Innkeeping Conference

[MTLLodge]

I would love to go. But for that price I can go on a 7 day cruise. Anyone want to cruise, we can make our own workshops around the pool.

(Sorry but that is the way it with THIS innkeeper)
WAIT! I just added in the lodging (not to mention the cost to getthere - flying and fuel - and food) Two of us can cruise for that price.
I know Jay will be on here to chastise soon enough. Sorry gang..

I'm game for a cruise! Where are we going? Aruba????
.

I'm game for a cruise! Where are we going? Aruba????

I've always wanted to go to the Caymans...
.

I'll go there too!

 

[muirford]

I wouldn't call this a chastising. Just a few thoughts as I watch the All Star game late tonight.
Everyone has to make their own judgment call on what is a good value, worth investing in, etc. Just like your potential guests have to make a judgment on whether or not to pay your fees for the experience at your inn. While people argue, negotiate and protest on price, price is never the issue - it's value. Is the price worth what you hope to get in return? If what you get in return is greater than the price, then the value is a good one. Why do some people pay $10 per ticket to go out to see a movie in the movie theater and others now pay $1 to rent a DVD at many McDonald’s locations now? They like the experience, which can’t quite be duplicated at home, and they’re willing to pay for it. What might be ridiculous to one is a source of joy for another.
Of course I’m going to state that coming to the Innkeeping Conference & Trade Show is a good value. If it wasn’t a good value, it wouldn’t have survived the many years PAII has been running the event. We do our very best to keep the costs low. It’s quite a challenge, when most hotels that can host a meeting our size charge $80 per gallon for coffee. We invest a great deal in getting the best possible speakers and thought-leaders to make innkeepers think critically about their business and the future of the hospitality and lodging business. We gather 80+ vendors to allow easy tire-kicking and shopping for your business. We have the Great Innkeeper Idea Fair, putting on stage some of the best innkeeping ideas from among the attendees in a contest format (a heckofalot of fun). If it wasn’t for the exhibitors that come to the Trade Show, the conference would be a big money loser. In other words, the $399 registration fee alone doesn’t pay for the conference.
The learning and camaraderie that take place on forums like this are fantastic. So many innkeepers and aspiring innkeepers have benefited greatly from such technology. I participate in similar forums in my own association – the American Society of Association Executives. But, as I think many of you will agree, nothing replaces the face-to-face experience of a well-run conference. I have attended the ASAE meeting every year for the past 10 years, even though the registration fee for members is $800. I learn a great deal from my peers and thought-leaders who speak at the conference over 4 days, which I carry back to PAII. It’s expensive, but it’s worth it. Otherwise, I wouldn’t go.
The same is true for the hundreds and hundreds (I’m sure over the years thousands) of innkeepers who have come to the PAII event. 99% and 97% of attendees the last two years respectively have rated the event as Good or Excellent. We also offer a money-back guarantee. If you attend the conference and afterwards feel it was a poor value, we’ll give you our registration fee back. We also have a new “conference protection” plan available, which would refund you the entire conference registration fee if you have to cancel for any reason, at any time. That protection is free if you register by August 15, and only $25 after August 15. Between the conference protection and money-back guarantee, you are really minimizing your risk. Atlanta is one of the most accessible cities to reach by air in the world. Hundreds of cities around the country have direct flights into Atlanta. Direct flights USUALLY mean lower fares. And, since the host hotel is on the MARTA route, no one is required to rent a car. And I would venture to say (even though it may be no consolation) that the fee for attending the Innkeeping Conference is lower-than-average for a national or international trade association annual event.
For those innkeepers who have all the business they can handle, I can understand taking a pass on coming to such a conference. But even many of those innkeepers (running at 85%+ occupancy year round) come to the event, because they know it’s vitally important to stay on top of their game. We are making great efforts to include “higher education” for experienced innkeepers, so you don’t see only classes that gear towards newer innkeepers.
We know how difficult it can be to make such an investment and leave your inns behind for a few days. Our board of directors is very, very sensitive to this – as innkeepers and former innkeepers, they know exactly where you’re coming from. You have some choices in today’s innkeeping industry, and I’ll never criticize someone for choosing a local event (i.e. state B&B association) over PAII. I’m an advocate of conferences at all levels (as long as they’re run well). We are happy to promote any of the state, regional or local conferences on our industry calendar of events and in IQ magazine. But I think it’s hard to replicate the energy, networking, idea-sharing and sheer volume of learning opportunities that takes place among hundreds of innkeepers, rather than a few dozen or a few score.
When the economy is hurting, it’s like a double-edge sword for associations. On the one hand, money may be tight, so association members may look at conferences as dispensable education. On the other hand, members are also eager to learn new ideas and strategies to fight against the tide and beat the economy. Not everyone loses business during difficult times.
What kind of CEO would I be if I didn’t defend the value of our conference?

