On 8/31/2012 8:14 PM, Joel Wirāmu Pauling wrote:
LCA is a much larger conference, with a bigger operating budget, staff and organisational planning for dates and venues done well in advance of NZNOG by comparison. Suggesting they move their dates is; as I am sure you are aware - comical.
It is equally as likely that NZNOG will shift its date as LCA will. The trustees made it pretty clear at NZNOG 2012 that the date is locked in to provide long term planning and consistency.
Given the relatively small labour pool in NZ ICT/TELCO, there are bound to be individuals who are forced to attend one or the other and would rather not be faced with having to choose.
As an ICT/telco guy I've never once found myself going to LCA (or even thinking about it). I am aware the crossover exists but it is not that significantly sized, and frankly it is up to each individual attendee to determine which conference is the best fit for their individual and corporate needs. NZNOG does not aim to compete with LCA.
Personally I am frustrated, that this has been a known re-occuring conflict for several years now, one which can easily be solved by moving the dates forward or back a week.
Back a week conflicts with summer holidays for many. Forwards brings into question Auckland and Wellington anniversary days, Waitangi day, first day back at school etc, issues - as well as making it harder for international attendees/presenters who may have to juggle other commitments (NANOG, SANOG, ICANN etc). It is not a simple issue whatsoever. All the reasons for the date have been debated for many, many years, and at this point it is really, really old - for me, at least. Nothing will change. Get used to it and pick your conference to attend. aj Not speaking for NZNOG or anyone else.