next conference

[Linda Condon]

Hi Kim,
  My name is Linda Condon and I am new to the executive council of ASGPP.  I've been asked  by the council to look at tracking some of the trends that are important for future planning of the conferences.  I wonder if you would be willing to be on my committee to help do this.  I've also asked Dale Buchanan to help out.  I'm hoping that we can make a list of the trends we'd like to track, see what information is available at this point, and decide what we feel are the most important priorities to currently work on.  So, anyhow, let me know if you'd be willing to work with me on it.  It would be great service to ASGPP if you would.  Wishing you well.  
  Linda Condon 

Kim Cox <kimbo.cox at gmail.com> wrote:
  I'd like to add my two cents' worth in the discussion of the conferences -

First, from the role of "young" psychodrama trainee, I have thoroughly enjoyed all 3 conferences I've attended (Miami, SF, and NY). I have learned so much and especially appreciate my psychodrama family. As far as costs go, making the arrangement to do volunteer work in exchange for being able to register at the "student" rate has helped me greatly, as my budget is tight. I was able to stay at a friend's place in SF, which helped with lodging expense, but this year the costs went up with having to stay at the hotel. I consider the expense worth it, especially with what I receive in return, but it is something that I have to re-evaluate each year. 

Second, from the role of Executive Assistant for a non-profit family therapy organization (American Family Therapy Academy, www.afta.org), I've had 10 years of experience with working with the Administrative Director and our Meeting Consultant on our June conference, which takes place in a different city every year. Compared to the ASGPP, AFTA has higher membership dues ($269 this year for "full" membership), and they go up each year dependent upon the Consumer Price Index. AFTA counts on the dues for its major income, not the conferences. We are hopeful each year that we will have a break-even conference, and it's an added bonus if we happen to make a little money! The registration fee this year is $360 (early fee), which includes one awards/party ticket (one area where I think ASGPP could reduce costs). AFTA also goes to the nice hotels. There have been discussions about going to a university or other conference center, but there are issues with having university dorm
 rooms to stay in, or the locations don't have enough of the breakout rooms for us to have the multiple sessions going on in the same time slots. If AFTA Members want to continue to have the multiple types of small breakout sessions, then the fancy "chain" hotel is the type of venue that has provided that type of space. The room rate we receive from the hotels includes the accessibility to all of the meeting rooms. 

So I think it's a question of ASGPP's budget and what the group counts on for income. I think there are some places where costs could be trimmed down, especially with some of the "extras."

Looking at the history helps, we have a huge archive file, tracking every detail about our conferences. If the ASGPP Board would like some assistance, I have typed up many charts, graphs, tables, etc., and would be glad to volunteer my services to put this together. 

It was great to see and connect with so many of you in NY!

Warm regards,

Kim




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