Maureen notes:

<<  despite
 the measures we go to to make learners comfortable, including comfortable
 seating, tasty refreshments and adequate climate control.  Are some of our
 learners that attend conferences just spoiled?  Next think you know, we'll
 be rubbing their feet! : D >>

There are some who will complain anyway....

Speaking as a conference planner:

One item to keep in mind, which I have forgotten on (blush) more than one
occasion:  If your conference happens to be scheduled for a Friday during
Lent, it is better if you serve a non-meat entree.  Be sure you have some
extra vegetarian dishes for those who forgot to indicate they want vegetarian,
and it would be nice if the hotel kitchen knew that vegetarian doesn't mean 3
lettuce leaves and a dollop of mayo.  Yes, that's happened too....

Speaking as a speaker:

It is LOVELY to be picked up at the airport vis a vis having to find a shuttle
to take me to the hotel, though I'm pretty good at getting where I need to go.
Occasionally I've been given a lovely fruit type basket in the hotel, and that
has been the height of luxury (except, of course, for the enormous jar of
Vegemite that my Australian friends left on my bed when I was in Australia.
Now THAT was an unexpected treat!!  Mmmmm).  Receiving the honorarium on the
day of the conference rather than "it will be mailed" is also very nice.

Jan B...