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Search FAQ Submit Questions DUG Home Datatel.com View Flash Intro
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DUG 2003 |
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Frequently Asked Questions: On behalf of the Datatel Users’ Group Governing Board, we want to thank you for your participation in our organization. We are working to improve communications to our members about DUG and the Annual DUG Conference and have prepared the following information in response to comments received from conference attendees at last year’s conference. The Conference Planning Committee takes time to review all the conference evaluations. Of the 1,886 individuals who attended the 2002 conference, 896 took time to complete a conference evaluation form. In reviewing these evaluations, several themes emerged. Of course we realize we have responses from only forty percent of the attendees, but we believe the issues raised are worthy of a response. We hope our responses will give you more information about the Conference and help you make appropriate plans for your attendance.  1. How is the conference registration fee set?
The conference registration fee covers not only the costs of the conference, but the annual operating costs of the User Group itself. DUG does not charge any membership dues so we must rely on the conference to provide funds for the various activities of DUG such as travel for client advisory teams, mailings, and Governing Board meetings. Datatel does not 'subsidize' the annual conference, but they do provide a great deal of support with staffing and contribution of the keynote speaker fee and other special programs. All other conference costs, from printing to mailings to technical support to meals and snacks must be covered by the registration fee. In comparison to other national higher education related conferences, DUG conference fees are comparable (keeping in mind that for most of these national organizations, there is a sizeable membership fee in addition to the conference fee). As an example, EDUCAUSE registration fees vary from $465 for members to $735 for non-members... The League of Innovation Technology Conference charges registration fees that vary from $350 for members to $525 for non-members with no lunches or breakfasts offered to their attendees. There are many hidden costs associated with a national conference. Association or non-profit organizations such as EDUCAUSE receive generous corporate subsidies and sponsorships. They also collect substantial membership fees to offset their operational expenses. We are pleased to report that our registration fees remain very competitive with other organizations, even though DUG does not receive the same level of corporate subsidies or sponsorships and we currently do not require membership fees. Datatel and the DUG Board are occasionally able to negotiate with vendors to sponsor an event like the "Be True To Your School Party" or the evaluations we collect on the conference but these can not always be guaranteed. The DUG Conference budget is designed to ensure our ability to successfully pay for the conference and to provide a realistic cash position for the DUG organization to remain operational. We continue to monitor conference costs in relation to the services and amenities provided and value your continued feedback.  2. Do presenters and DUG Board Members pay conference registration fees?3. Why is the conference always in Washington, DC?4. Why did we not have enough hotel rooms for the conference?5. Meeting Room Temperature...6. What is a SIG?7. First time at the conference?8. What is a roundtable?9. The Final Agenda has incorrect information. Why?10. How can I tell what session I should attend?11. Session Handouts12. What should I do if I have dietary needs?
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