ICANN 72: Organization Considers Return to In-Person Meeting Format in Seattle

After a hiatus of two years, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is considering a return to in-person attendance for its upcoming ICANN 72 meeting. This highly anticipated event is scheduled to take place in Seattle, Washington, from October 23-28. This move marks a significant step towards re-establishing face-to-face interactions within the global internet governance community.

Seattle, Washington skyline - A potential location for ICANN 72 in-person meeting. — ICANN is evaluating the feasibility of hosting an in-person component for ICANN 72 in Seattle this October, marking a pivotal return to face-to-face engagement.

ICANN is carefully evaluating the prospect of reintroducing an in-person element to its meetings, with ICANN 72 being the potential starting point. If approved, this would be the first ICANN meeting to feature physical attendance since ICANN 66, which was held in Montreal back in November 2019. The global pandemic necessitated a shift to virtual meetings, and now ICANN is exploring a safe and effective way to reintegrate in-person collaboration.

To gauge the community’s sentiment and gather valuable feedback, ICANN conducted a survey among past meeting attendees. The survey aimed to assess interest in a hybrid meeting model, which would combine in-person and online participation options. This approach leverages ICANN’s existing experience with online meeting platforms, as the organization has successfully offered online participation options for many years, ensuring global accessibility and inclusivity.

Hybrid Model Considerations: Prioritizing Safety and Inclusivity

The proposed hybrid model involves careful consideration of various factors to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants. ICANN is exploring a range of preventative measures, including:

Vaccine Requirements: Requiring attendees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to participate in the in-person component of the meeting. This measure aims to minimize the risk of transmission and create a safer environment for all.
Mask Mandates: Implementing a mask mandate within the meeting venue to further reduce the spread of respiratory droplets. This simple yet effective measure provides an additional layer of protection.
Pre-Travel COVID-19 Testing: Requiring attendees to undergo COVID-19 testing prior to traveling to Seattle. This helps to identify and prevent the entry of infected individuals into the meeting.
Onsite Rapid Testing: Providing onsite rapid testing facilities to allow for immediate detection and isolation of any potential cases that may arise during the meeting.
Advanced Registration for Sessions: Implementing an advanced registration system for specific sessions to manage attendance numbers and ensure adequate physical distancing within meeting rooms.

In addition to these safety measures, ICANN is also considering the possibility of limiting in-person attendance to members of specific committees. This approach would allow for prioritized participation from individuals whose contributions are deemed essential for face-to-face collaboration and decision-making. However, ICANN is actively seeking community feedback on this proposal to ensure fairness and inclusivity.

Community Input and Board Decision

ICANN recognizes the importance of community input in shaping the future of its meetings. The organization is committed to engaging with stakeholders and soliciting feedback on all proposed changes. The survey results and community discussions will play a crucial role in informing the Board’s decision regarding the ICANN 72 meeting format.

The ICANN Board is scheduled to make a final determination about the ICANN 72 meeting in July. This decision will be based on a comprehensive assessment of the current public health situation, community feedback, and the feasibility of implementing the proposed safety measures. The Board’s priority is to ensure that ICANN 72 is both productive and safe for all participants.

The Importance of In-Person Collaboration

While virtual meetings have proven to be a valuable tool for maintaining continuity during the pandemic, ICANN recognizes the unique benefits of in-person collaboration. Face-to-face interactions facilitate deeper engagement, foster stronger relationships, and promote more effective problem-solving. The potential return to an in-person format for ICANN 72 reflects the organization’s commitment to maximizing the effectiveness of its meetings and fostering a vibrant and collaborative community.

The decision to potentially return to an in-person format underscores the value ICANN places on the spontaneous discussions, informal networking, and relationship-building that are often best facilitated through face-to-face interactions. These elements are crucial for advancing the complex issues of internet governance and ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered.

Looking Ahead: The Future of ICANN Meetings

The ICANN 72 meeting will serve as a valuable test case for the future of ICANN meetings. The organization will carefully monitor the outcomes of the hybrid model and use the lessons learned to inform its approach to future events. ICANN is committed to adapting and evolving its meeting formats to meet the changing needs of the community and the global landscape.

Whether ICANN 72 proceeds with an in-person component or remains fully virtual, the organization is dedicated to providing a platform for meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and decision-making. ICANN’s mission is to ensure the stable and secure operation of the internet’s unique identifier systems, and its meetings play a vital role in achieving that goal.

The coming months will be crucial as ICANN continues to assess the situation and gather feedback from the community. The decision regarding ICANN 72 will have a significant impact on the organization and its stakeholders, and ICANN is committed to making a decision that is in the best interests of the global internet community.

Stay tuned for further updates and announcements regarding ICANN 72. The ICANN website and official communication channels will provide the latest information as it becomes available.

The possible return to Seattle signifies more than just a physical gathering; it embodies the resilience and adaptability of the ICANN community. As the organization navigates the complexities of the modern world, the commitment to inclusive participation and robust decision-making remains paramount.

The future of ICANN meetings, whether hybrid or fully virtual, will undoubtedly be shaped by the lessons learned from the past two years. By prioritizing safety, inclusivity, and effective collaboration, ICANN aims to create a meeting environment that fosters innovation and progress in the ever-evolving landscape of internet governance.

The potential return to in-person meetings also highlights the importance of Seattle as a key hub for technology and innovation. Choosing Seattle as the location for this pivotal event underscores the city’s significance in the global internet ecosystem.

ICANN’s commitment to a collaborative and inclusive approach ensures that all stakeholders have a voice in shaping the future of the internet. The ICANN 72 meeting, regardless of its format, will serve as a crucial platform for addressing the challenges and opportunities facing the global internet community.