BOFs

Birds of a Feather meetings (BOFs) are informal meetings that are convened for a variety of purposes such as exchanging information and discussing new ideas or particular issues. They can be proposed and convened at short notice and there is no formal requirement for submission of papers or posting to mailing lists (however, the results of BOFs are reported to the Member Meeting session of each APNIC Meeting).

BOFs serve as a means to conduct ad hoc and informal meetings, and also as a useful means to gauge interest in a particular topic or idea before the establishment of a new SIG.

BOFs are also an important part of the process of forming a new Special Interest Group (SIG). When a new SIG has been recommended, a preliminary BOF should be held to determine interest in the proposed subject area, the readiness of individuals to volunteer as chair, and to develop a charter. A new SIG cannot be created unless a BOF has been held.