Re: Toronto COMMON.....costs and value -- MIDRANGE-L

   Don,

       Now you know that is NOT the policy and/or mind set of the board (nor
   staff).  The $100 Conference facility fee was implemented as a way of
   sharing some of the costs associated with all the class rooms that COMMON
   requires to host the many simultaneous sessions and labs.  Not to mention
   the other rooms for logistics that are required whether we use a
   conference hotel or a conversion center.

       We would still rather you stay at a COMMON housing location, as the
   $100 doesn't even cover the actual loss that we can be exposed to if we do
   not meet the minimums for hotel nights at each of the conference hotels.
    As for San Antonio, the rate mix was great and COMMON was able to meet
   its "pickup" nights at each of the hotels, due to people staying in the
   conference housing.  So there were no attrition charges for not meeting
   our minimums.

       Now, I will be the first one to complain when we don't have the right
   mix of hotels. San Antonio was a great example of the right mix.  I
   believe that COMMON needs to provide hotel rates (or housing as its
   referred to)  at MANY different price points so that our members can make
   the choice as to where they stay and that choice keeps them within their
   budget.  

       When you first look at the rates for Toronto, you might say
   Holy-you-know what.  But, they are in Canadian Dollars, so you have to
   discount them.  Currently one US Dollar equals 1.37 Canadian Dollars
   (Loonies).   So the Hotels in US Dollars are $160 (HQ), $170, $150, and
   $140 in the order on the list.  We are in the middle of a major city, and
   these are hotels that are one and two blocks away from the convention
   center.  So if you take that in account, that is not too bad.  I still
   think there needs to be a hotel in the $115 range, and I would like to see
   staff find something cheaper for those who are on tight budgets.  

       Don't forget these are early bird discount rates, so you want to be
   proactive and book before Aug 10th to save.  

       I know that we use about 25 to 27 room nights when we attend COMMON
   from OS Solutions, so it is important for us to get a good rate as well.
    While we always think about the costs that are associated with attending
   COMMON, we also realize the value that comes from the conference.  We get
   so much more value both as exhibitors and as attendees, that we don't
   concentrate so much on the costs.  When you realize the value that you
   get, the payback or the return on your investment in yourself, in your
   future, what your company gets out of it, you realize its a great deal.
    Even if your a consultant, you increase your knowledge, and after all
   isn't that what your client is paying you for, your skills and knowledge.
    As a member of COMMON's board of directors I might have a slight bias,
   but tell me where else on this planet you can get the same level of
   knowledge, great speakers, networking, expo, and labs anywhere else?
   Anywhere?

       COMMON is the best investment in yourself, and you owe it to yourself
   to get yourself to one of the next 3 conferences in Toronto (Fall 03),
   Chicago (Spring 04), or Orlando (Fall 04) so that your skills are upto
   date, timely, and most importantly you learn some of the cool new stuff so
   you are more marketable.   If you work for someone make it one of your
   goals to get your boss to see the value of your attendance.  If you need
   help, we have an excellent Executive Director, Lynne Schwartz, who will be
   more then happy to help you and your boss get you to COMMON.  Give her a
   call at 1-800-777-6734 and ask her to help you get to the next conference.

       Pete Massiello

     

   Don wrote:

 Rick,

 I will be paying the $100 really annoying nuicance tax.  And since the
 current policy as stated by both staff and board is "we don't care where
 you stay if we get our $100"...it's not a issue with me.

 That answer your question? :)



 On Tue, 25 May 2004 rick.baird@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:

  

 Don,

 Are you staying at the common designated hotel or did you find
 better/cheaper accomidations?

 Rick

 -----original message-----------
 Well folks, I just got my plane tickets and hotel reservations.  See you
 folks at CUDs!

 Don in DC



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