Okay, I have narrowed things down. Can most of you attend the weekend of the 14th? My speaker can do both that weekend AND the weekend of the 21st. Problem with the 21st is that Lou can't make it on the 21st, and I really want Lou to be there. I'm not even sure he can make it on the 14th though.
The speaker ain't gonna be cheap for me, so I may have to charge more this year than last year, but trust me on this one, once you find out who it is, you will DEFINITELY want to attend. To keep the quality at the level which everyone has come to expect, I must limit the number of attendees to 30. To make enough to buy his airfare, hotel, meals, fee, and the giftbags that I am so fond of of providing, I will have to charge $249 (no taxes this year). That doesn't even really include anything for my end, but I don't do this to make money. I just want to provide a quality experience to all my brothers in here, and do the impossible, which is to top last year. I am worried that will put some of our younger regulars out of their budget range.
I'll need at least 24 people to commit to attending to make the final arrangements on this speaker. We spoke today, and he got me really pumped up about what we are going to learn. (No guys, its not the Renegade, sorry). Once I nail this date down, he will probably announce himself in here and get some ideas from all of you about things you want to learn at the retreat.
I am definitely in. Just one question, what does the $249 cover? Not worried about finances, because I can take out a loan from the parents, but I just need to have an idea on what expenses are.
Thanks,
Nick
__________________
Quoth David Banner: "Like a pimp"
It's not a beer belly. It's a gas tank for a sax machine.
JP the 14th is good for me. I thought Lou wasn't able to make the 14th because that was his book deadline, but was possibly able to make ther 21st?
Either way, I'm good and the $s sound OK. JP, if you need any help with planning and stuff, I've bothered you enough so I'll be willing to make some calls, do some legwork. Just let me know.
Nick,
It doesn't cover your transportation, hotel or meals. Just the event itself. I do give a nice little gift bag to attendees, but honestly most of this will go to paying for the speaker. As long as I don't go in the hole, I don't really care about making money. I do want to make sure that my speaker gets paid though, and that everyone has the best time EVER!
No problem. Is there any hotels you recommend that would be close to the festivities. I.E. Cheap, Nice, and where people have stayed before? Two nights? Friday and Saturday?
__________________
Quoth David Banner: "Like a pimp"
It's not a beer belly. It's a gas tank for a sax machine.
I usually arrange a really reduced rate at the hotel adjacent to my office building at $59 per room. People can room together if they want to save $$, and the hotel will even reserve you a half a room and pair you up with someone from the retreat that either you choose or they randomly select. Also, many people last year found people in their area coming and simply carpooled. You can save some money in those areas.
Seriously who is the speaker, because $250 is pretty steep for me considering I have to fly out there as well. You can PM if you dont want to announce it.
__________________
"The strongest steel goes through the hottest fires."-Anonymous
"When you begin to believe nothing is heavy, all weights become light." -Rossbow
"Just remember, somewhere there is a little Chinese girl warming up with your max."-Jim Convroy
"It's a round hole, dammit. Everyone fits."--Anonymous Mod at Strengthmill
the 14th works for me, but i wasn't expecting the 150% increase in admission fee. i'll have to see what the airfare looks like before i commit. Little Rock is just a bit too far from MA for a road trip.
Originally posted by DKing: Crap, forgot to ask, having this new speaker, does that mean that Bill will not be around this year?
Danny
Unfortunately, my schedule doesn't look like it will allow me to be there. It was such a great experience last year and it would be great to see all you guys and to see how fat Danny has gotten I just don't think I can swing it.
Last time I talked with JP, he informed me of who would be featured this year. I'd sign up quickly if I were you 'cause I think you'll be thrilled with who he's getting for you guys.
Also keep in mind that JP throws a terrific event no matter who he has speaking and busts his ass for you guys, not only to provide you with a quality forum online, to make sure everyone leaves the retreat with a ton of useful information and some goodies.
If you are still talking May 14th, I don't know yet. We always try to take a vacation with the kids after the end of school and before the beginning of the summer semester or other summer activities. Our finals are May 3-10 here; I assume they aren't any later where the kids are...?
Our son will be finishing his master's this semester so there may be graduation to work around. Until I get more things nailed down on my end, I won't know if that will work for me, at least. We're working on it but, if the slots fill before I know anything, c'est la vie!
quote:Originally posted by DKing: Crap, forgot to ask, having this new speaker, does that mean that Bill will not be around this year?
Danny
Unfortunately, my schedule doesn't look like it will allow me to be there. It was such a great experience last year and it would be great to see all you guys and to see how fat Danny has gotten I just don't think I can swing it.
Last time I talked with JP, he informed me of who would be featured this year. I'd sign up quickly if I were you 'cause I think you'll be thrilled with who he's getting for you guys.
Also keep in mind that JP throws a terrific event no matter who he has speaking and busts his ass for you guys, not only to provide you with a quality forum online, to make sure everyone leaves the retreat with a ton of useful information and some goodies.
Bill [/quote]Damn...I was really looking forward to meeting you Bill! Maybe next year? I'm really sorry to hear you can't make it.
Dude Bill is just jealous because I will be looking all swole and getting all the ladies again!
I just looked at my finals schedule and that is my first weekend of summer, so we are all okay there. Now I just have to make sure I have the $ and I am for sure in.
Danny
__________________
Limitations are for people who have them.
I just don't think I can swing it.
Linear Mode
