A training conference will show off its budget makeover when about 370 information technology staff from across UC gather on campus June 16-17.

Information and Educational Technology has combined its biennial symposium on computing and network security with its rotation for hosting the annual UC Computing Services Conference — and reduced expenses in more ways than one.

Bob Ono, security coordinator for IET and co-chair of the conference, said organizers were mindful of pressures on training and travel budgets and determined to make the conference affordable.

What was a $70,000 conference at UC Santa Barbara last year was reduced to $45,000, Ono said. For the first time, organizers invited and received corporate financial sponsorships, totaling $12,000. The UC Office of the President also contributed $5,000, and registration fees cover the balance of expenses.

Finally, organizers expanded the conference from one and a half days to two full days; cut registration fees to $115 from about $230, among other budget-minded measures.

The conference has sold out.