I wouldn’t chastise anyone for comparing the possibility of attending your industry’s conference to a cruise, or just questioning the price tag. I’m 100% confident it’s worth every innkeeper’s time and money no matter where you’re from or how long you’ve been doing it, or at least 97% or 99% confident (see above).
My best to everyone working hard and living the innkeeper life. Sorry for the tome – the baseball game is moving slowly.
Jay Karen
PAII CEO
PS: To Samster's comment, you must have missed the asterisk on the price for non-members. The $200 difference between the member and non-member price automatically includes your first year membership in PAII. The $600 some of you are speaking about includes a membership. Some people may say “I’d never spend that kind of money on a conference;” just like a lot of people say “I’d never spend that kind of money on staying at a B&B.” Enough people must think it’s worthwhile, or the B&B or conference must close its doors, right? Don’t you wish you could put your most satisfied and loyal customers in the room with your most skeptical potential guests, or if you could get those skeptical guests to just experience it? Imagine the increase in business! I’d bet if the skeptics came to today’s PAII conference or spoke with the satisfied attendees from Myrtle Beach or Anaheim, you’d feel differently. But, we can’t win them all…so we’ll just put out the best possible conference we can and hope to reach, educate and connect as many innkeepers and aspiring innkeepers as we can..

OK...my apologies, if I register by 12/01/08 I get a "free" one year membership to PAII which is a $16 savings for me over joining PAII first and then registering for the conference

I'm actually considering going to the conference as it's within driving distance for me & I have free lodging elsewhere. It's just bad timing to think of this when we're in our slow time. I've been to a PAII conference before & did get quite a bit out of it.
.

I am now undecided on what to do - there are three conferences that are available to me at member rates. The state one will be the least expensive in total costs and the Select Registry one is the most expensive. PAII is in the middle for registration costs but a longer distance to travel.
I don't begrudge the registration fees to anyone - if you've been involved in planning one of these, they are a lot of work, it is expensive to get quality speakers, and hotel pricing for conferences is outrageous. You can easily spend $125 to $150 per person in meal/break costs daily.
What I say next will be received with umbrage by some, I'm sure - but when I look at the schedule for my state conference there is nothing new for me there. To some extent I enjoy going to meet up with friends but the fact is I can do that on my own time over good meals in decent restaurants and don't really need to go to conference for that. If I am going to spend that money I would like to get a return for my investment other than just camaraderie.

 

[Samster]

