How much did it cost you to go to....

[softball]

this last convention? Yeah I know it was "off the freeking hook", but what was the damage for a couple of days of living like a rock star?

[Toby]

I don't party like a rock star or drink like a fish, but the grand sum total I spent for conference registration, hotel, airfare and food/drinks was just under $850.

[Hell Puppy]

Originally Posted by rhetorical

this last convention? Yeah I know it was "off the freeking hook", but what was the damage for a couple of days of living like a rock star?

This was a show that I suspect most people did on the cheap. I saw lots of people who drove in. There was cheap food readily available.

I'm gonna guess I'm on the high side as I opted to fly in, rent a luxury car, try everything on the menu at Berns, and I was mostly buying my own drinks and the occasional round for others. Off the top of my head, let's see, I likely dropped $1600 or so.

Still a very cheap show. Doesn't take a lot of deals or time to pay for that. I came away with one idea that I'm very confident willmake me that much first month I use it. And although I typically get my own inspirations as well, this is one I wouldn't have thought of without a weekend of talking to and observing others in the business.

[LAJ]

I assume you guys are talking about Cybernet... and i'm thrilled to hear these numbers. Part of the allure that I try putting into the show is that it won't break the bank and you'll get your ROI without necessarily slumming it.

My costs come from the Cybernet expo budget to attend... but I was there 5 days, partied quite hard and I figure airfare, expenses, room, etc. was under $1200.

[softball]

Originally Posted by LAJ

I assume you guys are talking about Cybernet... and i'm thrilled to hear these numbers. Part of the allure that I try putting into the show is that it won't break the bank and you'll get your ROI without necessarily slumming it.

My costs come from the Cybernet expo budget to attend... but I was there 5 days, partied quite hard and I figure airfare, expenses, room, etc. was under $1200.

Let me get this straight. Five nights...hotel gotta be 150 which is 750. I have no idea what the ticket price is, but lets say 300 and that is 950. Hmmmm that leaves 250 for five days. Damn was everyone buying drinks for you?

[Jace]

Originally Posted by rhetorical

Let me get this straight. Five nights...hotel gotta be 150 which is 750. I have no idea what the ticket price is, but lets say 300 and that is 950. Hmmmm that leaves 250 for five days. Damn was everyone buying drinks for you?

the last few conventions I have been to had open bars all weekend and LOTS of food for free

I am booking internext florida right now and am already up to $1600, and that is just on flight, hotel and badges....I still have to get tshirts made, which will be another $300-400

[softball]

Originally Posted by Jace

the last few conventions I have been to had open bars all weekend and LOTS of food for free

I am booking internext florida right now and am already up to $1600, and that is just on flight, hotel and badges....I still have to get tshirts made, which will be another $300-400

Now that seems more in the ball park. There are two of us and for the price of an internext, I can be in Asia for six weeks and party my face off. For me that is hands down no lo contendre.

[gonzo]

Originally Posted by rhetorical

Let me get this straight. Five nights...hotel gotta be 150 which is 750. I have no idea what the ticket price is, but lets say 300 and that is 950. Hmmmm that leaves 250 for five days. Damn was everyone buying drinks for you?

He had a damn velvet mug that said Hilton VIP.
It was always full!
The Hilton was buying his booze!

[gonzo]

I likely spent about 1600 bucks too.

Not counting the Millionaires Travel Mugs...which BTW were the coolest thing in the swag bag.

Its a little different for me than most. I can make a deal with a webmaster or a program either way and pay for my time.

We didnt party like Rockstars or anything. Unless you call buying a few dozen donuts rocking.

We did however chose to have a couple of pricey meals. It was rough there was no one there to claim they had to pay for mine.

And we chose to drink goosedrivers as opposed to the free beer and wine if you could find a drink ticket.

Food in the hotel was $10 on the buffet. There was a mall across the street and an IHOP 2 miles to the left and fast food a couple of blocks over.

This wasnt an expensive show unless you chose for it to be.
It was a little R&R for me while doing some business.

Ive walked away with 2 advertising clients one of which has already been invoiced. So Ive made my money several times off that one deal.

You guys need to get out more.

[Jace]

Originally Posted by rhetorical

Now that seems more in the ball park. There are two of us and for the price of an internext, I can be in Asia for six weeks and party my face off. For me that is hands down no lo contendre.

there are two of us too, forgot to mention that

the difference is that every new client I land for one new company puts $4000-6000 DIRECTLY in my pocket, and clients WILL be easy to land with this

I spend at least 3-4 months out of every year traveling and vacationing, it is always nice when I can mix vacations WITH business...we plan on doing it much more often in 2007

[gonzo]

Jace I know you are bucking to get added to Bromasters.

[Hell Puppy]

Yeah, I should clarify a few things on my numbers... I was only there 3 nights, and it's a cheap flight from Atlanta. Most of what I spent was on food and drink. And as GonZo said, I *choose* to spend more than I have to on those.

There was very affordable food offered at the convention, looked decent, but with great restaurants nearby, you know a true FFN aint eating hotel food. And yes, there were drink tickets to be had, but I like top shelf....again, my choice.

Now Miami Internext, I'd likely spend $3K. The hotel is a Westin and pricey. Registration fee's are higher. And there's no cheap food to be had anywhere nearby.

[LAJ]

Your math is good rhetorical! And Gonzo mostly filled in the blanks.

For starters I'm not a good example as I'm the show organizer... but here's the breakdown...

5 hotel nights = $750
registration = free
Flight = $300
out of pocket for food / beverage / incidentals = def. less than $150

Fortunately my booze was sponsored by someone at every turn... food too. It's good to be the king (of cybernet). Strippers was my only real out of pocket expense and we won't go there.

[softball]

Very useful thread. It is always interesting when folks post numbers. I think that is good business intel for everyone.

[Jace]

Originally Posted by gonzo

Jace I know you are bucking to get added to Bromasters.

been on there twice already

[Sharpie]

Originally Posted by rhetorical

Let me get this straight. Five nights...hotel gotta be 150 which is 750. I have no idea what the ticket price is, but lets say 300 and that is 950. Hmmmm that leaves 250 for five days. Damn was everyone buying drinks for you?

The registration price was not close to $300. It was $109 if you registered early - $159 until cutoff time and $180 at the door.

We try to keep registration price affordable, consider your budget when booking a hotel with decent rates, and try to make sure that you have affordable convenient lunches. I make sure you have places to network in a social but business environment.

I care about your ROI - if I keep those basic prices in line, I don't have to worry about anyone having a successful show. If you can't make back the basic expenses in attending - you are doing something wrong!

There is a lot of competition for shows nowdays. Our focus has always been trying to provide an affordable level playing ground for all the companies. Education and networking the main focus. That is not going to change. Maybe, that is why after 10 yrs we are still here:-)

[gonzo]

Originally Posted by Sharpie

The registration price was not close to $300. It was $109 if you registered early - $159 until cutoff time and $180 at the door.

We try to keep registration price affordable, consider your budget when booking a hotel with decent rates, and try to make sure that you have affordable convenient lunches. I make sure you have places to network in a social but business environment.

I care about your ROI - if I keep those basic prices in line, I don't have to worry about anyone having a successful show. If you can't make back the basic expenses in attending - you are doing something wrong!

There is a lot of competition for shows nowdays. Our focus has always been trying to provide an affordable level playing ground for all the companies. Education and networking the main focus. That is not going to change. Maybe, that is why after 10 yrs we are still here:-)

It was nicely done too.
The location was great. Not too pricey and there were plenty of options for those that wanted to stay or eat offsite.

The hotel staff was great.