[ha-Safran]: Conventions
Even though we have talked a lot about the cost of conventions on many occasions and even carried out a survey, it seems that there are still questions to be asked and possibilities to be investigated. Whatever we do, wherever we go we have to think also about the exhibitors. It was a fact of life 10 years ago when we organized the convention in Chicago that the benefits that we realize from the exhibits, both in terms of money and in terms of service to the attendees, are not at all negligible. It may still be a fact of life. Will the exhibitors come on a college campus? May be many will. Will the exhibitors go to Hawaii or Valencia? We should find out before planning. Shoshanah Seidman Messages and opinions expressed on Hasafran are those of the individual author and are not necessarily endorsed by the AJL === Submissions for Ha-Safran, send to: Hasafran @ lists.acs.ohio-state.edu SUBscribing, SIGNOFF commands send to: Listproc @ lists.acs.ohio-state.edu Questions, problems, complaints, compliments;-) send to: galron.1 @ osu.edu Ha-Safran Archives: Current: http://www.mail-archive.com/hasafran%40lists.acs.ohio-state.edu/maillist.html History: http://www.mail-archive.com/hasafran%40lists.acs.ohio-state.edu/history.html AJL HomePage http://www.JewishLibraries.org
[ha-Safran]: Conventions on college campuses
At the convention at Oakland I had the honor of being the oldest past president in attendance. That did make be feel a bit "old"! Does anyone besides me remember the 1977 convention held on the campus of Brandeis University? I gotta tell you, perhaps it is a function of my present age, but the prospect of dorm rooms, showers, and cafeteria is one big turn off to me. It was sorta fun in 1977, but I was 28 years younger than I am now. And I want my creature comforts. I think everyone wants a convention reasonably priced. But be careful what you wish for! Phil Miller (AJL president, 1982-1984) Messages and opinions expressed on Hasafran are those of the individual author and are not necessarily endorsed by the AJL === Submissions for Ha-Safran, send to: Hasafran @ lists.acs.ohio-state.edu SUBscribing, SIGNOFF commands send to: Listproc @ lists.acs.ohio-state.edu Questions, problems, complaints, compliments;-) send to: galron.1 @ osu.edu Ha-Safran Archives: Current: http://www.mail-archive.com/hasafran%40lists.acs.ohio-state.edu/maillist.html History: http://www.mail-archive.com/hasafran%40lists.acs.ohio-state.edu/history.html AJL HomePage http://www.JewishLibraries.org
Re: [ha-Safran]: Conventions
I think that is precisely why we have had such expensive hotels for the most part and also because past surveys of members have strongly indicated the desire to be _near_ everything (although Boca Raton in 1999 was a notable exception). There's some relief this year as the Oakland Marriott is charging $129, the lowest hotel price we've had since 1997 in Cleveland. When I went to my first AJL Convention in 1991 (Miami Beach), I had to pay everything myself, and I couldn't even afford the $95 a night that now looks "reasonable" at the Fontainebleau so I stayed at the Miami Beach International Hostel for $13 a night and shared a dorm room with 3 strangers. I took a city bus to and from the Fontainebleau often changing into and out of my fancier "work" clothes at the hotel. It may not have been the most pleasant arrangement, but because I wanted to go to Convention, I found a way to make it work. Although I'm better off than I was back then, I sometimes find the current hotel prices a bit daunting, too, but since I find participation in Convention so rewarding, it's a sacrifice I often willingly make (the expense, that is). I know that for others it is certainly much more of a hardship, and discussing it again can certainly do no harm. I just think we have gone over this time and time again in the past (just a few years ago, e.g.), and I don't know if some way exists to truly resolve the matter to everyone's satisfaction. If we could indeed lower some of the expenses (it truly costs a fortune in both funds and sweat to host and put on Convention) and keep up the high standards and excellent programming and locations, then I'm certain virtually all AJL members would be delighted, but this has come up often enough, and it appears that on the whole, things will get more expensive not less as time goes on, like everything else. The registration, which may seem high (it includes all but one meal, all strictly kosher), but I can assure you it doesn't come close to the cost per capita of actually putting on a good conference and meeting the needs and demands of most attendees. >>><< > < > Elliot H. Gertel 111-C Hatcher Graduate Library North < > Irving M. Hermelin Curator of Judaica Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1205 < > The University of Michigan [EMAIL PROTECTED] < > University Library Area Programs 734-936-2367 (phone) < > Near East Division 734-763-6743 (fax) < > http://www.lib.umich.edu/area/Near.East/judaica.html < > http://www.lib.umich.edu/rrs/egertel.html < > < >>><< Messages and opinions expressed on Hasafran are those of the individual author and are not necessarily endorsed by the AJL === Submissions for Ha-Safran, send to: Hasafran @ lists.acs.ohio-state.edu SUBscribing, SIGNOFF commands send to: Listproc @ lists.acs.ohio-state.edu Questions, problems, complaints, compliments;-) send to: galron.1 @ osu.edu Ha-Safran Archives: Current: http://www.mail-archive.com/hasafran%40lists.acs.ohio-state.edu/maillist.html History: http://www.mail-archive.com/hasafran%40lists.acs.ohio-state.edu/history.html AJL HomePage http://www.JewishLibraries.org
Re: [ha-Safran]: Conventions
I agree with Eliezer, that a less expensive hotel would be preferable, but it MUST be a hotel that can supply Kosher meals, Conventions facilities, etc. Yossi Galron Messages and opinions expressed on Hasafran are those of the individual author and are not necessarily endorsed by the AJL === Submissions for Ha-Safran, send to: Hasafran @ lists.acs.ohio-state.edu SUBscribing, SIGNOFF commands send to: Listproc @ lists.acs.ohio-state.edu Questions, problems, complaints, compliments;-) send to: galron.1 @ osu.edu Ha-Safran Archives: Current: http://www.mail-archive.com/hasafran%40lists.acs.ohio-state.edu/maillist.html History: http://www.mail-archive.com/hasafran%40lists.acs.ohio-state.edu/history.html AJL HomePage http://www.JewishLibraries.org
[ha-Safran]: Conventions
This discussion seems to be focused on the date of the convention. We cannot forget the financial burden of the members who decide to go. Hotels in downtown areas are very expensive. I was told that members want to be able to go from their hotel and see the sights. I don't see why more reasonable accommodations cannot be combined with shuttle buses. When I was in Denver in 2002, the hotel cost $159 per night. One doesn't travel that far for one day and if one stays three days the price tag is well over $500. If you include registration costs and air fare we are talking well over $1000. Not everyone has that kind of money, not everyone wants to be forced to have a roommate. A little understanding could go a long way. One person's desire and convenience is another's financial hardship. If you are going to poll membership I suggest you keep this item in mind. It is just as crucial as the date issue. Eliezer Wise Library Director Tuttleman Library [EMAIL PROTECTED] Messages and opinions expressed on Hasafran are those of the individual author and are not necessarily endorsed by the AJL === Submissions for Ha-Safran, send to: Hasafran @ lists.acs.ohio-state.edu SUBscribing, SIGNOFF commands send to: Listproc @ lists.acs.ohio-state.edu Questions, problems, complaints, compliments;-) send to: galron.1 @ osu.edu Ha-Safran Archives: Current: http://www.mail-archive.com/hasafran%40lists.acs.ohio-state.edu/maillist.html History: http://www.mail-archive.com/hasafran%40lists.acs.ohio-state.edu/history.html AJL HomePage http://www.JewishLibraries.org
