MIT Quantum Computing Conference, Toga Party

An anonymous reader writes: "MIT is hosting a LARGE quantum computing conference on July 22-26, 2002. Should be a lot of fun. Most of the famous scientists in the field will be there. However, I and others are a bit horrified by the high (some might say elitist) entrance fee ($325) which practically precludes students from participating. Too bad there isn't an open-conference advocacy."

high entrance fee

[OpenMind(tm)]

I don't know, this seems in line or lower than many confs I've been to. Many of them, however, have provided substantial student discounts. My best advice is, if you are involved in the field actively, you can probably get your home department to underwrite the entrance fee, particularly if you're willing to road trip there.

Re:high entrance fee

[xyzzy]

In fact, it's dirt cheap. I'm attending two conferences over the next two weeks that are $600 and $500. But it's worth asking about a student discount. The fees may seem high, but the conference has to pay for things like the hotel meeting areas, services, food, etc -- it doesn't just pay for itself. The only way around that is to get a big corporation to sponsor the conference.

Heh

[Arminius]

There better be Guinness in those kegs for that kind of money!

But seriously, what exactly are they using that money for? I could not find anything on the website. Hope it is worthwhile.

The reason they have such 'high' fees

[Mordant]

is to keep out lame-o Slashdotters who once tried to read _Goedel, Escher, Bach_ and now think they've come up with a Unified Theory of Life, the Universe, and Everything which revolves around royalty-free music downloads and mad WarCraft skillz.

Re:The reason they have such 'high' fees

[chris_mahan]

and let's not forget those who believe all can be easily solved in Counterstrike with an AWP and a Desert Eagle

Expensive???

[p7]

A 5 day conference with breakfast and lunch at $325 is expensive??? If you really have any reason to be going, you should be able to find someone to sponsor your attendance.

Don't you mean 250 dollars

[bstrahm]

Before the late fee the cost was 250 dollars, for a five day conference that includes food for 50 bucks a day...

I don't know what you think is a fair price but this is definately in the ball park. I really hate people that whine about "oh this conference is so expensive". Well there are a lot of expenses, getting speaker fees paid, renting the space, covering insurance, food, something nice for the volunteers... This stuff all takes money, why begrudge them the ability to break even...