Re: [Venue-selection] Call for input: Venue assessment reports for Beijing, Istanbul, Kuala Lumpur and Shenzhen

[Adrian Farrel <[e-mail]>]

Thank you for the opportunity to provide input.

Beijing
A reasonable Asia destination. Affordable and welcoming. I have never
encountered any problems in the streets or on public transport.
I believe that the Chinese business visa process is "back to normal", and it
might be unreasonable to consider the now-relaxed Covid restrictions as
applicable to IETF-125.
The religious freedom concern may be overstated as there are plenty of
places of worship for many faiths. However, if you want to be part of a
religious cult that criticises the Communist Party, you might see problems.
Negative side is that it is a very large area. Care needs to be taken to
find a venue that is relatively easy to reach from the airport.

Istanbul
Obvious potential for dramatic change in how the county is run through the
ongoing presidential elections. Recommend a reassessment in two months'
time, which should still be in good time for planning IETF-125.
It is an obvious stretch to put Istanbul in the "Asia venue" category, but
there is wiggle room.

Kuala Lumpur
Interesting that State does not list a terrorist risk which other nations
warn against, but that is probably not a risk in the city.
March is a *very* wet month in Kuala Lumpur.

Shenzhen
I have always found Shenzhen to be a safe and welcoming city, although
rather chaotically busy. It has rumours of a higher level of street crime
than Beijing, but I have never noticed any issues.
I believe that the Chinese business visa process is "back to normal", and it
might be unreasonable to consider the now-relaxed Covid restrictions as
applicable to IETF-125.
The religious freedom concern may be overstated as there are plenty of
places of worship for many faiths. However, if you want to be part of a
religious cult that criticises the Communist Party, you might see problems.
The accessibility by ferry from Hong Kong airport makes it surprisingly easy
to visit.
It is not as cheap as Beijing.
March is a good time for Guangdong Province (you would not want to be there
in typhoon season or in the hottest part of summer).

Adrian