Thanks for all your work Tom, and this update. Though this accommodation situation is another thing I would identify as already being a point of concern. One of the criticisms of this year was that attendees' accommodation was scattered across different places, meaning that social potential was compromised. Of course, it was still liveable with :-) - but just to point out that it would probably be a "perceived weakness" of the bid. If there is any way of accommodating people all together, and as near to the venue as possible, that would be best. These practical questions are the things most likely to swing a bid IMHO, more than partnerships with prestigious organisations (even though these are of course *great*).

Cormac