Monday 3 February 2025

1. Sponsors Update

• We attended the industry advisory board meeting.
• Rockstar, Amazon, Google, Huawei were all there.
• Potential to reach out to a few of them for sponsorship.

2. HackTheBurgh Update

• HTB has reached over 210 applicants.
• The number is expected to increase closer to the deadline.

3. InfBall Update

• Plans are set to release tickets and location this week.
• No committee discount this year, but early access.
• Staff have been invited separately.
• No initial release for final year, however there are plenty of tickets so it is not a problem.
• 339 tickets sold in less than a week, making it the biggest in CompSoc history.
• Breakdown: 49/130 ceilidh-only tickets sold, 46/100 ceilidh and dinner tickets sold.
• Zero fees on ePay, saving £600.
• Significant spike in views following poster release and Instagram promotion.
• STMU announcement did not significantly increase sales.
• 240 advance tickets sold immediately; could have sold 46 at £95.
• Total revenue of £23,000.
• £95 tickets are refundable until March 1st.
• 1/5 of ticket buyers came from Instagram, mostly accessed via mobile.
• Ideas for a charity raffle are being considered.

4. Events & Socials

• CompSoc x Hoppers Date Night on Wednesday.
  • Games with chocolates, matching-style games.
• Idea for a "What is Research?" workshop by a lecturer.
• Another pub quiz.
• Board games event during Flexible Learning Week.

5. ICHack Recap

• Cat spoke to Marshall Wace; outcome was not positive.
• Many first-years unable to participate, opting to volunteer instead.
• Alumni help with organization and are paid.
• ICHack treats sponsors very well; however, Marshall Wace felt they were not treated well in the past by us.
• Lots of merchandise; sponsors are featured in a booklet.
• ICHack is well-received and considered a strong event.

6. Leonardo Aerospace/Engineering Talk

• Leonardo (defense company) interested in giving a talk on building rockets and related topics.
• Potential workshop on the process.
• Kacper is against the idea.
• Concerns raised due to past controversy—Hoppers’ event with Palantir was raided.
• Financial sponsorship is a key factor.
• Direct collaboration with ESA might be preferable.
• Stan suggests focusing on public perception.
• CompSoc has only worked with defense companies in the past for SIGINT (BAE).