[AusNOG] AusNOG-02

[James Spenceley]

So the reality is, its incredibility difficult to run a conference for  
$150 - $200 / head. That is alone the cost of food for 2 days,  
typically $80-$90 per day.

The other issue is that the conference is entirely dependent on the  
organisers using their own money to fund/float the conference. Last  
year Steve and I forked out the best part of $50,000 from our own  
pockets to make the even happen, we recovered that money some 2-3  
months after the conference. This year we are looking at the same if  
not more.

We would like to see the event be independently operated, with AusNOG  
in a position to run its conference with *or* without the requirement  
of people donating both their time and their money. This  way we are  
gurateed a conference every year, even if Steve's retirement extends  
to conference activies ;-)

Also this year we have moved the event to the Convention Center, which  
is more expensive venue but allows for 200+ people in a classroom  
(i.e. everyone having a desk to type at). Last year we had to close  
registrations early and turn people away as the venue was full, so we  
have planned (and now paid for) the larger venue.

Skeeve I understand your concerns, but I'm pretty sure I remember  
paying $500+ for isp.au and aussie-isp conferences 10+ years ago. Now  
conferences seem to be routinely $2,500.

Anyway, I'd love to hear some feedback, is $600 too much ? Is anyone  
not coming because of the price hike ? Do people see value in AusNOG  
getting to a position of financial independence ?

Cheers,

--
James


On 23/06/2008, at 8:34 PM, Skeeve Stevens wrote:

> I only just read this while looking for the dates.
>
> A couple of comments -
>
> - Do something with the website please... the current one is useless  
> for
> anything at all
> - $600 is a lot of money for small ISP's;
> 	Don't forget your roots guys - you were all once small ISP's.. and
> how would have $600 looked for you back then?  Last year I saw quite a
> reasonable amount of small ISP's there... but I wouldn't be  
> expecting them
> at this new price.  I look after a lot of small ISP's and I know it  
> would be
> a challenge for them, and even the bigger ones would probably send the
> minimal possible.  The big establish boys won't have a problem, but
> start-ups are going to find it a challenge to rub shoulders and  
> network with
> the big boys if they can't afford to go.  What happened to the  
> spirit of
> community?
>
> ...Skeeve
> (Advocate for the tiny/small ISP's)
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: ausnog-bounces at ausnog.net [mailto:ausnog-bounces at ausnog.net]  
> On Behalf
> Of steve at thebaxters.com
> Sent: Thursday, 5 June 2008 7:13 AM
> To: ausnog at ausnog.net
> Subject: [AusNOG] AusNOG-02
>
>
>
> The organisers of the highly successful AusNOG-01 are proud announce  
> the
> dates for AusNOG-02. This year will we be holding AusNOG at the Sydney
> Convention and Exhibition Centre at Darling Harbour (Sydney,  
> Australia) on
> August 21 and 22, 2008. As APNIC 26 in on the following week in NZ we
> selected this time to help maximise international travel plans.
>
> The full program will be released in draft on the 18th of July and  
> fully by
> the 25th of July. We expect just as many high quality speakers this  
> year as
> last year. The Call for Presentations will be sent out shortly and  
> we ask
> that you all keep and eye out for that forward it to anybody who you  
> think
> would be able to present.
>
> The conference fees this years are expected to be $600 for early  
> bird and
> $650 for later registrations. Whilst we understand this is higher  
> than last
> year the organisers felt that this was required in order to ensure a  
> high
> level of quality for the conference whilst they maintained their  
> sanity.
> Volunteers are always welcome but if you are going to volunteer please
> understand that we will assume the time you pledge can be called on.
>
> Please contact us at organisers at ausnog.net for any further details.
>
> The Organisers.
>
>
> -- 
> Stephen Baxter
>
> PIPE Networks: Peering,IX points and dark fiber in Australia
>              Largest peering network downunder
>
> phone : 07 3233 9800/ 0417 818 695
> fax   : 07 3220 1800
> web   : www.pipenetworks.com
> _______________________________________________
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>
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