Chair+to+Chair+Advice

One very basic thing to keep in mind, particularly as conference time approaches, and people start asking for special favors, exceptions to the cancellation policy, or other special requests: __//**If you can't give the same answer to 400 other people, don't say yes. **//__ The only way to be 'fair' is to be consistent! Our cancellation policy should always be clearly posted on the registration page as well as on your conference information site. If you make one exception, you may well be asked again and again. The cancellation deadline is set for several good reasons: certain deposits and payments must be made well in advance based on estimated attendance, and obligations are also made well in advance.

We all want to be nice and hospitable, but you're running a conference here, and there is a lot at stake. Be very, very careful about making exceptions! You'll be doing yourselves - and all future conference planners - a huge disservice if precedents are set that allow exceptions to be made. [from: Justine Glynn, Downeast 2007 conference co-chair, Conference Committee Chair 2007 - 2010]