18, 2009 at 1:24 pm

Hello Cali & Neal,

Southbank is a great place to meet up and its far from the city centre madness even though it is pretty close to it.

I would say that the best time would be after work so you can have the biggest crowed coming over..

Keep us posted on twitter.

Thanks and best of luck on the Best Job in the World interview.

Gustavo Shad (AKA @iGustavo)

Michael says:

April 18, 2009 at 4:55 pm

I’d put my vote in for Southbank. The facilities available there are pretty nice.

After work would suit me best.

Cheers,

Michael

Alex Garcia says:

April 18, 2009 at 8:45 pm

Im not attending, but my suggestion would be the top of Mt Cootha. Great views from there.

April 18, 2009 at 8:48 pm

Sorry, Im half asleep. I meant Mt Coot-tha

Adrian Kaz says:

April 19, 2009 at 11:00 am

Mt Coot-tha would be a great place, with views overlooking all of Brisbane, you can’t go wrong.
Wouldn’t hurt that there are 3 television stations based on the mount, that are always looking for a good positive Queensland story.

Rhiannon says:

April 19, 2009 at 4:37 pm

What is required of a GeekBrief meet-up venue? Indoors? Outdoors?

If you can make it after 5pm then all us day-time workers can come too! But I guess it depends if you want/need daylight.

If you just want a casual outdoor location for a meet up then South Bank is great – views of the river and city, lots of various areas to hang out in, BBQ areas with tables and chairs.

If you want an actual venue to hire out, then something like the Rooftop bar of the Fox Hotel is nice. Again, there’s nice city views, its a central location, its got plenty of room, plus the option of a bar and food if people want that.
http://www.thefox.com.au/function_areasnew.htm
And being a Monday, its a fairly quiet time, so you shouldn’t have any problems booking a venue.
Or the Plough Inn at Southbank is another good venue for a meet up. http://www.ploughinn.com.au There’s a great outdoor beer garden area, plus rooms inside that you can book out.
All my suggestions are for South Bank, because its very central, while not being immediately in the city. You get nicer views and atmosphere too.

If you can let us all know a few more details for the type of venue you want, I’m sure everyone can help out with some more ideas.

April 19, 2009 at 4:40 pm

Also I disagree with Tim who said public transport in Brisbane is crap. Its not the best, however if you want to go to Brisbane city, Fortitude Valley or South Bank, then public transport is fantastic. Train stations, plenty of buses. So you’re not limited only to the city. And the city can get busy and crowded so sometimes being just on the outskirts of that is better.
The Fortitude Valley has heaps of pubs/clubs/bars/restaurants etc, of course not everything will be open on a Monday (its the one night that many restaurants are closed).

Ben Grubb says:

April 20, 2009 at 6:43 am

Oh yay.

I’m so there.

Robert says:

April 20, 2009 at 7:18 pm

Can I suggest a Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary meetup? We (I work there) have a free outdoor BBQ area by the River and I could arrange wireless internet access if that is useful.

We have access from the city to a stop inside the park by public bus, lots FREE car parking and a once-a-day cruise connection from Southbank.

Also if you want to do a story, we have lots of tech for an animal park: wireless digital koala photo system, webcams etc.

Sorry to plug the sanctuary so hard in a blog, but I’m a avid Geekbrief viewer so I have to at least put our name forward.

Angela says:

April 20, 2009 at 10:02 pm

Hi Cali
As I am based in Sydney I will miss out on the meet up. I was recently in Brisbane and the Plough Inn http://www.ploughinn.com.au/ on Southbank would be perfect for a meet up

Hope you have a wonderful visit and good luck with the interviews.
Ange

Paul Humphreys says:

April 22, 2009 at 5:26 am

Hi Cali

Apart from my video business, I run a successful business club in Brisbane and we use Kedron-Wavell Services Club which is only 5 miles from the city center. It is one of the very best venues in Brisbane. I have attached the web address so you can check it out.

http://www.kedron-wavell.com.au/

I know the management well, and can arrange a function room with whatever catering is needed. Everyone who comes along can put in a few bucks to cover room hire and food. It would probably be about $30 per person. Your cost would be nil. We have a data projector, mike, a podium and can arrange seating at round tables. We can do it as a breakfast, a lunch or a dinner, whatever you wish.

You could address the group, and after eating there will be plenty of room for meeting people and photo ops.

My partners and I do this networking stuff all the time all over town, and can handle all the arrangements. It would be my pleasure to arrange this, and we will even pick you and Neal up from your hotel and get you there and back so you don’t have to worry about transport.

All I need from you is an ok to arrange this and a potential guest list which you could get by announcing the meetup on the brief and in the shownotes. I also have connections to some of your local viewers and most of the internet gurus locally, so could make the meetup as successful as possible with the minimum of effort on your part.

I look forward to being able to help, it will be great to meet after all this time.

Best wishes

Paul

scott edwards says:

April 22, 2009 at 11:30 pm

http://www.q1.com.au/

they have a viewing deck where GB MUp could be shot if your not afraid of heights

Bec Mullen says:

April 25, 2009 at 11:01 pm

Hi Cali,
This is all so exciting for you ! I don’t know how many times I voted for you, but it was many

As far as the meet up goes you can use any of the city’s library’s generally at no cost to you or anyone attending. They have a theatrette which is very cute & can accommodate about 40 people. There is a place called “Pancake Palace” on Charlotte St in the Brisbane city that has a bar downstairs (the Good Knight Bar) which you can book for functions at no cost. If it’s something casual you want then the outside bar along the river at the Brisbane Powerhouse is a really nice mingle spot

I would be happy to do the booking etc for you if needed

It’s exciting for us Brisbane geeks that you are doing this in Brisbane because all the cool stuff normally happens in Sydney & Melbourne !

