[ncc-services-wg] Figuring out RIPE meetings

Hi Shane,

Shane Kerr wrote on 04/12/2023 13:39:
> we have all kind of slowly moved into a situation where the RIPE NCC 
> has done such a good job of handling meetings over the years that we 
> just let them handle everything apart from the actual agendas and 
> discussions. 

well, sure, but the whole point of the RIPE NCC is that they're 
secretariat to the RIPE Community.  This is what we ask them to do, so 
that we can concentrate on stuff like the agenda and discussion side of 
things.

The last couple of years have been a real problem for conference 
management. Apart from the covid disruption and uncertainty about venue 
availability / lockdowns, there is only limited availability of combined 
hotel / conference venues which can cater for 600+ registrations.  Also 
hotel pricing has increased by quite a lot over the last couple of 
years. Hotels and venues typically need to be booked 2y+ in advance to 
maximize the possibility of getting the location you want, on the dates 
you want, at the price you want. The more expensive the hotel, the more 
problems are created for people who have budgetary / funding issues.

 From the limited discussions I've had with people involved in 
organising events, it sounds to me like an endless stream of headaches 
and squaring of circles. I don't envy them their jobs, that's for sure. 
RIPE87 had a unique set of circumstances which led to it being held in 
this particular venue, but despite the difficulties, the meeting went 
well. We were all there, the content was good, the coffee was good, the 
RIPE dinner was good, and the services provided by the NCC were - as 
always - excellent.

> [...] and I know that the RIPE NCC is going to be giving us some 
> interesting articles meeting organization in the near future.

Sounds good. I look forward to reading them while sitting in my comfy 
armchair, thanking the stars that other people deal with this side of 
things :-)

Nick

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