[bc-gnso] two topics: thanking Gary and organization of the ICANN meetings

[Marilyn Cade <marilynscade@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I join others in thanking Gary Hills for his contribution to the BC and the 
ICANN community over the last 9 years. WOW, Gary, I didn't realize it was 
already nine years! Many many thanks. I have always regretted that we were not 
bringing you, as our secretariat to more of the face to face meetings, and 
appreciate that you changed your other business commitments many times to 
participate with us when possible ' in person'. 
Second topic: I would like to propose that we discuss a major change in how the 
meetings at ICANN are organized. Consider it a "food for thought" proposal, 
that means: let's discuss it, as one option, taking into consideration the 
changes that are upcoming as we merge into the CSG, and also have to have 
productive interactions with the other non contracted house. 
We could start with a constituency meeting on Sunday afternoon/the day before 
ICANN starts; hold the present Cross Constituency meeting, but spend the 
afternoon Tuesday in meetings and dialogue with other constituencies or the At 
Large; ensure that all are available to attend the full meeting of the Bd/GAC 
as it is now open. I think that many of our members don't actually feel that we 
are devoting enough time to working through positions. Face to face meetings 
are challenging for us, because we need to have our meetings ahead of time by 
phone and develop the basis for positions then. 
We will need to factor into our thinking that we will have to have the meeting 
of the two non contracted parties on site, as well, and that may eat up some of 
the Tuesday p.m. time. 
It might be an excellent idea to invite the three newly appointed non 
commercial reps into a small get acquainted setting, as well.