19 December, 2014

Initial discussions around the DCE Minneapolis proposal following approval by Steering Group

Taking part:

• Mark Bussey
• Richard Green

Notes:

Hotels

Look for a main hotel (also able to accommodate the conference) with a couple of others as backup; look for low room rates and a low number of guaranteed rooms.  In writing an RfP leave room for flexibility!  Universities will also be considered as a conference venue.

Conference

Plan on a conference capped at 200 (but advertise a 175 cap to allow for wiggle room).

Need a large plenary space for the main two days but may also need to be able to accommodate one or two large workshops; workshops with one two groups in the plenary space don't work well (acoustics etc)

The conference venue should have excellent wi-fi and ideally be able to provide adequate power strips in meeting rooms.

Dates

Ideally Tuesday to Friday (allowing organizers Monday to set up) in the timeframe 14 September - 9th October 2015.

Ideally open booking in time for announcement at OR2015.

Extras

Consider providing third-party events and/or guided tours on the Saturday for those people who need a Saturday night stay to get lower airfares.