I sometimes wonder if people know how expensive running a con is (except of course for those who have a lot of experience doing so)? FACT, Inc., a 501(c)(3), which sponsors ArmadilloCon (AC) every year, made the decision a few years ago that any suplus from AC should be used for the running of future cons. We used to use some of the money for FACT's operating expenses (which are greater than our membership dues bring in), but felt it was more important that AC have the seed money they need to continue to bring in quality guests from all over the world. If we didn't, I think we'd be limited to regional (i.e. "cheap") guests, and that would affect not only our reputation, but really the feel of our con.
But the question of surplus is often iffy. We try to keep our membership at a cost that is not prohibitive (generally on average $30-40 for the weekend). There is, I believe, a tremendous benefit that is received for that price: the chance to spend time with a lot of writers and editors, discussing what we all love (I know I don't have to convince you of that benefit).
In my almost 10 year involvement with AC, it has not generated a surplus every year, and has more often than not lost some amount of money. This year's con was a lot smaller than previous ACs, which we expected, since we are sponsoring World Fantasy in Nov., and a lot of people could only go to 1 and chose to go to WFC. As a result, we do know that AC lost money this year (and a small amount last year). Luckily, we had some surplus from AC 25 a few years ago that has helped us out.
We are trying hard to make sure we maintain a good business relationship with our current hotel (i.e., we pay our bill on time, and are good guests while on their property), because that affects so many of our other business dealings, so we work hard to be fiscally responsible. Hardly dogding on taxes, and truthfully, it's a lot of work, considering we're all volunteers with real lives and day jobs and the like.
AC does also have a charity auction every year, publicized well in advance, so that those who wish to support our chosen charity may do so.
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2006-09-13 03:58 pm (UTC)But the question of surplus is often iffy. We try to keep our membership at a cost that is not prohibitive (generally on average $30-40 for the weekend). There is, I believe, a tremendous benefit that is received for that price: the chance to spend time with a lot of writers and editors, discussing what we all love (I know I don't have to convince you of that benefit).
In my almost 10 year involvement with AC, it has not generated a surplus every year, and has more often than not lost some amount of money. This year's con was a lot smaller than previous ACs, which we expected, since we are sponsoring World Fantasy in Nov., and a lot of people could only go to 1 and chose to go to WFC. As a result, we do know that AC lost money this year (and a small amount last year). Luckily, we had some surplus from AC 25 a few years ago that has helped us out.
We are trying hard to make sure we maintain a good business relationship with our current hotel (i.e., we pay our bill on time, and are good guests while on their property), because that affects so many of our other business dealings, so we work hard to be fiscally responsible. Hardly dogding on taxes, and truthfully, it's a lot of work, considering we're all volunteers with real lives and day jobs and the like.
AC does also have a charity auction every year, publicized well in advance, so that those who wish to support our chosen charity may do so.
Renee