Conferences that rip you off!
Recently in London we had a conference ‘Blogs & Social Media Forum’ and I heard it was a good time.
When you go to a conference there are always a few reasons to be there, 1) you learn things you didn’t know, or refine ideas you currently have, 2) Network with your peers, 3) meet with contacts and do business. Now to do those three things at this conference you had to pay the fee of £350 + VAT. Fine, its a reasonable price, considering all the expenses and risks associated with putting together a proper conference - leasing space, speakers, general logistics, etc.
How ever see below for my beef:
Special Offer - Purchase all 8 Podcasts for: £150 + VAT Individual Podcasts: £25 + VAT
more >> Blogs and Social Media Forum
Now I have a problem, the issue is that they are now re-selling their conference speakers as podcasts for anywhere between $1 - $2 per minute. That is practically highway robbery. They have none of the logistical costs, conference space, food, etc, and you don’t benefit from any of the other reasons I mentioned earlier for going to a conference.
I don’t know about you but this is an interesting twist. What am I going to get that is so great in 20 minutes? I admit to considering making the purchases, but I just can’t justify it at that price. VNU appears to be out of touch with reality when they set these prices.
Consider the pricing of this conference - two days for £395 - as I believe it is a reasonable comparison.
What do you think?
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Throws your calculations out somewhat.
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Regarding your comment that it was a one day conference wasn't lost on me, I assumed that the reader would divide the £395 by the two days and arrive at about £200 making it nearly %50 cheaper.
However since I published this post I have learned that not only are there the two days of conference but 4 days of social networking partys beginning the night before the conference and finishing the day afterwards on Saturday.
Now this is a conference that has it all. Technology sharing, and a strong social aspect. Should be great.
Are you coming?
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