I wouldn't call this a chastising. Just a few thoughts as I watch the All Star game late tonight.
Everyone has to make their own judgment call on what is a good value, worth investing in, etc. Just like your potential guests have to make a judgment on whether or not to pay your fees for the experience at your inn. While people argue, negotiate and protest on price, price is never the issue - it's value. Is the price worth what you hope to get in return? If what you get in return is greater than the price, then the value is a good one. Why do some people pay $10 per ticket to go out to see a movie in the movie theater and others now pay $1 to rent a DVD at many McDonald’s locations now? They like the experience, which can’t quite be duplicated at home, and they’re willing to pay for it. What might be ridiculous to one is a source of joy for another.
Of course I’m going to state that coming to the Innkeeping Conference & Trade Show is a good value. If it wasn’t a good value, it wouldn’t have survived the many years PAII has been running the event. We do our very best to keep the costs low. It’s quite a challenge, when most hotels that can host a meeting our size charge $80 per gallon for coffee. We invest a great deal in getting the best possible speakers and thought-leaders to make innkeepers think critically about their business and the future of the hospitality and lodging business. We gather 80+ vendors to allow easy tire-kicking and shopping for your business. We have the Great Innkeeper Idea Fair, putting on stage some of the best innkeeping ideas from among the attendees in a contest format (a heckofalot of fun). If it wasn’t for the exhibitors that come to the Trade Show, the conference would be a big money loser. In other words, the $399 registration fee alone doesn’t pay for the conference.
The learning and camaraderie that take place on forums like this are fantastic. So many innkeepers and aspiring innkeepers have benefited greatly from such technology. I participate in similar forums in my own association – the American Society of Association Executives. But, as I think many of you will agree, nothing replaces the face-to-face experience of a well-run conference. I have attended the ASAE meeting every year for the past 10 years, even though the registration fee for members is $800. I learn a great deal from my peers and thought-leaders who speak at the conference over 4 days, which I carry back to PAII. It’s expensive, but it’s worth it. Otherwise, I wouldn’t go.
The same is true for the hundreds and hundreds (I’m sure over the years thousands) of innkeepers who have come to the PAII event. 99% and 97% of attendees the last two years respectively have rated the event as Good or Excellent. We also offer a money-back guarantee. If you attend the conference and afterwards feel it was a poor value, we’ll give you our registration fee back. We also have a new “conference protection” plan available, which would refund you the entire conference registration fee if you have to cancel for any reason, at any time. That protection is free if you register by August 15, and only $25 after August 15. Between the conference protection and money-back guarantee, you are really minimizing your risk. Atlanta is one of the most accessible cities to reach by air in the world. Hundreds of cities around the country have direct flights into Atlanta. Direct flights USUALLY mean lower fares. And, since the host hotel is on the MARTA route, no one is required to rent a car. And I would venture to say (even though it may be no consolation) that the fee for attending the Innkeeping Conference is lower-than-average for a national or international trade association annual event.
For those innkeepers who have all the business they can handle, I can understand taking a pass on coming to such a conference. But even many of those innkeepers (running at 85%+ occupancy year round) come to the event, because they know it’s vitally important to stay on top of their game. We are making great efforts to include “higher education” for experienced innkeepers, so you don’t see only classes that gear towards newer innkeepers.
We know how difficult it can be to make such an investment and leave your inns behind for a few days. Our board of directors is very, very sensitive to this – as innkeepers and former innkeepers, they know exactly where you’re coming from. You have some choices in today’s innkeeping industry, and I’ll never criticize someone for choosing a local event (i.e. state B&B association) over PAII. I’m an advocate of conferences at all levels (as long as they’re run well). We are happy to promote any of the state, regional or local conferences on our industry calendar of events and in IQ magazine. But I think it’s hard to replicate the energy, networking, idea-sharing and sheer volume of learning opportunities that takes place among hundreds of innkeepers, rather than a few dozen or a few score.
When the economy is hurting, it’s like a double-edge sword for associations. On the one hand, money may be tight, so association members may look at conferences as dispensable education. On the other hand, members are also eager to learn new ideas and strategies to fight against the tide and beat the economy. Not everyone loses business during difficult times.
What kind of CEO would I be if I didn’t defend the value of our conference?

I wouldn’t chastise anyone for comparing the possibility of attending your industry’s conference to a cruise, or just questioning the price tag. I’m 100% confident it’s worth every innkeeper’s time and money no matter where you’re from or how long you’ve been doing it, or at least 97% or 99% confident (see above).
My best to everyone working hard and living the innkeeper life. Sorry for the tome – the baseball game is moving slowly.
Jay Karen
PAII CEO
PS: To Samster's comment, you must have missed the asterisk on the price for non-members. The $200 difference between the member and non-member price automatically includes your first year membership in PAII. The $600 some of you are speaking about includes a membership. Some people may say “I’d never spend that kind of money on a conference;” just like a lot of people say “I’d never spend that kind of money on staying at a B&B.” Enough people must think it’s worthwhile, or the B&B or conference must close its doors, right? Don’t you wish you could put your most satisfied and loyal customers in the room with your most skeptical potential guests, or if you could get those skeptical guests to just experience it? Imagine the increase in business! I’d bet if the skeptics came to today’s PAII conference or spoke with the satisfied attendees from Myrtle Beach or Anaheim, you’d feel differently. But, we can’t win them all…so we’ll just put out the best possible conference we can and hope to reach, educate and connect as many innkeepers and aspiring innkeepers as we can..

OK...my apologies, if I register by 12/01/08 I get a "free" one year membership to PAII which is a $16 savings for me over joining PAII first and then registering for the conference

I'm actually considering going to the conference as it's within driving distance for me & I have free lodging elsewhere. It's just bad timing to think of this when we're in our slow time. I've been to a PAII conference before & did get quite a bit out of it.
.

I am now undecided on what to do - there are three conferences that are available to me at member rates. The state one will be the least expensive in total costs and the Select Registry one is the most expensive. PAII is in the middle for registration costs but a longer distance to travel.
I don't begrudge the registration fees to anyone - if you've been involved in planning one of these, they are a lot of work, it is expensive to get quality speakers, and hotel pricing for conferences is outrageous. You can easily spend $125 to $150 per person in meal/break costs daily.
What I say next will be received with umbrage by some, I'm sure - but when I look at the schedule for my state conference there is nothing new for me there. To some extent I enjoy going to meet up with friends but the fact is I can do that on my own time over good meals in decent restaurants and don't really need to go to conference for that. If I am going to spend that money I would like to get a return for my investment other than just camaraderie.
.

If you decide to go to the PAII conference, let me know

It would be better to share a room than sleep on a futon, even if it's free

I just need to figure out where to find the $$$ right now after paying for all these things that got zapped by lightning! Arrrrrrrrrrrgh.... just when you think you're keeping your head above water!

