Excellence in Laundry conference

[couvsuds]

At the outset, let me say that I applaud the CLA for trying something new. That said, what do you all think as to whether this 3-day conference in Palm Springs is worth the cost? Except for those living in the area, it's going to cost a store owner in the neighborhood of $2000 to attend, between airfare, the upscale hotel, transportation, meals and the $599 conference fee. Maybe the stuff you'll learn will be many times worth the money. But if I'm looking at 2 grand as a laundromat owner, I wonder ... is it worth spending that dough on a direct mail campaign or other advertising, or use it for this educational conference.

Just curious to hear what others think. And who is planning to attend?

[canon]

I am considering it. It's a 3 day vacation in a beautiful place. Plus you can talk shop with some owners. By the way this is not new. They do it on the off years of the clean show.

[couvsuds]

Originally Posted by canon

By the way this is not new. They do it on the off years of the clean show.

My mistake. I was under the impression this was a new venture.

[Sudds]

That's rather pricey. Maybe the CLA missed the memo that said we were in a recession. "?"

[bodman]

Guys you are missing the 4 points. 1 vacation 2 vacation 3 vacation and total write off business expense.

[chad]

I think I will be going, It's 2hrs away from me.

[Life of Brian]

I'll be there! Really looking forward to it.

[CanCanCase]

It seems to me this conference is geared toward multi-store owners...my cost (if we use Nick's $2K number) is around $500 per store. That's a non-trivial but small fraction of my marketing and biz-development budget. If I pick up even one tidbit that allows the growth of my chain, it's money well spent, IMO.

- Case

[kees]

It sounds nice but it not in the budget for me.

[chad]

If it was not near me I would not go. I think it is a little high and they are marketing it to multi store owners. No way will someone spend $2k to come to this.. I can take my wife and go on a nice vacation for $2k.