This is the second part of a message from the 2009 ICS. I had to split
it into two parts because it was rejected by Texas Cavers as too long.
-- Mixon
Special message to NSS members:
When you look at the registration form, you’ll immediately notice that
the prices are higher than a typical NSS Convention. That is not
something we did lightly and you deserve an explanation:
1) Look at the circular. You will quickly be impressed by the
many things that will be happening at the ICS.
2) This is more expensive than a typical NSS Convention because it
is an NSS Convention PLUS an International Congress. Again, please
look at the circular to see all that registration buys.
3) NSS Convention lasts 5 days. The ICS last 8 days, so comparing
flat registration prices isn’t reasonable. The ICS is longer and thus
has more expenses. It also has more activities.
4) Compare the ICS prices with the 2008 NSS Convention on a per
day rate. The early-bird prices are $23.40/day for NSS and $31.25/day
for the ICS. The highest at-the-door prices are $35.80/day for NSS and
$37.50/day for the ICS. The differences are not that great, only
$1.70-7.85/day. At worst, less than the price of 2 gallons of
gasoline. Many of you spend that much each day driving to and from work.
5) For those on tight budgets, up to $50 can be shaved off the ICS
registration price by declining the guidebook and proceedings, which
brings the daily rates down to $25 and $31.25/day, depending on when
you register. And if someone is feeling richer when they arrive at the
ICS, they can still buy those books there for the same amount.
6) For perspective, when many cavers fill their tanks and go
caving this weekend, they are paying about $80 for fuel alone. That
buys about one–third of the registration price to the most significant
caving event to hit North America, and possibly the world. For a once
or twice-in-a-lifetime opportunity (having an ICS in the US), this is
a bargain.
7) Registration for kids is higher than normal due to the longer
period of the ICS and other factors. It includes JSS. On the flip
side, families that camp will be charged only for the adults and kids
are free.
8) The NSS Awards Banquet is a separate fee. We can’t require
people from other countries to pay for our banquet as part of the
overall ICS fee, although non-US cavers will certainly be welcome to
join us. The price is $38, which is break-even when you tally the
price of the meal, drinks, facility, transportation, etc. Our research
shows that meal prices for comparable catered banquets range from
$35-40/person at the low end in central Texas, without the costs of
facilities, etc. that we are including. Don’t worry about the quality.
It is excellent.
9) The field trip prices are higher than we’d like. There is
nothing to be done about it. The main factor is rising fuel costs.
10) The NSS Convention and ICS are professional-quality conferences
in many ways. Not all cavers attend professional conferences and don’t
appreciate the value they get at NSS and will get at the ICS, which
are 2-3 times cheaper, up to twice as long, and with a rich variety of
morning-to-night activities often lacking from “professional”
conventions.
While we have written a tight budget to keep the ICS prices as low as
possible, we have written it so we don’t lose money. If attendance is
good and we bring in extra money, we have plans to put as much as
possible back into the ICS for attendees to enjoy.
The devaluation of the dollar is a prime reason why prices for many
products in the US are becoming more expensive, which has taken its
toll on ICS registration rates. If we didn’t have the financial
support of so many excellent sponsors and the volunteer efforts of the
86 members of the ICS Organizing Committee and their staff, the price
of registration would have been much higher.
I appreciate your interest in the ICS, and promise you will find it a
unique, exciting, and eye-opening event, and a great bargain for all
that will be offered.
George
P.S.: Feel free to distribute this information by e-mail, the web, and
newsletters.
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