 

[EmptyNest]

I wouldn't call this a chastising. Just a few thoughts as I watch the All Star game late tonight.
Everyone has to make their own judgment call on what is a good value, worth investing in, etc. Just like your potential guests have to make a judgment on whether or not to pay your fees for the experience at your inn. While people argue, negotiate and protest on price, price is never the issue - it's value. Is the price worth what you hope to get in return? If what you get in return is greater than the price, then the value is a good one. Why do some people pay $10 per ticket to go out to see a movie in the movie theater and others now pay $1 to rent a DVD at many McDonald’s locations now? They like the experience, which can’t quite be duplicated at home, and they’re willing to pay for it. What might be ridiculous to one is a source of joy for another.
Of course I’m going to state that coming to the Innkeeping Conference & Trade Show is a good value. If it wasn’t a good value, it wouldn’t have survived the many years PAII has been running the event. We do our very best to keep the costs low. It’s quite a challenge, when most hotels that can host a meeting our size charge $80 per gallon for coffee. We invest a great deal in getting the best possible speakers and thought-leaders to make innkeepers think critically about their business and the future of the hospitality and lodging business. We gather 80+ vendors to allow easy tire-kicking and shopping for your business. We have the Great Innkeeper Idea Fair, putting on stage some of the best innkeeping ideas from among the attendees in a contest format (a heckofalot of fun). If it wasn’t for the exhibitors that come to the Trade Show, the conference would be a big money loser. In other words, the $399 registration fee alone doesn’t pay for the conference.
The learning and camaraderie that take place on forums like this are fantastic. So many innkeepers and aspiring innkeepers have benefited greatly from such technology. I participate in similar forums in my own association – the American Society of Association Executives. But, as I think many of you will agree, nothing replaces the face-to-face experience of a well-run conference. I have attended the ASAE meeting every year for the past 10 years, even though the registration fee for members is $800. I learn a great deal from my peers and thought-leaders who speak at the conference over 4 days, which I carry back to PAII. It’s expensive, but it’s worth it. Otherwise, I wouldn’t go.
The same is true for the hundreds and hundreds (I’m sure over the years thousands) of innkeepers who have come to the PAII event. 99% and 97% of attendees the last two years respectively have rated the event as Good or Excellent. We also offer a money-back guarantee. If you attend the conference and afterwards feel it was a poor value, we’ll give you our registration fee back. We also have a new “conference protection” plan available, which would refund you the entire conference registration fee if you have to cancel for any reason, at any time. That protection is free if you register by August 15, and only $25 after August 15. Between the conference protection and money-back guarantee, you are really minimizing your risk. Atlanta is one of the most accessible cities to reach by air in the world. Hundreds of cities around the country have direct flights into Atlanta. Direct flights USUALLY mean lower fares. And, since the host hotel is on the MARTA route, no one is required to rent a car. And I would venture to say (even though it may be no consolation) that the fee for attending the Innkeeping Conference is lower-than-average for a national or international trade association annual event.
For those innkeepers who have all the business they can handle, I can understand taking a pass on coming to such a conference. But even many of those innkeepers (running at 85%+ occupancy year round) come to the event, because they know it’s vitally important to stay on top of their game. We are making great efforts to include “higher education” for experienced innkeepers, so you don’t see only classes that gear towards newer innkeepers.
We know how difficult it can be to make such an investment and leave your inns behind for a few days. Our board of directors is very, very sensitive to this – as innkeepers and former innkeepers, they know exactly where you’re coming from. You have some choices in today’s innkeeping industry, and I’ll never criticize someone for choosing a local event (i.e. state B&B association) over PAII. I’m an advocate of conferences at all levels (as long as they’re run well). We are happy to promote any of the state, regional or local conferences on our industry calendar of events and in IQ magazine. But I think it’s hard to replicate the energy, networking, idea-sharing and sheer volume of learning opportunities that takes place among hundreds of innkeepers, rather than a few dozen or a few score.
When the economy is hurting, it’s like a double-edge sword for associations. On the one hand, money may be tight, so association members may look at conferences as dispensable education. On the other hand, members are also eager to learn new ideas and strategies to fight against the tide and beat the economy. Not everyone loses business during difficult times.
What kind of CEO would I be if I didn’t defend the value of our conference?

