There is actually a pretty simple reason behind this, however, although you’re quite right that it could be avoided through an alternative approach (& I like the one Darren has suggested over at the blog!)

Anyway, being obtuse again ;o), we’re academics (read low salary) and the conference wouldn’t be happening without the underwriting of UTS (who at the moment stand to lose money… gulp) and consequently we have to

a. get peoples institutions to fund them to come an present
b. get peoples institutions to fund them to go
c. put on a conference that meets the ‘rigorous’ standards that UTS expect

In order for people to get funding to go as presenters they need to have their paper blind referred by at least two people to make it eligible for DEST points (these determine a lot of the funding the institutions get)… also in order for people to be supported to just attend they need to be seen to be going to a conference with full DEST credentials.

So, meet UTS standards & to get people along we have to pitch it at this level.

Plus most of our networks are in academia.

(and the CYC is surprisingly affordable, but please don’t tell anyone that either :o)

The one point I do disagree with is your comment about the invited speakers… firstly, c’mon… why did you snip “when it comes to blogs.” off the end of your quote and secondly, I didn’t claim they were inclusive or representative… just that they are some of the most well respected / knowledgeable people in this area.

And also, lets be fair, are you seriously asking for a conference that fits everyone’s needs? In two days?