MatesFest Mission: To hold a yearly event for the purpose of bringing Australian Expats in America together in one location, to enjoy each other's company, have fun, and get to know each other in person.

1. The MatesFest committee will base all decisions and organization regarding each MatesFest on the MatesFest Mission.
   
2. The purpose of the MatesFest Committee is to research, plan, organize, develop recommendations, and communicate details of the MatesFest. Recommended accommodation, central meeting venues, and activities will all be focused on getting everyone together. While the MatesFest Committee will recommend travel and accommodation, individuals are responsible for the booking and payment arrangements.
   
3. The location of each MatesFest will be decided on by the Committee.  In order of priority, the following are the criteria used to choose the annual location:
   
   1. First and foremost, the MatesFest Mission will be the ultimate guide for location decisions. The location must be conducive to group accommodation and get-together venues/activities.
   2. A different location will be chosen each year, and a different region of the country.
   3. The location will be amenable to sightseeing and activities.
   4. The location will not be chosen based on where people most want to vacation although the Committee is always open to suggestions.
      
4. The dates for each MatesFest will be decided by the MatesFest Committee. While most MatesFests will be held around the September/October time of year, it may be necessary to change this at times, depending on the location.
   
5. Group activities and venues requiring a pre-payment will be avoided. No member of the MatesFest committee will make any pre-payments on behalf of other attendees. In the case of an activity requiring pre-booking, the Committee will require Mates wishing to participate to pay all fees/costs ahead of time. Any cancellations and deposits are the responsibility of the attendees.
   
6. The MatesFest Committee will communicate the location, dates, recommendations, and suggested activities via Matesupover.com. The location and dates will be communicated as far in advance as possible.
   
7. Once Mates express an intention to attend the MateFest, communication regarding activities, accommodation, and Mates names and contact details, will take place offline – i.e. via email between the Committee and attendees. This is to ensure privacy, while providing Mates with detailed information and enabling attendees to contact each other.