Question 3 detail: What are your thoughts on visiting a college or university near the conference site to hold a forum?

1. This seems to have worked well in the past and has a number of advantages.

2. This is an excellent tradition now, I get very positive feedback.

3. Whenever possible.

4. Yes, I think this is/would be very beneficial. I always enjoy these tours.

5. Yes, as long as the visit does not coincide with regularly scheduled classes.

6. Holding an entire conference at a college or university has been tried but not with great success.

7. I am very much in favor of visiting the local university, provided they have an effective, ongoing maintenance plan.

8. It would be interesting to see another technician's situation first hand.

9. That would be great.

10. Not in favor of.

11. It is a great idea!

12. Would be interesting and educational.

Don states, from his experience with conference organizers, that conference organizers are very concerned about taking people away from attending other classes, especially if registration is low, not to mention fewer visits to the exhibit hall.

Having the CAUT Forum off-site has been done in the past, and some were great successes. One in particular was the Syracuse University visit at the NYSCON Conference some years ago. Although we were away from the hotel for a half day it did not harm the success of the conference at all. (Registration was good at this event.) I can understand the conference organizer's concerns, and it would be best to follow their wishes so this vital forum can continue to grow and flourish.