Used to work there. Has been undergoing a lot of restructuring and reorganisation lately - research institutes don't seem to have quite the prestige (and certainly not the funding) that they used to. Having said that, from what I hear they still take their students seriously. Good if you want to do a PhD but want to be away from the 'student life' of a university.

Just come across this, being launched in the autumn.

http://www.isiwebofknowledge.com/endnoteweb/

Might be worth bearing in mind for people who are starting PhDs and looking at different reference softwares.

Thanks everyone. You're all making sense. and thanks for good wishes too!
Really frustrating as I've done the hard work - got paper accepted, prepared everything, got department to agree to me going. And this is my 'one international conference'. And chance to catch up with mates from other unis.
But deep down know that going like I feel at the mo wouldnt be a good idea.
Will leave it till morning in case of overnight miracle, then get in touch with organisers as suggested.
thanks again for the advice, hard to think straight when you're feeling rubbish.

Lined up to go to a conference (abroad) tomorrow. Presentation prepared, everything booked. And I'm not feeling well...
Don't know whether to go on the basis I might be better, or withdraw on basis I might get worse. Have been in hospital with this a couple of times this year already, so thought of being on my own abroad if it gets worse is not nice.
Anybody any experience? how is my supervisor likely to react if I don't go? Or the conf. organisers? Will I get a 'black mark' for future events? Or am I just being a wimp, and should go and hope it's ok.