I wouldn’t chastise anyone for comparing the possibility of attending your industry’s conference to a cruise, or just questioning the price tag. I’m 100% confident it’s worth every innkeeper’s time and money no matter where you’re from or how long you’ve been doing it, or at least 97% or 99% confident (see above).
My best to everyone working hard and living the innkeeper life. Sorry for the tome – the baseball game is moving slowly.
Jay Karen
PAII CEO
PS: To Samster's comment, you must have missed the asterisk on the price for non-members. The $200 difference between the member and non-member price automatically includes your first year membership in PAII. The $600 some of you are speaking about includes a membership. Some people may say “I’d never spend that kind of money on a conference;” just like a lot of people say “I’d never spend that kind of money on staying at a B&B.” Enough people must think it’s worthwhile, or the B&B or conference must close its doors, right? Don’t you wish you could put your most satisfied and loyal customers in the room with your most skeptical potential guests, or if you could get those skeptical guests to just experience it? Imagine the increase in business! I’d bet if the skeptics came to today’s PAII conference or spoke with the satisfied attendees from Myrtle Beach or Anaheim, you’d feel differently. But, we can’t win them all…so we’ll just put out the best possible conference we can and hope to reach, educate and connect as many innkeepers and aspiring innkeepers as we can..

OK...my apologies, if I register by 12/01/08 I get a "free" one year membership to PAII which is a $16 savings for me over joining PAII first and then registering for the conference

I'm actually considering going to the conference as it's within driving distance for me & I have free lodging elsewhere. It's just bad timing to think of this when we're in our slow time. I've been to a PAII conference before & did get quite a bit out of it.
.

I am now undecided on what to do - there are three conferences that are available to me at member rates. The state one will be the least expensive in total costs and the Select Registry one is the most expensive. PAII is in the middle for registration costs but a longer distance to travel.
I don't begrudge the registration fees to anyone - if you've been involved in planning one of these, they are a lot of work, it is expensive to get quality speakers, and hotel pricing for conferences is outrageous. You can easily spend $125 to $150 per person in meal/break costs daily.
What I say next will be received with umbrage by some, I'm sure - but when I look at the schedule for my state conference there is nothing new for me there. To some extent I enjoy going to meet up with friends but the fact is I can do that on my own time over good meals in decent restaurants and don't really need to go to conference for that. If I am going to spend that money I would like to get a return for my investment other than just camaraderie.
.

See that is the thing. State's just can't afford to do this by themselves anymore. And you are right...many end up with the same thing over and over each year. It is nice to connect with state members, but I think connecting to those away from the state open you up to many new possiiblities and it helps in networking across the country. I think it is great that we can connect with so many more innkeepers this way...kind of like this forum. I too always enjoyed the opportunity to go to a new location and enjoy what the venue had to offer.

 

[Copperhead]

I wouldn't call this a chastising. Just a few thoughts as I watch the All Star game late tonight.
Everyone has to make their own judgment call on what is a good value, worth investing in, etc. Just like your potential guests have to make a judgment on whether or not to pay your fees for the experience at your inn. While people argue, negotiate and protest on price, price is never the issue - it's value. Is the price worth what you hope to get in return? If what you get in return is greater than the price, then the value is a good one. Why do some people pay $10 per ticket to go out to see a movie in the movie theater and others now pay $1 to rent a DVD at many McDonald’s locations now? They like the experience, which can’t quite be duplicated at home, and they’re willing to pay for it. What might be ridiculous to one is a source of joy for another.
Of course I’m going to state that coming to the Innkeeping Conference & Trade Show is a good value. If it wasn’t a good value, it wouldn’t have survived the many years PAII has been running the event. We do our very best to keep the costs low. It’s quite a challenge, when most hotels that can host a meeting our size charge $80 per gallon for coffee. We invest a great deal in getting the best possible speakers and thought-leaders to make innkeepers think critically about their business and the future of the hospitality and lodging business. We gather 80+ vendors to allow easy tire-kicking and shopping for your business. We have the Great Innkeeper Idea Fair, putting on stage some of the best innkeeping ideas from among the attendees in a contest format (a heckofalot of fun). If it wasn’t for the exhibitors that come to the Trade Show, the conference would be a big money loser. In other words, the $399 registration fee alone doesn’t pay for the conference.
The learning and camaraderie that take place on forums like this are fantastic. So many innkeepers and aspiring innkeepers have benefited greatly from such technology. I participate in similar forums in my own association – the American Society of Association Executives. But, as I think many of you will agree, nothing replaces the face-to-face experience of a well-run conference. I have attended the ASAE meeting every year for the past 10 years, even though the registration fee for members is $800. I learn a great deal from my peers and thought-leaders who speak at the conference over 4 days, which I carry back to PAII. It’s expensive, but it’s worth it. Otherwise, I wouldn’t go.
The same is true for the hundreds and hundreds (I’m sure over the years thousands) of innkeepers who have come to the PAII event. 99% and 97% of attendees the last two years respectively have rated the event as Good or Excellent. We also offer a money-back guarantee. If you attend the conference and afterwards feel it was a poor value, we’ll give you our registration fee back. We also have a new “conference protection” plan available, which would refund you the entire conference registration fee if you have to cancel for any reason, at any time. That protection is free if you register by August 15, and only $25 after August 15. Between the conference protection and money-back guarantee, you are really minimizing your risk. Atlanta is one of the most accessible cities to reach by air in the world. Hundreds of cities around the country have direct flights into Atlanta. Direct flights USUALLY mean lower fares. And, since the host hotel is on the MARTA route, no one is required to rent a car. And I would venture to say (even though it may be no consolation) that the fee for attending the Innkeeping Conference is lower-than-average for a national or international trade association annual event.
For those innkeepers who have all the business they can handle, I can understand taking a pass on coming to such a conference. But even many of those innkeepers (running at 85%+ occupancy year round) come to the event, because they know it’s vitally important to stay on top of their game. We are making great efforts to include “higher education” for experienced innkeepers, so you don’t see only classes that gear towards newer innkeepers.
We know how difficult it can be to make such an investment and leave your inns behind for a few days. Our board of directors is very, very sensitive to this – as innkeepers and former innkeepers, they know exactly where you’re coming from. You have some choices in today’s innkeeping industry, and I’ll never criticize someone for choosing a local event (i.e. state B&B association) over PAII. I’m an advocate of conferences at all levels (as long as they’re run well). We are happy to promote any of the state, regional or local conferences on our industry calendar of events and in IQ magazine. But I think it’s hard to replicate the energy, networking, idea-sharing and sheer volume of learning opportunities that takes place among hundreds of innkeepers, rather than a few dozen or a few score.
When the economy is hurting, it’s like a double-edge sword for associations. On the one hand, money may be tight, so association members may look at conferences as dispensable education. On the other hand, members are also eager to learn new ideas and strategies to fight against the tide and beat the economy. Not everyone loses business during difficult times.
What kind of CEO would I be if I didn’t defend the value of our conference?

