Does NI still sponsor LUGs and what does sponsorship mean?

[blackburnite]

Question is in subject

[Hooovahh]

I'm also interested in an official response.  But I can give an answer to the second half of your question.  Historically when NI sponsors a LUG, they will talk to the single point of contact from the community, and assign them the moderator of the subforum made to host that user groups content.  Things like announcements, posting of presentations, and coordinating event information.  In the past I've also seen NI hosting these at NI locations when available.  The organizing of the event would all be done by the community, and NI would just be providing a room for people to gather in.  The organizer would also provide food for the event.  Usually sandwiches from a local place.  Then the organizer would be reimbursed for this.  I'm not sure the specifics of this if NI gives them an account, or if they submit receipts later but the point is, when NI sponsors a group they essentially provide food, a subforum, and on occasion a location to gather.

But with many changes internally at NI, and with many user groups still not meeting in person, I'm not sure what NI's involvement actually is.