From: ietf-bounces(_at_)ietf(_dot_)org
[mailto:ietf-bounces(_at_)ietf(_dot_)org] On Behalf Of Henk
Uijterwaal
We have had cases where the opening reception was sponsored by somebody other
than the host for the meeting (if there was a host). The sponsor didn't get
much more than the possibility to put a sign near the front door and get
some recognition during one of the plenary sessions. This proposal
essentially
says that the sponsors can demonstrate equipment during the reception.
[WEG] +1
I was one of the people who suggested this to IAOC after recently attending my
first NANOG in a good while. While I realize the audiences (and therefore the
attractiveness to marketing budgets) are different, the sharp contrast between
the two made it clear that there may be some opportunities to tweak IETF's
sponsorship methods and potentially reduce the costs attendees are asked to
bear without turning it into yet another tradeshow or forcing I* members to
wear auto-racing-style suits emblazoned with vendor logos. :-)
In addition to Beer-n-gear, NANOG had 2 other sponsored (i.e. free to all
attendees) socials, and enough free T-shirts to last a person a week, plus 3-4
slides full of sponsor logos. Not that we need any more free t-shirts, but
compare that to this IETF, where if you want a shirt, you must purchase it
because we didn't have a primary sponsor until Cisco took pity on us (and
apparently the shirt cannot be sponsored separately).
That said, I don't think that this potential experiment requires a *separate*
night. I'd much prefer to replace the current "overpriced hotel cash bar"
arrangement at the welcome reception with something more like beer-n-gear. I'm
also willing to try it in lieu of a social event, since those are typically hit
or miss in terms of whether the environment is conducive to socializing,
whether they're worth the additional money one must pay to attend them, and the
fact that these are generally limited participation (tickets required), thereby
reducing the opportunities for group socialization.
And, having been to such sessions at NANOG and others, I know that you don't
have to look at the gear brought by the vendors, it is perfectly possible to
have the beer (for free) and have the hallway discussion you wanted to have
anyway, while ignoring the demos.
[WEG] This is definitely true. The two are not mutually exclusive.
Wes George
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