Eponine,
There isn't much any of us can do about the changing world economy. Flights, hotels and expenses just keep rising along with the price for basic foods and we are powerless to make any effect on these things.
It appears that the only answer is to find better ways to raise funds for thalassemics and the organizations that sponsor these important conferences. One source of funding that remains poorly tapped is the Mideast countries that have enormous oil revenues. We talked about this with Dr Michael Sadelain at the Dubai conference as he was in the early stages of raising funds for a gene therapy cure for thalassemia. He was hoping to raise some money from the sheiks in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. As far as I know, these efforts have been mostly futile. Even though thalassemia is a major health issue in these countries, little money from these very wealthy people is being directed towards research. A sheik feels fine about spending $300 million on a private jet, but try getting $3 million for research. It's a shame and it is no longer just the West with the misplaced priorities.
We need to find ways to tap into these great amounts of wealth and get some directed towards our very important goals. Any and all ideas are welcome.