APRICOT AP* Retreat APRICOT 2003 Taipei, February 2003

History 1996 Singapore 1997 Hong Kong 1998 Manila 1999 Singapore 2000 Seoul 2001 Kuala Lumpur 2002 Bangkok 2003 Taipei

History Attendance of first APRICOT was 280 Representing 18 countries Attendance of APRICOT 2002 was 645 Representing 30 countries Best ever was APRICOT 2001 with 888

Motivation Regional Internet Operations Conference for the AP region A place where operators can meet, share, discuss Helping reducing the “digital divide” Educational forum through tutorials and, more recently, workshops Technology forum through conference track and demonstration area

Operation Executive Committee oversees the function of the conference Voluntary participation by the stakeholders in the Internet industry in the AsiaPacific region Subset of Executive Committee makes the conference happen Working with local organiser

Current Activities APRICOT conference has merged with APIA APIA provides the underlying legal structure APRICOT continues being the conference Aim is stability and continuity Legal entity Continuity – a subset of the Exco participants currently keep “the knowledge” on year to year basis

Future APRICOT is a SUCCESS! Highly sought after event Each year sees several bidders for the next conference event Aim is to have a high quality conference with workshops and tutorials 1000 attendees Developing and developed economy focus Education Fairness, equality, open to all

Future Development Executive Committee separates into two functions: Steering/Advisory/Executive Committee Organisational Committee Secretariat Performs previous APIA functions Provides continuity, liaison, and support of annual conference

Future Development Open invitation to the APstar participants to join the Advisory Committee for APRICOT Contribution of time, advice, and support most welcome and appreciated Open invitation to the APstar participants to join the organising Committee Those prepared to roll up sleeves and join in the fun Both roles entirely voluntary

And Next? What else should APRICOT be doing? Is the current model sufficient? What else should the existing supporters of APRICOT do to encourage greater participation amongst the Internet leaders in the AP region?