When $$ Is the Only Object

Well, I'm probably going to get myself in trouble, today. Just can't help it.

I received an invitation to a conference in Dallas, TX, in early June and... I'm thoroughly disappointed in what I discovered when I clicked in to the conference details.

The eWomen Network, a growing online group of businesswomen, is holding this conference and offering it to the general public. Sandra Yancey, Founder & CEO, is having a private reception, and the speakers list is quite impressive. But, I'm appalled by the cost. Are the attendees paying for the privilege of being in the audience of these 'great' speakers?? That seems outlandish, to me.

If I were really interested, I could probably attend. Thing is - why should I? These women obviously don't care about their sisters. The cost of this event is too skyhigh for me to believe they care about us. Their exhibitor packages START at $1995, for a measly 8' x 6' space! And "One Exhibitor-Only Ticket." Puh-lease!

I'm baffled why anyone would attend this conference - when she could easily get the same benefit from other places, for less cost. I'm not talking "price" here...I'm talking cost. After you pay the exhibitor or attendee price, you have hotel, travel, and some misc. expenses...and you're out well over $2000, at least. I personally don't know any small business owner, female or male, that can afford that. On top of 4 days out of the office! IF we could, well... is this the right place to spend it?

Not having attended any past conferences, I can't speak to the 'value' of being there. The speakers' list is outstanding - LOTS of ladies, and a few well-known men (for a second, just a second, I considered it to see Stedman...then changed my mind. Even he's not worth that much of my money, at this time in my career.) Yes, there is a "payment" plan - part now, part in May, the rest in June. It's just that... c'mon, ladies. If you really want to help us out - don't outprice your event so that only those women business owners with six figure bottom lines can attend. If you really are focused on helping your sisters achieve - why not price your event within reason? Why not give entrepreneurs some options, other than going into debt to see ... well, whomever.

It's even more distressing when you scroll down the homepage and discover that the event is being  sponsored by the likes of American Express, KeyBank, Microsoft, Office Deport, and more. That tells me these ladies (the event organizers) are making some big bucks off the backs of their poorer attendees. Guess the logo, "Daring, Determined & Dynamic" stands for their attitude in soaking the foolish women who think they're going to learn more from Carly Fiorina and Daryn Kagan (who?) than from their own local Chamber of Commerce speakers. Or, from their local chapter of NAWBO. [ppssstt... the NAWBO national conference is better priced and Gloria Steinem will be there!]

Sorry, Sandra. This is just unacceptable. Take out the "lavish" and the "DREAM lounge," the designer purses, and give me stuff I can use. Or, put all that stuff in as a gift to your attendees - and let your sponsors carry the cost. I prefer doing business with women who understand other women. Something you obviously don't 'get'. 

Comments

[Lena West]

Holy cr*p batman!

Yvonne, if I *ever* create a conference, I want *you* on the team.

Yes, the event is pricey but what disturbs me as well is the diversity challenge in their speakers. If they can get Carly, why can't they get the VP of HP (a black woman)? Why can't they get Debra Lee or Cathy Hughes, Dr. Johnetta B. Coles, Michelle Obama or Pamela Thomas Graham?

I know people who have attended this event and if they are any representation of the caliber of women who attend this event I'm not sure that it's worth it.

I'd MUCH rather go to the Women President's Organization Annual Meeting. Yes, I'm a member and yes that was a shameless plug.

I will say that one day I might attend, just to see what all the bruhaha is all about...but maybe not.

[Jane]

That's one of the reasons I really appreciate BlogHer: the registration fee is kept low (and probably subsidized by the sponsors to a large extent) to maximize the number of people who can attend.