We would like to provide more updates on our planning around Coronavirus (COVID-19). This update is based on the current state of affairs. We will provide more updates as the situation changes.
Conference registration levels are continuing at the expected rates as previous two netdev conferences.
As mentioned in past communication, here's what we are using for guidance on our decisions:
1) There are two *larger* conferences that are happening in Vancouver at the same time frame and neighborhood as us. We are in particular paying attention and communicating with our friends at the IETF drawing guidance from them. IETF has a much larger staff than us and we are grateful and lucky that we can draw on their resources to guide us. IETF is reporting that their registration is continuing per expectation.
2) We are also constantly monitoring the guidelines provided by World Health Organisation (https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019) and Public Health Agency of Canada (https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavi...) neither of these organization are recommending cancelling meetings at this point. https://apps.who.int/iris/rest/bitstreams/1269109/retrieve
For Netdev conf 0x14, we are going to implement the following guidelines which we draw from what the IETF 107 is putting in place:
1. Measures to prevent transmission by surface contact:
a) We will provide all in-person participants with hand sanitizer and surface wipes free of charge. Surface wipes will be available in multiple rooms for cleaning any shared equipment or surfaces, such as microphones and door handles.
b) We are going to ask that you do not feel obliged to shake hands with anyone and also do not feel offended if anyone declines to do so.
2. Measures for anyone who feels unwell to prevent them spreading infection:
a) We are setting aside a room as an isolation room supplied with masks and a thermometer for anyone who feels ill during the meeting.
b) We are making arrangements with a local clinic so that we can call a doctor to attend to anyone in self-imposed isolation to minimise their travel through communal areas.
3. Guidelines for travellers who are from highly affected areas where travel is government restricted. Currently, as per WHO, some parts of China fall under this class.
If you are planning to register or have registered, and arriving from China (or have passed through the China recently) please contact us first we will like to discuss with you remote participation as an alternative.
4. Guidelines for attendees affected by corporate travel restrictions:
We are looking at setting up satellite location(s). A satellite location makes sense when we have a good number of attendees willing to participate. If you think you fit in this setup, please contact us.
We are investigating logistics of good video conferencing facilities that will work well with the conference AV setup.
5. (As previously advised) Changes to our cancellation policy:
a) Anyone who is unable to attend due to government imposed travel restrictions will be eligible for a full refund.
b) We will continue with the normal policy of providing a full refund to anyone who is unable to travel due to visa issues.
c) We will not be offering full refunds in the event of someone being unable to travel due to corporate restrictions - the cancellation fee will still apply. Full details of our registration policy for Netdev 0x14 are available on our website. https://netdevconf.info/0x14/registration.html
cheers, jamal