Thursday, February 12, 2009
Post-Mortem On IFGE Conference
Posted by Vanessa Edwards Foster at 11:22 PM

http://transpolitical.blogspot.com/2009/02/post-mortem-on-ifge-conference.html

The IFGE Conference (www.ifge.org) was both an interesting and fun event this year. It was good to see some old faces, and also connect with some of my Facebook friends I hadn't had chance to meet in the flesh. It was informative, though the presentations didn't seem to draw many people this year. They screened a movie (unique touch) and did a grassroots organizing series as well (an important first). But due to the economy, attendance was down about 50% per reports (which makes me wonder about all our events). Not knowing the final numbers, they still pulled in around 150, maybe as many as 200 (since those not attending meals or presentations couldn't be assessed.)

However, the last blog I posted on their board elects seemed to generate quite a buzz and overshadowed the event.

"If you're not controversial, you're not doing your job" — Clinton FCC chairman, Reed Hundt

For the record, my most recent blog wasn't a post blasting IFGE – nor inviting such blasts from others. Other than my sudden shock at the announcement, monitoring this situation there would be in order, as I fear a repeat of the Southern Comfort Conference (SCC) debacle in 2007. This was intended to be more a bowshot to HRC to keep their greedy mitts out of our comparatively impoverished community's events.