Every so often, the idea of enlisting a professional convention manager vs. continuing to use COPA volunteers resurfaces. And, I thought that I’d create a separate thread so the conversation doesn’t (continue to) hijack our general thread regarding CPPP planning and execution. I’m about to leave for a day of flying - dropping off N857CD for maintenance and then giving a Flight Review and an IPC will keep me from the keyboard for awhile.
The folks in the aforementioned thread had good points IMO. And, both point and counterpoint have been discussed previously on this forum. Unfortunately, our “corporate memory” is sometimes short, and I readily admit that I’m still challenged by our forum’s search function. However, even I found lengthy conversations on the topic. [:D]
Lest anyone think we are ignoring them and are overly content with the status quo, I initiated a conversation with a professional convention manager back in Dec. 2015. (And, the conversation continues…) The individual I spoke with has been doing this sort of work for many years … and quite successfully. On the other hand, our COPA team also has an outstanding track record … and thanks to the volunteer nature of the current approach is about $30K cheaper in terms of management cost! Our typical registration is less than 400 members or so (with 40% being spouses). (That doesn’t include exhibitors or speakers.) It’s easy to do the math.
One of many financial considerations is that the major registration cost driver has nothing to do with renting facilities, equipment, or on-site transportation. It’s food. Meals are always expensive. Even “sumptuous munchies” at COPA Cabana (with a cash bar) is over $100/person. Think about the fact that we usually include three group meals as part of our 3-day venue, and you begin to see a baseline for the per person cost.
I’m sorry to cut this short, but I need to head for the airport! So, I’ll close with the simple statement that making Migration less expensive while maintaining (or increasing) the quality of the attendees’ experience isn’t nearly as simple as “let’s hire someone who’s a professional”. I’m not saying that such an approach won’t work. It’s just that the decision has more facets than have been discussed on this forum.
Blue skies,
Craig