I just sent an email questioning conference sponsorship. I do think that it
is an important discussion but understand that the organisers most likely
find themselves between a rock and a hard place. The discussion about
sponsorship is just that, about sponsorship. From my end anyway, it's not
personal criticism of the organisers of the conference- it's really not
their sole responsibility, they are just the most exposed and I don't have a
solution. I just wanted to say Jan and the other conference organisers for
ICLA 2003 that I personally appreciate your work on organising this. It is
going to be a great conference and everyone, I can back what Jan has said
about the venue being fantastic and you should see the preconference venue!!
A zoo on the harbour!
Karleen Gribble
Australia

"Several years ago when ILCA agreed to hold their 2003 Conference in Sydney,
Australia, I offered to help, and exhibits and sponsorship are my
responsibility..   this post is my personal commentary.

There are very few venues  in Australia that can cater for up to 1000
delegates, unlike the US. The venue chosen is on Darling Harbour, adjacent
to Sydney Harbour and the Opera House, which are international landmarks. It
is a fantastic environment for delegates. Your support will be vital - your
attendance, your abstracts and your
presenting, your ideas for sponsors, speakers, exhibitors, program details..
ILCA is in dire financial straits and cannot afford to have poor attendance.
Focusing on 2 exhibitors detracts from the rest as has been said, but it may
also deter future attendees (and ILCA membership etc). That would be sad,
although as I read through some of the posts, I wondered whether 'no
conferences' might remove the $ risk, and the annual tirade.. is that a
desirable outcome?

The focus has to be on the value of the educational content, the networking
and the bringing together. The criticism about commercialism and Code
violators is important feedback for the Board, but at the same time offer
ideas on other exhibitors or sponsors, or introduce others to ILCA, to JHL,
or bring someone else to the Conference, or just make a donation of money or
time to the bf movement. (and there are Code monitoring organisations who'd
like assistance, so good data can be published on Code violators)

The Sydney Conference has one major difference to the North American based
ones - we do not have a  local professional conference organiser, just a
tiny committee of volunteers arranging the program and the exhibitors etc.
Those committee members are very familiar with the WHO Code, and the wide
range of reactions to exhibitors and sponsors (most, if not all, are on
Lactnet).

Cheers
Jan Cornfoot
Brisbane, Australia."

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