I wouldn’t chastise anyone for comparing the possibility of attending your industry’s conference to a cruise, or just questioning the price tag. I’m 100% confident it’s worth every innkeeper’s time and money no matter where you’re from or how long you’ve been doing it, or at least 97% or 99% confident (see above).
My best to everyone working hard and living the innkeeper life. Sorry for the tome – the baseball game is moving slowly.
Jay Karen
PAII CEO
PS: To Samster's comment, you must have missed the asterisk on the price for non-members. The $200 difference between the member and non-member price automatically includes your first year membership in PAII. The $600 some of you are speaking about includes a membership. Some people may say “I’d never spend that kind of money on a conference;” just like a lot of people say “I’d never spend that kind of money on staying at a B&B.” Enough people must think it’s worthwhile, or the B&B or conference must close its doors, right? Don’t you wish you could put your most satisfied and loyal customers in the room with your most skeptical potential guests, or if you could get those skeptical guests to just experience it? Imagine the increase in business! I’d bet if the skeptics came to today’s PAII conference or spoke with the satisfied attendees from Myrtle Beach or Anaheim, you’d feel differently. But, we can’t win them all…so we’ll just put out the best possible conference we can and hope to reach, educate and connect as many innkeepers and aspiring innkeepers as we can..

I agree with what you say. Maybe some year you might want to actually consider doing a PAII Conference Cruise. Would be interesting to see the reaction to that kind of thing. That truly would be a "captive audience."
I often told my boss this was something he should consider doing....too bad he never did.
Best of luck.
.

I agree with what you say. Maybe some year you might want to actually consider doing a PAII Conference Cruise. Would be interesting to see the reaction to that kind of thing. That truly would be a "captive audience."
I often told my boss this was something he should consider doing....too bad he never did.
Best of luck.

B&B and COUNTRY INN MARKETPLACE has a cruise.
f you currently own a B&B or you are an aspiring innkeeper, you may be interested in attending our Marketing Seminars at Sea. We will be cruising to Roatan, Belize City and Cozumel on Norwegian Cruise Line.
Food and lodging included...good bang for your buck. SURE it is not the PAII speakers line up and SURE that is GREAT VALUE - but not for my pennies.
Again, disclaimer - this is an INNKEEPER FORUM so we are able to share freely our opinions on products, events, and organizations if we choose. They are also free to come here and share their information with us. If I had the $ for the conference it would go toward more reno's on the B&B if it went toward business, or my 20th wedding anniversary. Gotta have a break sometime from this biz.
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Not that I am a PAii member, I am not. (Their conventions always take place during our top occupancy months.)
But I did a quick calculation and determined that the seminar portion of this Country Inn MarketPlace Cruise would be about $475 per person...so even though you are on a cruise, which I think is a plus, the seminar portion is more than PAii's and PAii's will include 1 year's membership if registered before December. Plus the Atlanta area has a lot going for it too. - Not the ocean, though!
This is not a plug, just an observation.

