Kate Pfeister
EF0
the closer this date gets, the more I want to roadtrip it to Denver...
Amyone else driving/looking to cut costs?
Amyone else driving/looking to cut costs?
Final POLL & **Official** Thread: 2011 National Storm Chase Convention
Mike Boik
EF0
I am taking the train from Chicago. It was just the best option for me.
It's interesting to me that only 22 people from this forum indicate they are taking the time and effort to attend a national event for storm chasers.
Andrew Ryan
EF3
+1 Couldn't have said better Jacob! I wish I could go. But I don't have the LUXURY to spend that kind of money and go on a vacation.
Tim Stoecklein
EF5
You guys ever attend a professional development conference, or even take a vacation with somewhat of a purpose or to see old friends? The price of the trip really isn't that bad when you put it into the context most people attend under. It may not be convenient, but it really isn't that bad.
Jason Foster
Conventions are always tough when on a budget. I remember having to find money to attend the first Architecture Student Conference in Toronto, ON, CAN. back in 1999. It actually ended up being why I couldn't chase the following spring (priority was my education and profession at the time).
I have no problem with the convention being in Denver. Yes...harder for me, but frankly, I can't see it being that hard for central plains folks to get to. I know it's a little different for many in the rural areas out there oppose to my east coast location (with three large airports to choose from). Train options are limited since Amtrak doesn't have the web of service I wish they did. Driving does coast money in fuel. But splitting fuel, hotel rooms, etc. can really negate the fees. My rock bottom price for going (cheapest airfare, shared hotel room) is $400+conv. fee. I pack food, don't eat out (grocery shop while there) and for-go the alcohol (oh god...I know). It is just a matter of how bad you want to go, or how valuable it is. At the moment....for me...it's all about the Return-on-investment. The convention doesn't make me money...so I'm not going. Next year might be different, but I'll evaluate it then.
I have no problem with the convention being in Denver. Yes...harder for me, but frankly, I can't see it being that hard for central plains folks to get to. I know it's a little different for many in the rural areas out there oppose to my east coast location (with three large airports to choose from). Train options are limited since Amtrak doesn't have the web of service I wish they did. Driving does coast money in fuel. But splitting fuel, hotel rooms, etc. can really negate the fees. My rock bottom price for going (cheapest airfare, shared hotel room) is $400+conv. fee. I pack food, don't eat out (grocery shop while there) and for-go the alcohol (oh god...I know). It is just a matter of how bad you want to go, or how valuable it is. At the moment....for me...it's all about the Return-on-investment. The convention doesn't make me money...so I'm not going. Next year might be different, but I'll evaluate it then.
From a geeky statistical standpoint, the results are very interesting. I wish I could say it reflected some aspect of the attendance of the convention itself, but it doesn't. Only shows that of the ST membership. It does feed my "fun with numbers" poll obsession though....LOL.
Jacob Ferden
EF4
I see what you are saying, and I agree with it in principle. As far as my personal situation, my finances right now are such that I flat out could not afford to spend the money to go to the convention, and chase, without essentially hitting the wall. These gas prices are frightening me as it is. And, for better or worse, for me personally, if I have to choose one or the other, I'm picking chasing. Sometimes being 21 and a college student stinks.
Tim Stoecklein
EF5
I can appreciate that Jacob, many of us have been in the same position. I just wanted to frame it for those who hammer on the location and conference fee. You'll appreciate the opportunities even more when you have the resources to choose both ;-)
Yeah, and going back to my post about the poll, don't get me wrong; I'm not being critical of those who can't go or don't want to go. I was just surprised that a forum specifically for storm chasers has an attendance rate among "active members" of 0.0105%.
KendraReed
EF2
I am more surprised only 63 out of Members 3,743 Active Members 2,092 actually "voted"
Patrick Martin
EF4
I'll be attending. Get out of work in downtown at 6:30pm Friday, and should be walking thru the doors before 7pm.
John Farley
Supporter
I just want to make a brief post and give a big thanks to Roger and Tim for yet another excellent convention. And it was great seeing old friends and making some new ones!
This is a great event for the chase community, and I know from organizing conventions myself that there is a tremendous amount of work that goes into planning and pulling off something like this - and Roger and Tim do it year after year! Thanks much!
This is a great event for the chase community, and I know from organizing conventions myself that there is a tremendous amount of work that goes into planning and pulling off something like this - and Roger and Tim do it year after year! Thanks much!
Jason Foster
Final tally as of the conference.
Code:
I have no idea...too many unknown factors still 2 2.86%
Undecided...depends on the planning/programs. 2 2.86%
Yes, absolutely planning to go...fees/room paid and/or reserved. 21 30.00%
Yes, absolutely planning to go...but no arrangements made 4 5.71%
No, I will not be attending this year. 41 58.57%
Bill Tabor
EF5
That probably tells you something about how many truly active members there are and how many are actually storm chasers or people related to storm chasing.
Jason Foster
If it's up that high, I would not be surprised if another purge is upcoming, but that is for another thread. I think in my initial post I have a link to the first post, where more voted.
Similar threads
- Poll
- Jason Foster
- STORMTRACK: Announcements
