Hi Kevin, sorry to hear of your troubles. I wanted to say that I appreciate your commitment in coming to XTech, it’s a long way from home for you for sure. I appreciate the same commitment from all the speakers.
I think it’s probably a fair criticism that organizers get caught up in marshalling hundreds of speakers around and don’t always remember that there are people and families behind the email addresses. We do try to keep the information flow strong, so it’s regrettable when that breaks down.
Please email me personally if you’d like to rearrange or withdraw from your XTech commitment: as chair I plan for these eventualities, as people often have good reasons for not being able to come. As a new father I understand the frustration of being away from home too.
— Edd