[Tccc] Cost of attendance from developing countries / in general (fwd)

All:

This conversation has reverted (deservedly IMO) to old issues - conference
pricing, the "margins" involved and how COMSOC uses any "profits" etc. The last
time there was such an outpouring was not too long ago - based on the ICC 2007
(Glasgow) registration pricing, that was deemed excessive by many, even
compared to normal US-based fees for the same conference in recent years. I
recall Roch having made the very same points then. So clearly, this (how IEEE
runs it's conferences) IS an unresolved issue. Contributing to it is one simple
over-riding fact. LACK of transparency about a) conference and b) COMSOC
budgets respectively. Most of us on the outside have no access to accurate
information to verify the claims about the budget that Joe and Celia (and other
IEEE officials) have made/are making.

1. So in the interest of public disclosure - is there a public URL we can see
COMSOC and conference budgets? As non-profits, what are the laws (at least here
in the US) re such disclosures - anyone? WOuld love to be enlightened re this.
There is no obvious link from www.comsoc.org on anything financial at a quick
glance.

If this information is difficult to obtain - should some of us proceed via
Freedom of Information (FIA) Act here in the US to obtain this ?

2. Joe - can I get you to analyze the recently concluded 2009 Globecom
registration fees (I've attached the form just FYI) and pronounce - according
to your expert insider's insight - as to what an appropriate pricing should be?
Note- $600 (limited registration) does NOT include any banquet or any other
lunches, but does include coffee breaks, and food at selected committee
meetings. Also, the approx. attendance exceeds 1000.

3. Joe, Celia - can I get a statement from you re the following which I am told
is paid from the conference budget (this falls into the category of conference
"overhead")

1. The typical # of IEEE support staff who come to the conference, how long do
they stay etc (typically for some days before and after) - i.e. the net costs
for this.

2. Other "free" attendees - such as the ComSoc Board of Governors, who I
believe get free lodging/travel and meals etc., ie. the net costs for this.

**If I am mistaken about my assumption re 1,2 above - pls. correct and provide
a link to documents that support the facts.

In general, full disclosure of all the "overhead" components (notably freebies)
of conferences would go a long way in putting real data in the hands of those
who ARE the IEEE (us) and putting "fiscal responsibility" and "greater
transparency" at the center of this issue. This state of affairs has gone on
for too long.

Sumit Roy
UWashington

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