Iâm sure that this would not be seen as an issue for the time spend (also during working hours) in order to sponsor some of the time. Not all Chairs or co-chairs work for a multi-national telco/network/hosting company. I know (co-)chairs that are director for their own company / self-employed or even un-employed.
I have to agree with Erik on this one, quite a few of the WG chairs (and lots more RIPE meeting regulars) do not have the backing from a large company. But the chairs might feel a moral obligation to visit every single RIPE meeting, and a little financial support might certainly help. I do think it might be wise to have an option for the chairs to request waiving of fees on a per-meeting basis so those who do work for the big institutions don't stress the RIPE budget too much. Paul. (speaking on my own behalf as a RIPE community member without corporate backing)