Reflecting on WikiConference Nigeria 2024: Behind the scene and before the camera

Recorded as the first to be held in the West African region – after several months of planning. WikiConference Nigeria 2024 was commenced from September 12 – 14 2024. Reflecting on the preparation channeled towards ensuring incorporation of the right activities, I am filled with a sense of pride, accomplishment, and gratitude for being part of the Core Organizing Team. This was an incredible experience that allowed me to contribute to and enhance my project management and conference organizing skills, especially being on the programs committee and as a representative of the Igbo Wikimedians User Group.

Behind the Scene Experience

Behind the scenes involved lots of planning, meetings an documentation by the organizing team to ensure the conference’s success. Countless hours were spent on meetings, brainstorming ideas, assigning tasks, troubleshooting potential issues and documentation. Being part of the programs committee for WikiConference Nigeria 2024 gave me a full dose of the behind-the-scenes experience. It also offered me valuable insights into the complexities of organizing a major conference. Also, it provided an opportunity to engage with diverse range of applications and trying to understand the unique perspectives of each session proposed. I also got to learn some of the best practices for session approval which captured below.

Key Learnings for Session Selection

Part of the major highlights of WikiCon NG was being in the programs committee of which its memories are indelibly etched in my mind and I’m happy to share them. I learnt that for a program to be considered for selection, there are key elements that are to be employed to ensure a transparent process in selecting sessions that align with the conference themes and objectives. The following key considerations guided the session selection process:

• Alignment with Conference Themes: the programs committee were apt in ensuring that any session approved aligns with the conference themes, which are: Diversity, Collaboration, Technology, Language, Engagement & Growth
• Relevance to Wikimedia Community: the team also considered the relevance of the topic proposed and how it resonates with the key elements and activities of the conference.
• Originality and Innovation: Even though we have outlined themes, sessions that demonstrate originality and innovation, which on the long run resonate with the contents of the conference were also considered.
• Clarity and Coherence: the team ensured that the sessions selected were clear, concise, and well-organized, demonstrating a clear understanding of the topic and its relevance to the conference themes.
• Diversity and Inclusion: in ensuring inclusivity, sessions that promote diversity and inclusion, reflecting the diversity of the Wikimedia community and addressing topics relevant to underrepresented groups were also considered.
• Engagement and Interaction: sessions that encouraged engagement and interaction among participants, incorporating formats such as workshops, panels, and roundtable discussions were also considered.
• Technical Requirements: Sessions should be technically feasible, taking into account the conference venue, equipment, and logistical arrangements.
• Session type/format: the selected sessions were the ones that were carried out within Lecture, Workshop, Roundtable, Panel, Lightning Talks and Plenary session format.
• Availability: considerations were given to session proposals whose presenters indicated clear availability during the duration of the conference.

By considering these key factors, the Programs Committee was able to curate a diverse and engaging program that reflects the needs and resonates with the themes of the conference.

Before the Camera – In Spotlight

As I stepped into the conference venue – I was one of the first arrivals – the buzz of excitement was profound and felt by almost every participant. The Wiki Conference Nigeria was about to kick off, and I couldn’t wait to dive in. Now wearing the hat of a participant, I was eager to learn from the diverse range of speakers, network with fellow Wikimedians, and share my own experiences. But before I could take my seat as a participant, I had a role to play – I was part of the Registration Team. As the attendees strolled in, our team sprang into action. We worked collectively to ensure that every participant received their conference materials, including tags, bags, and other swags. The registration process was a whirlwind of activity, with our team working in perfect harmony to keep everything running smoothly. We documented participants’ attendance, answered questions, resolved minor issues, and provided directions to the various conference sessions. As the morning wore on, the registration area became a hub of activity, with participants mingling, chatting, and taking photos. As a part of the Registration Team, I had the privilege of meeting and interacting with many of the participants before the conference officially began. I witnessed the excitement widely written all over their faces, and I was proud to play this part in making the conference a success. As the camera started rolling, and the conference officially kicked off, I took my seat as a participant, eager to absorb the knowledge, insights, and experiences that the conference had to offer. The Wiki Conference Nigeria was off to a fantastic start.

The Road Ahead

The Wiki Conference Nigeria 2024 marked a significant milestone in my conference-organizing experience. Reflecting on these experiences, I am filled with a sense of pride, accomplishment, and anticipation for the future. As we look to the road ahead, I am excited to build on the momentum generated by the conference. The communal hard work and dedication have laid the foundation for a stronger, more vibrant Wikimedia communities in Nigeria. I am committed to continuing to work with our community to identify new opportunities, address challenges, and promote the values of openness, inclusivity, and collaboration that define our movement. The experience has taught me invaluable lessons about teamwork, leadership, and community engagement. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this journey and look forward to continuing to contribute to the growth and development of the Wikimedia community in Nigeria. I felt grateful to have been a part of it, both behind the scenes and in the spotlight.