*Read online and share: <[link removed]>*


Dear Free Software Supporter,

**LibrePlanet 2020: Free the Future confirmed sessions have
been published at [libreplanet.org/2020][1]!**

On March 14th and 15th, 2020, the free software community will come
together at the [Back Bay Events Center][2] to learn, exchange ideas, catch
up with friends, and plan the future of the movement.

[1]: [link removed]
[2]: [link removed]

**[Register][3] today! As always, Free Software Foundation (FSF) [associate members][4] and
students attend gratis.**

[3]:[link removed]
[4]:[link removed]

[LibrePlanet 2020][5] is organized by the [FSF][6]. Hundreds of
people from across the globe will converge to explore this year's
theme, "Free the Future." We'll be delving into the threats to
user freedom that we've all been reading about every day in the
media, as well as the unique role the free software movement
plays in solving these problems.

[5]: [link removed]
[6]: [link removed]

In addition to the first keynote we announced last month,
[Brewster Kahle][7], LibrePlanet 2020 will feature a panoply of
presentations. Our lineup includes some talks we absolutely can't
wait to see, and we think you'll feel the same way!
You can [now dive in to the speakers already
confirmed][8] and start planning your itinerary. Make sure to
have a look at these highlights:

[7]: [link removed]
[8]: [link removed]

* Executive director of Free Geek Toronto [Ryan Fukunaga][9] will focus
on the positives, challenges, and ongoing conversation around
using free software to expand access to technology in his presentation "Free
software and the digital divide."

* Last year's keynote speaker [Micky Metts][10] will return with
Keegan Rankin and Chris Thompson in an engaging session on
surveillance capitalism and how users can seize control over
their own data in "Platform cooperativism, surveillance
capitalism, predictive analysis, and you."

* Purism CEO [Todd Weaver][11] will present the latest
news on his company's attempts to create a truly free cell phone
in: "Freeing the mobile phone: The story of the Librem 5."

* [DeeDee Lavinder][12] will help us explore the world of
encryption in "Keeping secrets: What you need to know about
encryption."

* LibrePlanet newcomer [Lucy Ingham][13] will explore the continued domination of
the [Service as a Software Substitute (SaaSS)][14] model in "Rented
future: The dangerous rise of life as a service."

* Due to popular demand, this year features two(!) lightning talk
sessions, which you can sign up for via the [LibrePlanet wiki][15].

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LibrePlanet 2020 offers lots of opportunities for socializing,
too! The annual FSF open house will take place on the evening of
Friday, March 13th, at the [FSF office][16]. And the LibrePlanet
Saturday night party will feature a sparkling new location. As we
have in the past, we'll [organize a dinner][17] specifically for
women, genderqueer, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming
attendees, please mail <[email protected]> if you're interested
in joining. If you are looking to organize your own dinner or
meetup, you can do so using the [LibrePlanet wiki][18] 2020
conference social and dinner pages as a central place for
communication about this.

[16]: [link removed]
[17]: [link removed]
[18]: [link removed]

### Pre-order a LibrePlanet 2020 T-shirt by February 26

You can [pre-order a LibrePlanet 2020 commemorative T-shirt][19]
from the GNU Press shop. Make sure you order
your shirt by February 26 to guarantee availability in your size.

[19]: [link removed]

We are planning a photo with people wearing LibrePlanet T-shirts
this year. So if you have a vintage LibrePlanet T-shirt, sign up
on the [LibrePlanet wiki T-shirt page][20], bring it and we will
take a snazzy group photo!

[20]: [link removed]

### LibrePlanet needs volunteers -- maybe you!

LibrePlanet has grown in size and scope, and its continued success
is thanks to dozens of volunteers who help prepare for and run the
conference. Volunteering is a great way to meet fellow community
members and contribute to LibrePlanet, even if you can't attend in
person! If you are interested in volunteering for LibrePlanet 2020,
email <[email protected]>. We thank all of our on-site volunteers by offering
them gratis conference admission, lunch, and a LibrePlanet T-shirt.

### Seeking sponsors

LibrePlanet cannot exist without the support of the community. If
you or your company would like to [sponsor or exhibit at
LibrePlanet][21], please email <[email protected]>.

Your support will help sustain, energize, and inspire the free
software community. Sponsoring provides you the unique
opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to free software, and
engage with hundreds of legal and policy experts, developers,
students, activists, free software and technology enthusiasts,
and potential employees with your organization.

Spread the word about LibrePlanet 2020: blog or [microblog][22] to let
people know that you'll be there, using the hashtag #libreplanet.

[21]: [link removed]
[22]: [link removed]

We hope to see you in four weeks at LibrePlanet!

Zoë Kooyman
Program Manager

-----
* Put the Planet in LibrePlanet. Help sponsor an attendee: <[link removed]>
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