I thought, when I posted, I knew what I was saying...now I'm not so sure, cj.
I believe what I'm saying is an event can charge what the market will bear. Period.
The previous price was 150., I believe...and, quite frankly, I don't remember seeing too many non industry people there....I would think, if they charge 250, there would be even less..
What I was saying, also...is that any event should take care when they raise their rates by more than a little...whether it's a good idea remains to be seen...but, Aly said it best when she said it would be a PR nightmare.
Personally, Florida is not my favourite show...even though the networking can be incredible when you take over an entire hotel....that lobby alone is priceless..sell booth space and table space in the lobby and that would be worth something....prime real estate...
Then again, I tried to get a banner at the Grand Luxe at one of the tables near the edge..where the wrought iron was..it was the place to see and be seen....great marketing, but they said no....
There is a point at which people will weigh the costs, no matter how many bells and whistles are added....and, depending on who the target audience is..for these events....well, I guess that determines the cost.
I personally believe that $250. is too high to get into a show. And, let's say my husband were not part of the industry. To bring him and have to pay for a ticket, when he would not partake of anything other than the heavenly bed..well...
There are plenty of opportunities to have private, high end meetings amongst program owners and those with a higher income.....Island Gathering comes to mind....
But, Internext..? It's supposed to be a trade show, yes?
The price of admission to a trade show should be in accordance with what is being offered. And, what am I being offered at a trade show..? The ability to stay in a hotel....for which I get a discount, which is nice...I get to see all of the new programs and toys and products, etc...and I get to network......and the price of admission....should reflect that. I don't see where it does.
I may pay for it or not....and many people may bitch about it; but, the bottom line is this. If this is a show which will benefit your bottom line, then I suppose it doesn't matter what is charged.