Like some fledgling nonprofit organizations, SURF learned “on the job.” Finding a willing host with a free venue, organizing logistics, and developing technically interesting two-day meetings twice or three times a year was no small feat. Occasionally, a logistical item would slip between the cracks…as it did at a meeting in early 2010. Attendees used SURF’s meeting satisfaction survey to voice their disappointment: “Refreshments during breaks would have been nice” and “Coffee and water should be provided.” For the next meeting at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA, meeting host Rick Wice (Former SURF At-Large Trustee) and two others traveled to Costco the night before the meeting to gather food and drinks. The response from attendees was overwhelmingly positive…well, almost.

• “Loved the snacks – thanks.”
• “Snacks were appreciated.”
• “Enjoyed the refreshments.”
• “Bagels – good! Cut up fruit – not good.”
• “Would have liked water option.” *

* When asked why water was not provided, organizers responded through their lawyer (haha): “Individual water bottles were not provided; instead, attendees were encouraged to fill their personal reusable water bottles with tap water.”