They weren't late, though? If they wanted people to show up 5-10 minutes early, make the training at 5:50 or 5:55. Don't say 6 and really mean earlier.
Exactly. "Early" is generally understood to mean before the "time in question" -- the time that serves as the frame of reference when an engagement will occur.
Asking participants to arrive early would, at least to me, strike as a caveat to those who might otherwise arrive late -- but not at the "time in question".
On time is on time, which is AT the stated time. Not before, not after.
Asking participants to arrive early would, at least to me, strike as a caveat to those who might otherwise arrive late -- but not at the "time in question".
On time is on time, which is AT the stated time. Not before, not after.