Of course, this cancellation policy only applies to the group rate. A "semi-flex" booking has a far more reasonable condition, but this isn't the IETF rate:
![](attachments/png8aSwjx8l2J.png) Ole
Unfortunately these are more stringent cancellation terms than typical IETF contracts because things have changed considerably since the pandemic. Hotels have suffered and are trying to ensure that their risk is minimised and relationships are maintained with clients. By moving out the cancellation dates and increasing penalties, the risk is moved away from the hotel and the client to the guest. This is not our choice, but that of the hotel and these are the best terms to which we could get the hotel to agree.
If you have to cancel because of COVID or another emergency then please speak to the hotel and also let the Secretariat know so that they can try to intervene.
On a general note, please be aware that every hotel/venue negotiation we are involved in currently is noticeably more protracted and complicated than pre-pandemic. We expect this difficulty to continue for at least another year, with the effects felt some years out as we are currently booking for 2024 and 2025.
Jay
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