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

[Khaled Omar <eng.khaled.omar@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

If you decided to choose Egypt for an IETF meeting, please inform me so I can prepare to participate remotely :-)

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Fw: Update on feedback on US-based meetings, and IETF 102
From: Khaled Omar
To: ietf
CC:

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Update on feedback on US-based meetings, and IETF 102
From: Khaled Omar
To: Yoav Nir
CC:

Regarding visa and entry, there will be no complications especially for people like you, I mean scientists who are coming to held a technical meeting, i'm sure there will be no problem for all so this issue can be ignored (no racism here), but outside the meeting security is your own responsibilty.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Update on feedback on US-based meetings, and IETF 102
From: Khaled Omar
To: Yoav Nir
CC: ietf

Something else to add, Cairo and Giza are so big governorates, and near each others, containing dozens of cities, I remember I attended an event made by Afrinic and really they made a good choice in selecting the hotel and city, quite area and not far from other historical or modern cities, it was 20 minutes to go to the pyramids for example (and of course with ignoring traffic because it depends on when and where to go).

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Update on feedback on US-based meetings, and IETF 102
From: Khaled Omar
To: Yoav Nir
CC: ietf

I recommend Egypt because it is at the center, will not be so long for anyone, also, weather is an important factor, and for those who would like to visit historical places should focus more about how to go and what to wear, there are modern cities and old cities, there is a big difference, many tourists here with all different styles, and of course no one will disrespect poeple here so he/she will get in trouble.

But regarding Canada, full respect to those people and they will be more than welcomed here.

Regards,

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Update on feedback on US-based meetings, and IETF 102
From: Yoav Nir
To: Stephen Farrell
CC: IAOC List ,IETF

On 13 Apr 2017, at 3:00, Stephen Farrell 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