It was suggested in the feedback forms from a previous conference (by several people!) that as your company may be paying for you to come to GIS Update, that they would expect to pay a reasonable conference fee, and that the 'standard' rate was ridiculously low, in fact so low, your employer might think you are not telling the truth!
Thus to help keep costs down for everyone who has to pay out of their own pocket, especially the current students, we have instituted a higher level of registration fee for those who don't have to pay for it themselves. If even two or three people pay the corporate rate that makes a big difference to the viability of the conference. Any 'profit' we make this year will be re-invested to keep prices down next year.
You shouldn't have to ask your employer if you can charge the higher rate, its so cheap that you should just choose that rate and you'll get an appropriate receipt to let you claim it back.
If you are coming along to represent your company and are intending to use GIS Update as the first stage towards recruiting 'new talent' you are particularly strongly encouraged to choose the corporate rate. Its only fair for your company to give something back!
Do I have to pay it?
I'm representing my company / looking to employ graduates?
What happens if my company is poor?
What's the benefit?