[registrars] Washington Meeting Update

["Michael D. Palage" <michael@palage.com>]

Hello All:

Here is where we stand with regard to the scheduled registrar/registry joint
meeting in DC for next month.

The United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is holding a two day public
workshop to combat cross-boarder on February 19th and 20th (Wed and Thu).
Please see the following URL for a link to this event
http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2002/12/crossborder.htm. I would personally recommend
registrars to attend this event as this public/private sector workshop as on
the 19th, representatives from the credit card industry will be in
attendance to discuss credit fraud. As I have previously discussed with the
list, credit card charge backs are a serious business concern in this
industry. Registrar issues involving Whois and related issues will be the
subject of a panel discussing during the second day of the workshop.

I have confirmed with most of the major registries that they will be
attending the joint meeting on Friday during which there will be a
discussion/workshop on Whois, transfers and IDNs. I believe that face to
face meetings and an exchange of ideas is critical to address these issues
both now and into the future.

What I now need from registrars is confirmation on who will be attending
these events FTC and Registrar/Registry Joint Meeting. I need this
information so that I can select the appropriate meeting facility on Friday.
I have bids from two hotels in DC that will provide a block of rooms and
accommodations. Based upon the number of attendees I may be able to get a
better room rate. Therefore, please let me know ASAP if you will be
attending and if you have reserved a room yet.

Thanks,

Mike