Re: Update on feedback on US-based meetings, and IETF 102

[Yoav Nir <[e-mail]>]

On 13 Apr 2017, at 3:00, Stephen Farrell <[e-mail]> wrote:


> I do not recall the opposite on the list, i.e. someone adamantly
> arguing that we ought continue to meet in the US. There were some
> mails that I'd say maybe weakly argued for continued US meetings
> in the relevant timeframe. But nothing approaching adamant.

Well at this point arguing for more US meetings because I had no trouble obtaining a visa and entering the US is the equivalent of stating that I’m a white guy and I’m not feeling any racism or sexism.

More to the point, pretty much all US venues work out better than pretty much any European let alone Asian venues, weirdly shaped rooms notwithstanding. London and Paris come close. Berlin and Prague don’t. This is in terms of nearby availability of food (notice the lack of a “OMG where can I get a grab-and-go sandwich” thread in 98attendees) and in terms of the availability of nearby low-cost hotels. And yes, the fact that everybody speaks English also helps. And despite what people think about crime, no IETF-er ever got shot in the US during IETF week, but every time we meet in Europe some of us will get their pockets picked.

For me, US meetings (Canada’s OK too) are more convenient despite the long, tortuous flight. People have been grumbling about US entry procedure for years and with good reason. But overall US meetings are simply more convenient. YMMV

Yoav