In a message dated 1/16/04 9:56:39 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
Devon's mentioned the hardship placed on any *single* group that > volunteers to host a Convention; there's a lot of work involved, as > well as a financial "speculation" which almost matches those on the > Stock Exchange... That's why the the last (Hasbrouck Heights, NJ) > Convention had been organised by *three* groups - to spread the onus > more equitably. ------- Dear Lacemakers, There is a need to explain charges some people are not accustomed to paying. It is important to realize that hotel practices and pricing have changed through the years, and the contracts our organizers now sign really commit the Chairwomen to pay the hotels no matter what extenuating circumstances arise. You can be sure the hotel lawyers are on permanent retainer to enforce contracts! Some things are best left unexplained to the world at large. But, the critical comments lead me to ask - How many of the people writing and complaining know that the revenues collected for the very-well-attended Convention in New Jersey were not adequate to pay the hotel obligation? I was told the three sponsoring New Jersey groups did not make money. I respect them for how this problem was quietly handled it without upsetting many people. The hotel was paid - before we all checked out. It is probably this experience that has influenced the pricing of the Harrisburg Convention. The Embroiderers' Guild of America charges commuters. I do not recall what the American Needlepoint Guild does, but probably the same. The reality is - a convention committee usually needs all the public rooms, and reserves them for a convention, and the price charged is based on hotel occupancy. It is not fair for only those staying in the hotel to subsidize these bills. Those who commute are using the public facilities - classrooms, exhibition rooms, sales room, rest rooms, hospitality area, elevators, etc. and they should be expected to pay some portion of the costs. My past experience with The Embroiderers' Guild is that as long as I showed a membership card I was admitted to the general salesroom and the book salesroom. I did not have to be a seminar registrant. I cannot remember leaving a book salesroom at EGA or ANG without spending in the neighborhood of $1,000 -- and a portion of the sales (I think, 10%) went back to the treasurer of the seminar. My collecting habit may be more extravagant than most, but it has always been my best intention to shop in a way that would benefit the sponsoring organization. At the New Jersey IOLI Convention, I walked around the salesroom every day and did extra shopping. Some vendors kept adding new things, and as I moved around, I also noticed that the arrangements changed. For example, the vendors of antique laces did not always keep the same items in a prominent position. It is best to be careful how you complain. There are nicer ways to effect change. Complaining publicly about an organization like IOLI can do permanent damage. If there are too many complaints, there may not be volunteers. Without volunteers, there will be no Conventions. Within my memory, this happened to a very fine organization called The National Standards Council of American Embroiderers. It folded, for lack of volunteers and people willing to serve as officers. I have attended many Conventions and Seminars in the past 35 years, and there are many more comments I could make in response to the Arachne correspondence on this subject to-date, but I'll sign off now and let someone else rant a bit. Just re-read the previous paragraph before you do - please. Jeri Ames in Maine USA Lace and Embroidery Resource Center - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
