Welcome to the first-ever FAILfaire!

The stories of failures and lessons in ICT4D and M4D. Unveiling the spectacular flops to get better.

Projects succeed, projects fail. The successes are reported on, the failures are filed away. Or, in the case of most ICT 4 Development or Mobile 4 Development projects, pushed under the proverbial rug.

Well, its time to bring out the failures, with a sense of humor, and with an honest look at ourselves. So we are introducing the first-ever FAILfaire.

FAILfaire features projects using mobiles and ICTs in international development that have, to put it simply, been a #FAIL. Busted, kaputt.

Tongue firmly in cheek, we take a close look at what didn't work and why the projects failed amidst the ICT4D hype we all are subjected to (and sometimes contributors to).

We believe that only if we understand what DOESN'T WORK in this field and stop pushing our failures under the rug, can we collectively learn and get better, more effective, and have greater impact as we go forward.

The inaugural FAILfaire will be held in New York City on April 14th, 2010 from 5:00-7:30 pm.

We are very grateful to The Open Planning Project (TOPP) for hosting us in their beautiful SoHo loft space.

Agenda:

5:00 Welcome and drinks

5:30 FAIL-slam: #FAILfaire Talks showcasing failure in ICT and mobiles in development

6:30 Open Discussion

7:00 Mingling, learning, networking, more drinks

After the presentations, we will be awarding, by community vote, a special prize for the most spectacular ICT4D Failure presented.

Organized by: MobileActive.org - a global network of people using mobile technology for social impact

Hosted by: The Open Planning Project (TOPP) - empowering civil society through software, media, and smart urban policy