| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 05/06/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 4 |
| Copyright: Other |
Failure of on-line registration generates timetabling chaos
A NEW registration system for delegates to sign up for meetings at the Australian Tourism Exchange caused havoc on the first day when many found they had been left off the schedule.The on-line registration system was designed to make it easier for organisers to timetable meetings between the 700 buyers and 1,500 sellers.
But many delegates who had used the Internet service to indicate who they wanted to meet, arrived in Sydney for ATE with no meetings planned.
Twenty members of staff from the organisers Australian Tourist Commission had to work throughout the night to reschedule appointments.
ATC managing director John Morse said: “The system was introduced so it would be easier for the 50,000 or so meetings to be organised and to make the process more convenient for delegates. However, we had some teething problems.
“Some of the delegates who indicated preferences were lost in the system.
“We had staff working throughout the night to fix the problems and most delegates were happy.
“In hindsight, we were a little ambitious this year.”
Morse: admits the system was a little ambitious