 

[Samster]

I wouldn't call this a chastising. Just a few thoughts as I watch the All Star game late tonight.
Everyone has to make their own judgment call on what is a good value, worth investing in, etc. Just like your potential guests have to make a judgment on whether or not to pay your fees for the experience at your inn. While people argue, negotiate and protest on price, price is never the issue - it's value. Is the price worth what you hope to get in return? If what you get in return is greater than the price, then the value is a good one. Why do some people pay $10 per ticket to go out to see a movie in the movie theater and others now pay $1 to rent a DVD at many McDonald’s locations now? They like the experience, which can’t quite be duplicated at home, and they’re willing to pay for it. What might be ridiculous to one is a source of joy for another.
Of course I’m going to state that coming to the Innkeeping Conference & Trade Show is a good value. If it wasn’t a good value, it wouldn’t have survived the many years PAII has been running the event. We do our very best to keep the costs low. It’s quite a challenge, when most hotels that can host a meeting our size charge $80 per gallon for coffee. We invest a great deal in getting the best possible speakers and thought-leaders to make innkeepers think critically about their business and the future of the hospitality and lodging business. We gather 80+ vendors to allow easy tire-kicking and shopping for your business. We have the Great Innkeeper Idea Fair, putting on stage some of the best innkeeping ideas from among the attendees in a contest format (a heckofalot of fun). If it wasn’t for the exhibitors that come to the Trade Show, the conference would be a big money loser. In other words, the $399 registration fee alone doesn’t pay for the conference.
The learning and camaraderie that take place on forums like this are fantastic. So many innkeepers and aspiring innkeepers have benefited greatly from such technology. I participate in similar forums in my own association – the American Society of Association Executives. But, as I think many of you will agree, nothing replaces the face-to-face experience of a well-run conference. I have attended the ASAE meeting every year for the past 10 years, even though the registration fee for members is $800. I learn a great deal from my peers and thought-leaders who speak at the conference over 4 days, which I carry back to PAII. It’s expensive, but it’s worth it. Otherwise, I wouldn’t go.
The same is true for the hundreds and hundreds (I’m sure over the years thousands) of innkeepers who have come to the PAII event. 99% and 97% of attendees the last two years respectively have rated the event as Good or Excellent. We also offer a money-back guarantee. If you attend the conference and afterwards feel it was a poor value, we’ll give you our registration fee back. We also have a new “conference protection” plan available, which would refund you the entire conference registration fee if you have to cancel for any reason, at any time. That protection is free if you register by August 15, and only $25 after August 15. Between the conference protection and money-back guarantee, you are really minimizing your risk. Atlanta is one of the most accessible cities to reach by air in the world. Hundreds of cities around the country have direct flights into Atlanta. Direct flights USUALLY mean lower fares. And, since the host hotel is on the MARTA route, no one is required to rent a car. And I would venture to say (even though it may be no consolation) that the fee for attending the Innkeeping Conference is lower-than-average for a national or international trade association annual event.
For those innkeepers who have all the business they can handle, I can understand taking a pass on coming to such a conference. But even many of those innkeepers (running at 85%+ occupancy year round) come to the event, because they know it’s vitally important to stay on top of their game. We are making great efforts to include “higher education” for experienced innkeepers, so you don’t see only classes that gear towards newer innkeepers.
We know how difficult it can be to make such an investment and leave your inns behind for a few days. Our board of directors is very, very sensitive to this – as innkeepers and former innkeepers, they know exactly where you’re coming from. You have some choices in today’s innkeeping industry, and I’ll never criticize someone for choosing a local event (i.e. state B&B association) over PAII. I’m an advocate of conferences at all levels (as long as they’re run well). We are happy to promote any of the state, regional or local conferences on our industry calendar of events and in IQ magazine. But I think it’s hard to replicate the energy, networking, idea-sharing and sheer volume of learning opportunities that takes place among hundreds of innkeepers, rather than a few dozen or a few score.
When the economy is hurting, it’s like a double-edge sword for associations. On the one hand, money may be tight, so association members may look at conferences as dispensable education. On the other hand, members are also eager to learn new ideas and strategies to fight against the tide and beat the economy. Not everyone loses business during difficult times.
What kind of CEO would I be if I didn’t defend the value of our conference?

