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GIS Orlando

12 posts
  1. Jason Baker
    Jason Baker avatar
    12 posts
    12/17/2013 8:12 AM
    Okay, I am in. I just registered, got my classes, booked hotel, and Flights.
    I am staying two nights, arriving Monday midday, leaving Wednesday evening. I have two half day classes on Tuesday and plan on spending a good bit of Wednesday at the show.

    Hotel= $174 plus taxes
    Flight= $309 plus baggage
    Classes=$95 each (2)
    And Show Registration = $375

    Forget Flights and Hotels. It is costing $565 for two half day classes and a day at the show.

    I have not yet looked at the "Justification Packet" but it had better have some magic in it to convince my BOD that it is money well spent.

    So I am out $1048 plus hotel taxes and baggage fees before I even leave my house.
    My wife and I spent 5 days in a suite on the beach in October, spending money like we had it, and our final bill including travel was only a couple of dollars more than this.

    Does anyone else think this is ridiculous? Am I missing something?



  2. Steven Huffstutler
    Steven Huffstutler avatar
    11 posts
    12/17/2013 9:12 AM
    Get your education on line and take your wife on vacation, man.

    Regards,

    Steve



  3. David Brandenburg
    David Brandenburg avatar
    3 posts
    12/17/2013 9:12 AM
    Jason,

    In my opinion your visit is too short and you are leaving the opportunity for some great "included" education unused. Those free sessions provide a great educational opportunity.

    Another full day or two would add to the hotel bill but give you a lot more for the flight and registration cost.



  4. Melvin Waldron
    Melvin Waldron avatar
    43 posts
    12/17/2013 9:12 AM
    Jason,

    I have submitted a request that will cost me about $1,174 all depending on the flight when it is booked. Have already booked my room since I can cancel with no penalty, it is for 6 nights $281. My request includes $25 per day for meals, $30 for shuttles, ect. The big difference is not taking any seminars, just attending all the free education along with the trade show. I will say, in the past while attending some seminars, I have learned some things that allowed be to save a significant amount of money and certainly paid for the trip. Other events, I've learned things that maybe saved money but not at the rate to pay for the trip.

    The registration at $375 at four days comes out to $93.75 per day, which is not bad. I just went to a regional show that was $85 for the day, and another in our area is $190 for two days, that's $95 per day (both provide lunches). I know if I attend and the city pays for it, our biggest cost is mileage which is somewhere between $180 and $220 depending on location.

    Mel

    Melvin H. Waldron III, CGCS, Horton Smith Golf Course, City of Springfield/Greene County MO

  5. Sandy Clark
    Sandy Clark avatar
    0 posts
    12/17/2013 11:12 AM
    Got the deal of a lifetime by booking my flights a couple of months ago. Total round trip with one stop each way, San Diego to Orlando and back was $280 plus change. I have downsized this year and rather than stay at the headquarter hotel, it is an $87 per night charge and I am .2 miles from the convention center, perfect walking distance. Work covers registration and classes but i cover the rest. Skipping the golf tournament this year to reduce the length of stay and plus I have played very little golf over the past couple of years and quite honestly, Orlando bores me. How many times have I been there? Can't even remember!



  6. Jason Baker
    Jason Baker avatar
    12 posts
    12/17/2013 12:12 PM
    Granted the cost for the show would be easier to swallow if I was able to stay longer, but I still think the combination of Show cost, plus Seminar costs are high.!
    I feel that my travel expenses ($87 a night and $310 flight) are reasonable. But we are still talking a lot of money especially for small course budgets or individuals.
    If it were not for my club reimbursing me there would be NO WAY that I could afford that. And I promise it will be hard to justify to my BOD so I keep that perk next year.



  7. Joe Wachter
    Joe Wachter avatar
    5 posts
    12/17/2013 2:12 PM
    Jason,

    Over the 22 years I've attended, I've paid for some of the trips completely, split the costs on some and have had the total trip paid for by the organization. Cut out the education classes, attend all the free sessions instead. Pay for the hotel yourself and charge the club the air flight and registration. Your are paying a portion and the club is paying the rest. The investment that the club has made for you to go on this trip could be recovered in one conversation or discussion with a peer or vendor on the trade show floor.



  8. Andy Jorgensen
    Andy Jorgensen avatar
    1 posts
    12/17/2013 2:12 PM
    If we end up getting together and enjoying a few brews like we did last time you were in Orlando for the show, our discussion would be worth it's weight in gold and significantly help you justify spending the money on the trip.

    In all seriousness.....I had to book a cheap hotel down I-drive from the convention center because I waited too long to book the cheaper one close by. Still at $89/night and about a 9 block walk for the three of us, we're talking some cash when you add in the $375 show registration. Because of this, we are partaking in the free education available and only doing one two-hour seminar on Thursday for $60. So in other words....we're out $1,839 just for the show and hotel. Tack on the fuel to drive from Ocala ($100) and $30/day for our meals, and were up to $2,299, or $191/day per person.



  9. Peter Grass
    Peter Grass avatar
    0 posts
    12/18/2013 9:12 AM
    Jason,

    I appreciate that you are wanting to further your education through seminars and hopefully find equipment and products that will help at your facility by attending the GCSAA Educational Conference and GIS. That is to be commended, especially from those facilities that are smaller budgets.

    When I read your situation, I thought of something that may save you some $$ if it is what your attendance goal is. There is a trade show only registration for $225 and since your seminars are seperate registration costs your Tuesday is already covered and with a trade show "pass" for Wednesday, it would be a net savings of $150 vs paying the $375 "full pack" registration.

    This morning I confirmed with Sheri Koehler, Senior Director of Education that my information is true and if you have already registered at the $375 Full Pack rate, you would be able to get the difference refunded to you. As a Director, in theory I hate to take $$ out of our pocket but in practical application, making sure that our members get the best value and experience from our programs is the VERY MOST IMPORTANT thing.

    Please contact Sheri directly if you need any help in making any changes if that scenario works for you. The GCSAA toll free number is 800-472-7878.

    Peter Grass
    Hilands Golf Club
    Billings, MT
    GCSAA Director
    406-855-6440



  10. Wahlin Scott B
    Wahlin Scott B avatar
    12/18/2013 11:12 AM
    I think I am going to Celebrating Certification on 2/5 and hang around the common areas to see folks. Getting certified was a huge financial deal in my career and I still know a lot of people. I'll be happy to buy a beer for anyone who would like to meet.



  11. Canedo Alberto J
    Canedo Alberto J avatar
    12/18/2013 11:12 AM
    You can also check with the GCSAA to see if you have used your free Trade Show attendance you get when you signed up to become a GCSAA member. I used mine last year. That is a $375.00 savings, if they are still doing that.



  12. Peter Grass
    Peter Grass avatar
    0 posts
    12/18/2013 4:12 PM
    Yes Alberto,

    Any new member gets a complimentary Conference/GIS "Full Pack" registration (current value of $375) to use at anytime they first attend. It can be "banked" until they are able to go. It is not only a trade show pass but includes the whole 4 days events, seminars are extra.

    Peter Grass
    GCSAA Director
    Hilands Golf Club
    Billings, MT
    406-855-6440



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