Given the current length of IOT, (and assuming ISS is still ongoing - it's been a while), then I would suggest 8 weeks for ICSC is too long!
In terms of saving money, I would start by looking at some of the ludicrous agreements we have to stand by at the moment - booking hotels through HRG and buying phones and computers from the 'special catalogue' (costs more, lower spec etc). White fleet vehicle provision is also barking - staffed by people intent on providing vehicles that are almost, but not quite, exactly what we didn't ask for.
We used to have a thing called GEMS but I haven't heard of it in a while.
Rant Off
STH