Jon asks:
>         So, would more people be interested in attending a single
> separate MPE-only conference? ...

I see value in having the following:

1. utilize the venue chosen for HPW. The assumption is that there are many
MPE'ers that also desire to attend other sessions, hear the keynotes, go to
the party, network with others outside of the MPE community, etc. It may
also be possible that leveraging the work done by Interex gets the MPE'ers
a discount on session rooms, etc. compared to doing it all on our own.

2.  have MPE sessions, SIGs, panels, etc. all physically located near one
another.

3a. have the MPE tract either concentrated into as few of days as possible
(this would be to reduce costs for attendees), or
3b. make the MPE tract single-threaded so that there would never be an
intra-MPE tract conflict. Note, if the current decline in MPE interest
continues a) and b) will simultaneously be possible...

4.  minimize cost to attend if ones only interests are MPE. This might be
possible if Interex is willing to register attendees as MPE-only, which
would give them access only to the MPE tract and the Expo hall. Other
sessions, lunches, etc. would cost extra. This point assumes that there
are more than a few MPE'ers that would be willing to attend (pay air,
hotel, cabs, take time off work, etc.) except the ~$1000 registration fee
prevents them. I do not know if this is a valid assumption.

Just some thoughts...
 Jeff Vance, vCSY