[ASA] [ASA2024] Early-bird registration reminder + info on fees/costs

[Hotan, Aidan (S&A, Kensington WA)]

Hi all,

As the timeline for early-bird registration at the 2024 ASA Annual Science Meeting draws near, the National Organising Committee would like to provide a bit more information on the cost structure of the event and the motivation for being online-first.

One of the key goals for this year's event is to demonstrate that the astronomy community can communicate effectively online and that doing so more frequently of our own volition has a wide range of advantages in terms of accessibility, inclusivity and environmental impact.

By adopting an online-first + local hub day model and avoiding the requirement for roughly 200 astronomers to travel long distances, the ASM will remove the need to emit around 130 tonnes of CO2e. In a year beset by the consequences of climate change, this seems like an especially worthwhile outcome. It comes with an associated cost saving of over $270,000 AUD in flights, accommodation and travel expenses. Even more importantly, an online ASM remains accessible to people for whom travel is not convenient or feasible.

We've all been to online meetings that proved unsatisfactory, but the NOC believes that a well-planned and innovative online meeting can be a rewarding experience that extends well beyond a video call. Conducting an online meeting successfully requires effort in planning, preparation and support. Online doesn't have to be expensive, but reaching its full potential does require some investment.

This is why we are charging a significantly-reduced but non-zero registration fee this year. The largest component of this cost is dedicated to enabling widespread access to the meeting, as described in our recent call for technology and access grant applications. Smaller costs include the digital platform for abstract management, software licences, graphics design and digital assets and offsetting the very small carbon cost associated with our online activity.

This year's ASM is an experiment that we hope leads to a more sustainable future. We encourage everyone to approach the event with this spirit of experimentation in mind and join us as we learn more about the possibilities of online collaboration.

You can find out more and register here:
https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/U05KCE8wmrt1n01PwtNXBGE?domain=icrar.org

Best regards,
Aidan Hotan
On behalf of the ASA2024 NOC


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