Web Standards Group

Meetings

May meeting (Melbourne)

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Date: Wednesday 20 May, 2009

Event Details

On Wednesday, May 20th, two speakers from the W3C will be presenting on the future of the web. It's cutting edge, it's geeky ... and there's beer. What more could you want?

This event will occur at Loop Bar in the city — note this is a Wednesday night.

Date: Wednesday, May 20th, 2009
Time: 6.30pm for 7pm start
City: Melbourne
Venue: Loop Bar, 23 Meyers Place, Melbourne VIC 3000 [map]
Cost: FREE

First presentation: Ivan Herman, W3C

Topic 1: Introduction and applications of semantic web

This presentation is an introduction to the the main ideas behind the Semantic Web, also known as "Web of Data." The talk gives motivation and highlights real life problems that have led to this line of research and development. The presentation also includes application examples on how this technology is used by different organizations and institutions.

Ivan Herman graduated as a mathematician at the Eötvös Loránd University of Budapest, Hungary, in 1979. Ivan joined the W3C Team as Head of W3C Offices in January 2001 while maintaining his position at Centre for Mathematics and Computer Sciences . He served as Head of Offices until June 2006, when he was asked to take the Semantic Web Activity Lead position, which is now his principal work at W3C. Since autumn 2007 Ivan is also a member of SWSA (Semantic Web Science Association), the committee responsible for the International Semantic Web Conferences series. More details on http://www.w3.org/People/ivan or http://www.ivan-herman.net.

Second presentation: Michael(tm) Smith, W3C

Topic 2: HTML5, XHTML2: Learning from history about how to drive the future of the Web

For several years (up until 2007), W3C efforts at producing the next major version of a markup language for the Web focused exclusively on work to develop the XHTML2 language. But since 2007, the W3C has once again turned its attention back to HTML -- the original language of the Web (and the language in which all existing Web content is still written) -- as represented by the HTML5 specification. This talk takes a look at both the HTML5 and XHTML2 work, while providing details about the history behind the development of both languages, and insights into where the fit in the future of the Web.

Michael(tm) Smith joined the W3C in 2007 as part the W3C Mobile Web Initiative. He's now involved with work on standards closely related to browsing technologies; in particular, the phenomenon known as HTML5, as well as other standards related to APIs for Web applications. He's been based in Tokyo since 2001. Prior to joining the W3C, he worked forOpera Software, and prior to that, for Openwave Systems — most of that time involved with design, development, testing, and deployment of software for mobile operators.

Our sponsors

This meeting is proudly sponsored by SitePoint and the W3C.

SitePoint

Food, beverages and door prizes on the night are kindly being made available thanks to SitePoint. SitePoint is a Melbourne-based company who, when not handing out free beer, publish articles, books and reference material on best practice web development, with a focus on web standards.

W3C

The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) is an international consortium where Member organizations, a full-time staff, and the public work together to develop Web standards. W3C's mission is to lead the World Wide Web to its full potential by developing protocols and guidelines that ensure long-term growth for the Web.

Other Important Stuff

For catering purposes, please RSVP for this event below (you must become a WSG member to do so).

Also remember to bring a business card if you want to go into the draw to win one of the door prizes!