09 Convention $$$

[Joel F.]

Re: 09 Convention $$$

I'm a little surprised about the amount of complaining going on here. It is 2009, costs for everything go up every year, Corvettes get more expensive, restorations get more expensive, hotels, dining, car rentals, plane tickets all get more expensive each year.

If I am traveling from the mid-west to California for this event, the cost of registration is a pittance compared to the rest of the costs. And are the other costs (travel, board, meals, etc.) for attending a convention in San Jose that much different than they will be in NC next year? Maybe 10 or 15% but that is the price you pay for hosting ANYTHING in a decent part of CA.

This is a national organization and we have an obligation to our members to host national events in each region on a rolling basis. Would you prefer the event to be in a cheaper but less desireable part of CA? I bet it would be dirt cheap if we held this in Amboy, CA but no one would want to attend.

One of the great things about this convention is the opportunity to get our wives and families excited to attend. San Jose is great city in and of itself, but is also reasonably close to Palo Alto, Monterey, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, and other great areas. In my opinion, national events are about a lot more than the cars, so the actual location becomes pretty important.

Sorry for the soap box rant.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 09 Convention $$$

I'm a little surprised about the amount of complaining going on here. It is 2009, costs for everything go up every year, Corvettes get more expensive, restorations get more expensive, hotels, dining, car rentals, plane tickets all get more expensive each year.

If I am traveling from the mid-west to California for this event, the cost of registration is a pittance compared to the rest of the costs. And are the other costs (travel, board, meals, etc.) for attending a convention in San Jose that much different than they will be in NC next year? Maybe 10 or 15% but that is the price you pay for hosting ANYTHING in a decent part of CA.

This is a national organization and we have an obligation to our members to host national events in each region on a rolling basis. Would you prefer the event to be in a cheaper but less desireable part of CA? I bet it would be dirt cheap if we held this in Amboy, CA but no one would want to attend.

One of the great things about this convention is the opportunity to get our wives and families excited to attend. San Jose is great city in and of itself, but is also reasonably close to Palo Alto, Monterey, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, and other great areas. In my opinion, national events are about a lot more than the cars, so the actual location becomes pretty important.

Sorry for the soap box rant.

Joel,

I agree with you completely.

However, even as a family physician my business is slowing down due to the recession and my bills are not. Because of this as well as the significant cost of attending this event in California (among a few other small reasons), I have recently decided not to attend. I added up the cost of attending a convention in SanDiego last September (work paid for it) and decided that I could not afford a similar cost to attend a meet for my hobby. Taking my 72 to the NCRS display at Carlisle was very expensive as well, and I'm having to rein in all spending. I suspect that it's the same for others.

Having run the recent Regional in Novi, MI I am all too well aware of the costs of these events.

I wish all those who attend the best of times.

Patrick

[Joel F.]

Re: 09 Convention $$$

Thanks Patrick,

I would just like to clarify that I was not trying to disparage anyone who makes the decision not to attend the convention for whatever reason, but rather was trying to direct my comments at those who are second guessing decisions on location that were probably made well before the economy imploded.

Joel

[Patrick H.]

Re: 09 Convention $$$

Thanks Patrick,

I would just like to clarify that I was not trying to disparage anyone who makes the decision not to attend the convention for whatever reason, but rather was trying to direct my comments at those who are second guessing decisions on location that were probably made well before the economy imploded.

Joel

I understand fully.
And, it was my intent to attend - until I added up the cost vs. what "spare" I'll have available this year.

2011 in Novi, anyone?

Sigh.

Patrick

[Erik S.]

Re: 09 Convention $$$

my biggest concern is the 12 hour flight with a stop over and the 9 hour time difference to beat - the wife (and my 2 year old son) think this is too much so considering to do it quick and dirty (in and out myself for 3 days or so).

Erik

[Erv M.]

Re: 09 Convention $$$

I have never been to a National event so I can not comment on the value versus bucks spent. I can tell you that many people are excluded from attending, unless in their neighborhood because of cost. Each increase in cost will result in fewer people attending, it is just math and being realistic.

I am realistic that venues and programs cost dollars, there is no way around that. I am also aware of the cost of living in Northern California as I lived in Pleasanton for 5 years. This is a nice location and everyone in attendance will have great memories of the area.


We need to be cognizant of the fact that not everyone has vacation time or the money to travel, attend or go on the marvelous side trips provide by the vicinty of the show.

Yes corvettes are expensive however how many of us could afford their current cars if you purchased them at todays market price?

I guess within lies the mystery not the solution. I support this origanization as I am a relative new member compared to most. The most important issue is we continue to grow. As the opposite to growth is the ugly "D" word.

Hope all enjoy their trip to San Jose