I wouldn’t chastise anyone for comparing the possibility of attending your industry’s conference to a cruise, or just questioning the price tag. I’m 100% confident it’s worth every innkeeper’s time and money no matter where you’re from or how long you’ve been doing it, or at least 97% or 99% confident (see above).
My best to everyone working hard and living the innkeeper life. Sorry for the tome – the baseball game is moving slowly.
Jay Karen
PAII CEO
PS: To Samster's comment, you must have missed the asterisk on the price for non-members. The $200 difference between the member and non-member price automatically includes your first year membership in PAII. The $600 some of you are speaking about includes a membership. Some people may say “I’d never spend that kind of money on a conference;” just like a lot of people say “I’d never spend that kind of money on staying at a B&B.” Enough people must think it’s worthwhile, or the B&B or conference must close its doors, right? Don’t you wish you could put your most satisfied and loyal customers in the room with your most skeptical potential guests, or if you could get those skeptical guests to just experience it? Imagine the increase in business! I’d bet if the skeptics came to today’s PAII conference or spoke with the satisfied attendees from Myrtle Beach or Anaheim, you’d feel differently. But, we can’t win them all…so we’ll just put out the best possible conference we can and hope to reach, educate and connect as many innkeepers and aspiring innkeepers as we can..

I agree with what you say. Maybe some year you might want to actually consider doing a PAII Conference Cruise. Would be interesting to see the reaction to that kind of thing. That truly would be a "captive audience."
I often told my boss this was something he should consider doing....too bad he never did.
Best of luck.
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I agree with what you say. Maybe some year you might want to actually consider doing a PAII Conference Cruise. Would be interesting to see the reaction to that kind of thing. That truly would be a "captive audience."
I often told my boss this was something he should consider doing....too bad he never did.
Best of luck.

B&B and COUNTRY INN MARKETPLACE has a cruise.
f you currently own a B&B or you are an aspiring innkeeper, you may be interested in attending our Marketing Seminars at Sea. We will be cruising to Roatan, Belize City and Cozumel on Norwegian Cruise Line.
Food and lodging included...good bang for your buck. SURE it is not the PAII speakers line up and SURE that is GREAT VALUE - but not for my pennies.
Again, disclaimer - this is an INNKEEPER FORUM so we are able to share freely our opinions on products, events, and organizations if we choose. They are also free to come here and share their information with us. If I had the $ for the conference it would go toward more reno's on the B&B if it went toward business, or my 20th wedding anniversary. Gotta have a break sometime from this biz.
.

Not that I am a PAii member, I am not. (Their conventions always take place during our top occupancy months.)
But I did a quick calculation and determined that the seminar portion of this Country Inn MarketPlace Cruise would be about $475 per person...so even though you are on a cruise, which I think is a plus, the seminar portion is more than PAii's and PAii's will include 1 year's membership if registered before December. Plus the Atlanta area has a lot going for it too. - Not the ocean, though!
This is not a plug, just an observation.
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There's definitely LOTS to see & do in Atlanta. New aquarium, awesome museum (The High), Martin Luther King Jr historic site, plenty of dining choices, etc., etc., etc. This conference is right downtown too...but easy access to MidTown where a lot of good restaurants are located.

 

[user 26]

from the paii site
" Register today - it will only take a few minutes. Do it while there's a little cash in the kitty and while you are feeding off the energy of the frenetic activity going on in your inn. You deserve it!
i wish there was more cash in the kitty and i was feeding off the energy of the frenetic activity here ...
but i have not had a paycheck yet this year.

 

[greyswan]

I want to go to Atlanta... get to stay with family and see 3 of our 6 grandchildren and attend the conference. We'll drive... I think it's about a 7 hour drive from here... very do-able.

 

[muirford]

I want to go to Atlanta... get to stay with family and see 3 of our 6 grandchildren and attend the conference. We'll drive... I think it's about a 7 hour drive from here... very do-able..

It's likely I'll go, but probably without DH. Maybe I'll see if I can hitch a ride with you.

 

[gillumhouse]

from the paii site
" Register today - it will only take a few minutes. Do it while there's a little cash in the kitty and while you are feeding off the energy of the frenetic activity going on in your inn. You deserve it!
i wish there was more cash in the kitty and i was feeding off the energy of the frenetic activity here ...
but i have not had a paycheck yet this year..

That is horrible! That was my one benefit for living to be old - I now get a paycheck again! Not from the B & B of course.....

 

[greyswan]

I want to go to Atlanta... get to stay with family and see 3 of our 6 grandchildren and attend the conference. We'll drive... I think it's about a 7 hour drive from here... very do-able..

It's likely I'll go, but probably without DH. Maybe I'll see if I can hitch a ride with you.
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We've got room in our car for 2 - that would be fun to have a caravan going down!