Dallas Convention Web Site

[Brian Trout]

Yeah, Phil, that is a large pill to swallow.

On the one hand, I can see the point of trying to "protect" the rich and 
bountiful PTG resources from easy access by any old "piana tooner" who just 
wants a free education and has no intention of helping to support the 
organization.  (I wish I could convey that I'm not saying that with sarcasm 
in my voice.)

But on the other hand, this price will eliminate some good and decent and 
poor piano technicians.  Let's face it, we all don't make $100,000 a year.  
And while we're facing facts, few more than 10% of those who are in the 
piano business ever will see that level of income (if that many).

I know from personal experience of several other conventions in other fields 
that I can attend for the cost of showing up that will have very similar 
teaching/learning events happening (in their particular fields, that is.  
And don't tell me otherwise 'cause I can name names.)

That being said, I don't know what the real costs are for the PTG 
convention, i.e. reception halls, meeting rooms, logistics and accounting, 
etc.  But as the prices are raised, I can assure you that we gradually push 
away an element of our group that just plain can't afford to lay out $200 or 
so for annual dues, another $350 for the annual convention, another $350 or 
so for a room, and another $200 or so for the incidentals, not to mention 
yet another $200 or $300 or $400 to get there if they don't live close 
enough to believe that their old car with 175,000 miles on it will make the 
trip.

You may think I'm exagerating but I believe you may be suprised at the 
numbers of sincere piano technicians who somehow have wound up in that 
category who just can't afford it.

Sorry to sound so negative.  I'd love to attend this year.  I may or may not 
be able to afford it.  But the $349 sure doesn't help.

Best wishes,

Brian T.










>From: "Phil Ryan" <pryan2@the-beach.net>
>Reply-To: Pianotech <pianotech@ptg.org>
>To: "Pianotech" <pianotech@ptg.org>
>Subject: Re: Dallas Convention Web Site
>Date: Mon, 10 Mar 2003 21:06:39 -0500
>
>Wow! Did you see the price for registration($349)?  Big jump from last
>year($269).  It makes one really consider whether to attend or not (at 
>least
>in my financial category). JMHO.
>
>Phil Ryan


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