Message from AKKA WKC 2004 Chairperson and Convention Committee

Date: September 12, 2004

Dear Kannadigas,

The AKKA WKC 2004 meeting held in Orlando during Labor Day weekend was a success despite the hurricane Frances, who visited at the most inopportune time. The organizing committee agonized over the decision whether to proceed or to cancel the meeting when it became apparent that the hurricane was going to pass over Orlando. Knowing that the path taken by a hurricane is very unpredictable, we weighed many pros and cons and finally came to the decision to go ahead with the convention. Here are some reasons that influenced our decision:

• Many attendees had already come to Orlando on Thursday and many more were to arrive on Friday morning. Moreover the entire delegation from India - the dignitaries as well as numerous artists - was already settled in the resort in Orlando. Too much had already been invested, for which there could not be any refunds if the meeting was to be canceled (fixed investments like food supply, airfare, production costs, decoration etc.)

• The resort officials assured us that it was one of the safest places to be in a hurricane, built specifically to the most recent codes to withstand major categories of hurricanes. However, we contacted everyone by phone and email and apprised them of the situation in Orlando, so that everyone could make an informed decision of their own. Many changed their flights to Tampa and transportation was arranged to Orlando. We are fully aware that the premature closure of Orlando airport at noon on Friday caused some to change their plans. However, we are confident that there were no safety issues that were ignored.

• To postpone such a complex meeting to another time would not be possible as the resort was not available for a future date. The financial losses also would be too heavy a burden to bear. No amount of insurance could compensate for the ‘human investment’ that had already been made for the meeting.

About 1500 people participated in the three day event and gala. Those who attended felt very safe in Orlando and all were of the opinion that it was a very successful convention. The quality of the programming was superb, catering to all appetites, and the food was abundant and sumptuous.

We are well aware that many people who could not attend are concerned about the registration fees. We plead for your understanding as this event was unique because we were caught in the cross winds of a storm and many who had intended to attend were denied that opportunity by the fury of Mother Nature.

AKKA is a not for profit organization. The cost to the attendees of this biennial event is kept low only because it is heavily subsidized by donations collected from the largesse of Kannadigas. This year, as before, many generous Kannadigas came forward with donations.

We pledge that we will make a good faith effort to return at least part of the registration fees to those who could not attend, after the final tally of our accounts are completed.