I would say it's a job for a clever IPPU rep, to get in writing that if the MS does not confirm the venue in time, they will take care of any expenses incurred by the teams from lack of information
BTW - is it just me, or has the MS sucked at informing us all this year? - I am yet to see the SPL rules in writing BTW
Nick
Well what can you do really, when neither of the MS people reply the emails you (I !) send them?