That's a very valid point, and one that should be considered. Two ballpark nights isn't a bad idea, though I'll be honest I eat at my cabin before going because I really find their burgers mediocre at best. If we do that it brings the price down $20 - does that make people happy & more willing to register?

I don't see any wasted time here. Some people aren't satisfied with the way the event is run, and that should certainly be addressed if their complaints are reasonable. If you don't like the discussion you certainly don't have to visit this thread.

 

Ken has said he's open to suggestions to spice up the event and make it better. We're trying to do that. You haven't added anything constructive what-so-ever!!! The event should not be about petty matters, but when we're paying for petty matters, why pay? Are you really going to continue going to a restaurant that screws up your meal each time you go? You might not send in a note to the manager letting him know, but you'll surely quit going because it's easy to do.

 

Ken has said he's open to suggestions to spice up the event and make it better. We're trying to do that. You haven't added anything constructive what-so-ever!!! The event should not be about petty matters, but when we're paying for petty matters, why pay? Are you really going to continue going to a restaurant that screws up your meal each time you go? You might not send in a note to the manager letting him know, but you'll surely quit going because it's easy to do.
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Well... I will add this ... Their "CHICKEN" really is disgusting ...

 

I'm not suggesting we move the banquet away from Fontana, but relocating it outside. Perhaps we could relocate it to the porch of the grill or whatever? Or perhaps the ball field? Seriously, ANYWHERE so that we wouldn't have to pay $27 per plate for food.

I was not aware that we weren't allowed to bring outside food onto Fontana property. This is a massive problem, because, clearly, the food they've been providing is not worth what they're charging for it. There has to be a way to fix this problem, either by telling Fontana that they're food is below expectation (has anyone done this yet?) or simply letting them know that we will not be requiring their services. I'm confident that, given the amount of business we're giving them consistently, we can come to a solution together with Fontana to this problem. Whether that means lowering the price per plate at the banquet, or improving the quality of food (regardless of whether its hot dogs, burgers, shrimp, chips, raccoon, filet mignon, cat) to match the price. The demand for food is only there if we supply it, and in the end we, as consumers, hold the power in this scenario, not the other way around.

As far as the PA system, chairs, tables, etc, I'd love to see the price breakdown from Fontana as to how much all this stuff costs to rent.

I ask these questions and propose these scenarios simply to get the ball rolling for NEXT time, not to radicalize the way the event (which, by the way, is in 12 days) coming up is run. If it means I have to call and start asking questions, so be it.

I'm new to this group, and I realize that. If that makes me under-qualified to make suggestions as to how we can IMPROVE this event, cool. Great story.

I'm not trying to burn any bridges, nor am I trying to call anyone out. I'm not accusing Ken of negligence, or anyone else for that matter. I am simply trying to create a shift in thinking here. Why are we settling for this? Why are we paying Fontana these exorbitant prices when they're so obviously inflated? I ask these questions and propose these scenarios simply to get the ball rolling for NEXT time, not to radicalize the way the event (which, by the way, is in 12 days) coming up is run. If it means I have to call and start asking questions, so be it. If it would benefit the group, I would absolutely love to do the legwork on this.

Ken, if you'd like, PM me as I'd love to help make any and all changes/improvements a reality.

 

I second this, add me to the PM.

 

I see a few of you are taking this personally.

Too bad.

No one is perfect, Ken isn't FDR, and this isn't the freakin' New Deal. It's an S2KI Dragon event. This cannot possibly be so difficult to hash out, tweak, and improve.

I drive in the neighborhood of 2500 total miles in 4 days to make this event, and although I find it lacking in a few particular areas, it is worth every single mile. Honestly, if my schedule allows, I will attend every event going forward regardless of who is organizing it. Ken has done a great job until this point, but I believe we can contribute, maybe distribute some of the workload, and make this event even better for everyone. If not, I'll eat my f@#king shoe.

Let's all work together to make this even more enjoyable for EVERYONE, not just the people that have been coming for years and years.

 

i disagree with you 100%. My complaint was when I was informed that my cabin might be cancelled, which would be more than a few f@#kn bucks... if it isn't about these "petty" matters why are people who don't register getting the group rate taken away? Why can't people just come up and enjoy these said "great" times and friendships without having to pay to be included in the group. Regardless I'm glad that rooms are not being canceled for non registered people. I'd hate to drive up there and have no cabin. Hope to meet all you guys that I haven't before in person. Will be a great weekend!!! End rant

 

I was talking with someone about this on PM, and am going to go ahead and offer it here.

I think a group of us should get together during the event, probably Saturday following the banquet, to discuss what could be improved and how to proceed in doing so. I'd also like to see some new blood step up and help organize the event, though I'll leave that to Ken and the other official organizers to decide.

Anyone interested in a pow wow?

 

I'm up for a pow wow

 

I keep seeing "other events" referenced in pricing comparison. Can some of you give us some actual #'s for these other events - where they're located, what they offer, how much they cost, and so on?

Also I've asked a couple times but no one has offered an answer. Will saving $15-20 really make all of the difference between all of this complaining and everyone being content? In the context of the weekend's cost, that is such a small sum I find it difficult to believe that is all the savings we need. So more to the point of the question - do people want/expect the event to be free?