We can’t thank the Alacrity Foundation enough this year for their generous donation of the space that allows us to bring Desert Bus 9 to you! We want to take this opportunity to let you all know who the Alacrity Foundation is and what they do!

The Foundation is a non-profit organization based in British Columbia that is focused on the growth of the Canadian tech industry. Their team of advisers and mentors with over 100 years of experience in successful technology ventures do their utmost to connect young companies connect with investors and potential customers. Through their Investor Readiness Program and the Entrepreneurship@Alacrity Program,  they have successfully educated the founders of numerous Western Canada based startups.

Without the foundation we wouldn’t have the great space we have this year and as such we are beyond grateful for all the support they have offered us here at Desert Bus.

We are pleased to announce that this year we will be partnering with VIATeC, the Victoria Advanced Technology Council, to broadcast Desert Bus for Hope 8 from their shiny, new facility, Fort Tectoria, in downtown Victoria. For our purposes, this space will be known as the Lunar Module.

Long have we lamented the smells, cold, and crampedness of the Moonbase come Desert Bus time, as we try to cram our small army of volunteers and mini-Everest of prizes into what is essentially a two bedroom apartment. While she has served us well, and though she continues to be an excellent home for LoadingReadyRun, she has grown weary of our presence and has thus birthed the Lunar Module. The Lunar Module comes equipped with such high class amenities as a fridge and heat. (This is actually a really big deal!)

No more will our Zeta shifters go hungry because we couldn’t store enough food in our tiny, tiny fridge.

No more will our beautiful songs be interrupted by the melodic flush from upstairs. (Though, I’m sure that will disappoint some of you. You people confuse me.)

No more will the sobs of our neighbours drown out the sounds of a 3am shout-fest with Toto.

Check out the Lunar Module!

This space will be our on-camera space, but expect it to look a lot different once we are done with it.

There is also a large off-camera work area for bloggers, Event Managers, and other desk-workers.

The downstairs also includes plenty of space for prizes, shipping, food storage and prep.

VIATeC serves as the one-stop hub that connects people, knowledge and resources to grow and promote the Greater Victoria technology sector. Fort Tectoria is VIATeC’s latest initiative to support the growth of the tech sector. It provides affordable space to local tech companies that require flexible terms and recognize the value of being close to other entrepreneurs and innovators on a daily basis.

We are very grateful for VIATeC’s generosity in opening up their Fort Tectoria space to us.

Yes, we will bring over costumes and props from the Moonbase.