All, We have had cases where the opening reception was sponsored by somebody other than the host for the meeting (if there was a host). The sponsor didn't get much more than the possibility to put a sign near the front door and get some recognition during one of the plenary sessions. This proposal essentially says that the sponsors can demonstrate equipment during the reception. If that is helpful to attract sponsors, let's do it. If there are sufficient sponsors to support 2 receptions, let's organize 2. And, having been to such sessions at NANOG and others, I know that you don't have to look at the gear brought by the vendors, it is perfectly possible to have the beer (for free) and have the hallway discussion you wanted to have anyway, while ignoring the demos. > The current question is about IETF community comfort with the IAOC's exploring > this. That is, it's a form of "may we proceed to do the research and planning?" > query. I'm fine with the IAOC doing the research. Henk ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Henk Uijterwaal Email: henk(at)uijterwaal.nl http://www.uijterwaal.nl Phone: +31.6.55861746 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ There appears to have been a collective retreat from reality that day. (John Glanfield, on an engineering project)