>From a PR/mktg standpoint - a priority for many attending is vendors/shopping, and socializing/camaraderie. Of course people want to learn something, but may not get into a class that they want to. The lull that sustains is the first two mentioned, and one has to consider if you will also lose vendors traveling to two distant places (with increasing travel costs). Some may feel they have to choose, and that cuts into whatever slim profits they already have. We can't lose more lace suppliers who get over-stretched.
Then if you have 300 ct. attendees at one national event, there is a likelihood to get less than half per when the venue is split, and it is twice the work. It is more economical to fly one person to teach 20 people, than to have 20 people travel to the instructor, but if the passion is there, they will do it. It seems like it is dividing up the pieces of the pie a bit too scantly. Then again it could create competition so each tries to have better offerings. I think some get bored with attending in their own area over time, and prefer a new place and sites to see. With costs going up for transportation, people likely are more focused on visiting a new place while there as more 'bang for their buck,' as Alice shared. Best, Susan Reishus - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
