Your help is needed with our conference bid

Your input is requested on the following items regarding our bid to hold the IEEE Global Humanitarian Conference 2013 in Honolulu, HI.

Issues

1.       We need to specify a venue and a date in the October- November, 2013 time frame.  Perhaps October 20-23, 2013

Discussion: Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday mornings might cause conflicts with Islamic, Jewish and Christian religious practices.  Critically, we need a date when venue we choose is available.

Possible venues:

a.       The Sheraton/Royal Hawaiian Hotel

b.      The Hyatt

c.        The Hilton Hawaiian Village

d.      The Convention Center

e.        UH-Manoa (Ballroom, auditorium in the Art Building, etc.)

Discussion: We need a venue with that has or is nearby facilities that supports at least 300 people for lunch and at least 460 people for a banquet.  Does this rule out any of the above?  Since this is during the school term, does this rule out UH-Manoa?

2.       We need to specify at least one person to serve on the Organizing Committee.  Is anyone willing to serve as Vice Chair/local arrangements or have suggestions as to who this should be?

3.       We need five people to serve on the technical committee.  Is anyone willing to serve in one of the following positions or have suggestion who we might approach to serve:

a.       Student Paper Chair

b.       Registration Chair

c.       Finance and Audit Chair

d.      Tutorials Chair

e.       Exhibitors Chair

4.       We need specify what corporations are possible sponsors.  Can anyone contact their employer or other companies to find a point of contact for seeking such support?

5.       Is anyone a member of ASME or EWB or know members they can approach? These organizations are key supporters of the conference.

6.       Can anyone check to see if there are government programs that could aid in putting on the conference here in Hawaii?

7.       We need sponsors who will provide volunteers to help run the conference. Help welcoming attendees, giving directions to event, help in registration, help manning the doors, technical help with laptops, projectors, for presentations, etc.

8.       Is our section offering financial resources to support this conference?

9.       Can anyone invite possible sponsors to our EXCOM Meeting on Wednesday next week?