Bec

TonySize says:

April 26, 2009 at 1:15 am

Bells on

luiz de Almeida says:

April 27, 2009 at 9:29 pm

I agree with the Mt Coot-tha.

Fantastic spot.

Champir says:

April 27, 2009 at 9:56 pm

As a BrisVegas local – I am happy to lend a hand if I can.

What facilities do you need (e.g. power, indoor/outdoor)? How many people do you expect? What time of day / day of the week?
What has worked well in previous meetups? What didn’t?

If you want an location near the CBD the Southbank precint will a great option.

One specific all weather option would be the Suncorp Piazza – http://www.southbankcorporation.com.au/events/venues -
Seats 2000 people and will have power and lighting towers etc. May be a cost for access to some of that stuff. Best talk to southbank corporation.

Otherwise there are plenty of grassed areas that could be used in SouthBank precinct.

It would be fantastic to be able to watch an episode of GBTV being shot here in Brissy. Can you? Please, Please, Please!

Anthony S. says:

April 28, 2009 at 1:05 am

Unfortunately, I won’t be able to get up there for the meetup, though I would recommend… Southbank.

Hopefully, Sydney will see a GB meetup in the future.

Darren Lewis says:

April 28, 2009 at 9:45 pm

Count me in…. We just need a venue. Kiddy friendly my 5 year old live watching Cali with..

Morn says:

April 30, 2009 at 12:48 am

You gotta come to Sydney to see our Apple store!
I’m sure it’s second only to New York’s.

Ohh also I tend to think of Australia as a spread our Texas, lots of desert, grassland, cattle. And cowboys which we call, jackeroos! So I expect you’ll enjoy it!
Though, don’t expect you’ll see much of that in Brisbane… Coastal very urban cities where nearly everyone lives.

Nez says:

April 30, 2009 at 8:25 pm

Hi Cali,

While SouthBank is great and would be very scenic, without organising the venue properly it may be tricky depending on numbers. And Mt Coot-tha blows for parking.

I’d throw up a poll or make a Facebook event to see how many people will come.

If you’re not using the backdrop of the venue in any video, I reckon you should take Paul Humphreys up on his offer of using the Kedron Wavell as a venue. It’s easy to get to and very well set up.

If Paul can do the hard lifting for you in organising everything while you’re busy with Tourism QLD, then that makes it a no brainer. I’m happy to pay to come along.

Cheers,
Nez

May 2, 2009 at 3:00 pm

Jo Jo’s is a good choice, nice and central. With regards to SouthBank, if you have time to do a Geek Brief while in town, SouthBank is the spot to do it. There’s some pretty good views and nice areas that would make the perfect backdrop. It’ll also be quieter with less background noise due to being a parkland.

May 2, 2009 at 4:15 pm

Agree with Nez,

Jo Jo’s nice and central. Also agree South Bank would be a good place to do a Geek Brief Episode.

Regards,
Tim

Jeremy says:

May 2, 2009 at 4:54 pm

Sounds good… will hopefully get there.

May 3, 2009 at 2:40 am

Jo Jo’s sounds like the best option for all, and it is nice and central. I will pass the word around to my Geekbrief viewer friends and will see you there.

Hope you win the competition, saw you on the Channel 9 News tonight!

Regards
Paul

Richard says:

May 3, 2009 at 5:51 pm

Hi Cali,
You’re so close to NZ, why not re-route your flight home and do a brief in Auckland NZ too…

Christopher says:

May 5, 2009 at 2:03 am

Hi Cali,
Hope you get the ‘Job’. Will be camping at Airlie Beach first weekend in June.
Sorry can’t make it to Brisbane.
If you have a stopover in Townsville you could have a meet at the airport.

May 5, 2009 at 4:19 pm

Any chance of u kicking meet off at 5 pm ?

mark says:

May 6, 2009 at 1:14 am

Hi Cali
too bad you missed out on the best job, u certainly would have done a great job of the video / blogging part.
you probably are already aware, Apple is opening its 1st Qld Apple store this Saturday on the Gold Coast. you may like to drop in for a Geek Brief coverage.

cheers – Mark

May 7, 2009 at 9:11 am

The gracious way you congratulated Ben on the job just proves how special you really are!

You do have the best job in the world already, and I know you are destined for amazing things!

Look forward to seeing you Monday at Jo-Jo’s.

Best wishes and so pleased you got to visit us in Australia.

May 7, 2009 at 6:17 pm

It’s a shame the Monday meeting has been cancelled. I was looking forward to meeting one of my favourite podcast creators. I am glad however you got to see a bit of the country we live in. Congratulations on getting as far as you did with the ‘job application’.

May 10, 2009 at 7:23 am

Cali is a bit sick after the stresses of the trip, and the pressure of the competition, but on the quick road the recovery. I think that many of us don’t realise what real pressure is until we experience it!

Cali gave it everything she had, and then a whole lot more. I think we should all congratulate her on the terrific effort she put in, and wish her the best for her future success!

She is the real winner in my book!