CDDW has not been covering its costs. Fees had not changed for a number of years, while venue, audiovisual, and catering costs have risen substantially. Under the previous fee structure the meeting was projected to run at a loss at every realistic level of attendance. The Board has set 2027 fees at a level that reflects the actual cost of the meeting.

A phased increase would have left the meeting running at a loss for several more years. The Board chose to correct the fee structure once, and to explain why.

Approximately 38% of CDDW registrations have been complimentary, well above what is typical for comparable meetings. The cost of those registrations has been carried by the members who pay. Beginning in 2027, speakers and moderators who are CAG members register as attendees, as is the practice at most major meetings. This spreads the cost of the meeting fairly among everyone who takes part.

Invited speakers from outside the Association.

Yes. The trainee early bird rate is $175 and the regular rate is $250. The trainee rate remains about one-third of the member rate.

The Association is facing a significant decline in revenue this year, and the Board is acting early to ensure that CDDW does not have to be subsidized from reserves. The Board will present the Association's financial statements in full at the Annual General Meeting in February 2027 (date tba).

The Board and the Implementation Committee have reviewed the CDDW budget line by line and reduced costs wherever this could be done without compromising the program. The same discipline is being applied across the Association's operations. The Board will report on these measures at the AGM in February 2027 (date tba).

Registration fees are reviewed by the Board every year as part of the meeting budget. The Board's intent is that fees continue to reflect the cost of the meeting rather than fall behind it.