next conference

[Kim Cox]

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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