Just a couple of quick notes given the postings in this thread.
1) If there is a group considering putting forward a proposal for TDIFest 2011, please contact me directly for some additional guidance. We have a living document with some time lines, requirements etc that can be a big help with the planning/proposal stage. I hope to get some more updates to this document after some wrap up discussions with the 2010 organizers to keep the flow of information flowing forward. With technology it is possible to have members on the fest at remote locations (and as noted this has been done in the past), but there needs to be a few local people on the committee as well. There are some items and logistics that require local contacts that just can't be done remotely.
2) Vendors on the TDIFest committee. Due to the potential of perceived bias or preferential treatment by one product vendor over another along with their national/international exposure, we unfortunately have to restrict them from being part of the core TDIFest planning committee. Guru's (and other 'vendors' on the forums of a regional nature, where there would be no conflict of interest) are welcome to be on an organizing committee. I just ask that this is noted in the proposal along with an short explanation how their work would not be in any potential conflict. If in doubt, please email me as noted in item 1 above. That said if vendors have comments, suggestions, etc for improving a fest or contacts that may be of assistance in the planning process, please feel free to let us know.
3) Meetings. While face-to-face meetings are always best, it is not always possible on a regular basis and therefore I am happy to cover the teleconferencing costs to enable the planners to work more effectively. There are other options such as Go-to-meeting that I've investigated before but in the end the feedback I've gotten is it needs to be simple. Can't get much simpler than calling a toll free number on your phone which allows people to connect when they not in front of a computer or if their technical skills aren't on the cutting edge. If there are cheaper alternatives that meet those requirements I'm all ears.
4) We have a steering committee that is helping to pass on information and help guide the planning committees and help us improve TDIFest each year, so you won't be alone to plan it. Also I highly recommend that at least one or two people on the committee have attended a fest before. It makes it much easier to understand what happens.
Hope this helps to potential planner out there and I look forward to seeing the proposals.
Thanks for everyone's efforts.
Fred
ENLARGE 
