Salvete!



> But please don't expect the conference itself to select the venue and
> complete conference package based on the sole requirement to keep room
> rates down.

    I never suggested any such thing. I kindly suggested that someone might wish to see if the hotel would come down on its price. I stated the fact that for that market during those dates, its cost is above its competitors. One of my colleagues noted that government rates for that locality are substantially lower, too.
    As someone that has organised, or had a role in putting together many conferences, I well realise that room rates are not the only factor. I understand the dynamics in play in terms of meeting room space, proximity to attractions, et cetera.
    However, I felt that it would be a good idea to act when I perceived that we were getting a raw deal. There's enough warning here that it would allow for a change for everyone's benefit. Many times I've been able to secure a better rate for my organisation simply by bringing in data and asking for a better deal than the boilerplate.

> 
> There were many ALA conferences when I did not stay in any conference
> hotel. And when you look at the hotel prices for the conference I'm at
> right now (ALA Annual in Chicago[1]) you might well have a heart
> attack, as they are almost all higher -- and often WAY higher -- than
> the Code4Lib 2014 price. This doesn't necessarily make it right, but


    Chicago is not Raleigh. I would expect to pay more in a major metropolis than in the Southeast University market. Further, ALA's continued to mystify me in the conference department, too. We are terrible negotiators.

Cheers,
Brooke