Hi Andrew,
What sometimes works in Australia (I don't know how this works in other countries) is that sometimes if you can persuade some government body (usually at state level) that there is a benefit to them in the country hosting the international conference, their tourism department may come up with a grant which may cover part or all of the expenses. This was factored into the Brisbane bid for Wikimania
I think this kind of meeting not exactly "international" or big enough to become beneficial for other outside sponsoring party. I say, it's more like Johnson & Johnson regional meeting - instead of global meeting. I also remember somewhere in your email you said personal funding to came to this meeting? Well, err.., I don't know how it worked in other countries but Indonesian are not exactly a "pot luck" kind - let say - just hypothetically - we held it in Hong Kong (I don't care if it is held in Australia, btw, but I assume Visa will be a pain for Indonesian) - and you came with personal funding - and I came with personal funding, I would (guarantee) I dash off to Disneyland the minute I had the chance, even if I have to attend something, my mind probably wonder off to some Chinese restaurant I haven't tried on "that" street. If someone come up to me and say: Yo Siska, pay attention will ya? I would say: Hey, I came with my own money, I'd think I reserve the right to do things.
So just to clear things out, please don't came to the Asian chapter's meeting with your own money. The spirit behind it is: we want you to be there, we want your time, we value your attention, and ideas, we DON'T want your money. Because if this is the case, only the CAN attend, and not the SHOULD.
Personal view though.