Monday, February 8, 2010

2010 Homecoming - Registration Fees

As I prepare to send out another mass email updating everyone on the Homecoming plans AND
as I update the website relative to these emerging plans,
I am aware that some people want more information than others.
. . . AND we all know I'm not good at being brief. So, I think it wise to post basic info on the website and to then expand on that info on this blog for the benefit of those inquiring minds who want to know more.

The following update is currently being posted related to Registration Fees for the Homecoming:

Registration Fees:
  • $75 per person if paid by end of the day May 31, 2010
  • $100 per person if paid between June 1 - August 31, 2010
  • $125 per person if paid on or after September 1, 2010
Cancellations:
  • Registration fees are refundable if canceled by September 30, 2010
  • Registration fees are negotiable if canceled on or after October 1, 2010 with final decision contingent on whether or not the cancellation creates a significant cost factor that cannot be reimbursed.
What Registration Fees Cover and Do Not Cover:
  • The fee WILL cover the cost for the luxury chartered buses (for at least two day tours), admission fees, program costs related to the tours, plus all other program-related honorariums and costs for the remaining events, including costs for room and site rentals, shelter and seating costs as needed for use at the Peter Burr House, and for many other related expenses and costs.
  • All registration fees are to cover actual expenses and are calculated such that early registrants receive a considerable discount in return for registering early.
  • The registration fee this year will NOT cover all meals as it did in 2008 but will include some meals as we are better able to determine what the remaining budget will allow.
  • None of the registration fee is for general fund raising or residual income for the Peter Burr House or for Reliving History, Inc.

Register Early to Take Advantage of Discounts!

Your assistance by registering early helps us to cover the cost of deposits that are required in order to make logistical arrangements for program elements far enough in advance that we can schedule based on our agenda rather than based on what less-favorable openings remain.

Tour buses alone will cost about $1250 per bus per day and will require deposits up front to reserve them. Likewise, scheduling room or site rentals and various other program elements require front deposits. In addition to early cash flow, we also need a somewhat accurate clue as to how many people are coming.

The $75 registration fee per person for those who pay before June 1 includes a considerable discount. The tour bus costs $1250 per day and contains 50 available seats. A full bus at that rate costs $25 per seat (even for children). Admissions into the planned day tour sites $8 per adult each day. So, one person attending a day tour will cost $33 per person. That same person attending both tours costs $66 of the $75 registration fee before any other costs for the entire week are taken into consideration. Because sudden changes at the last minute can be costly, then it is worth it to us to offer a significant discount in return for early registration. We will then be able to plan other ways for making up other needed funds in other ways. Help to make planning as effective as possible by communicating your intentions to participate as soon as possible.

To make up the difference
between real costs and registration fees, we will probably:
  • invite the general public to some of the planned events in return for participation fees, 
  • seek in-kind contributions, and 
  • raise funds by offering some items for sell as snacks and souvenirs.
To Register for the Homecoming:
Follow the instructions on our website at the bottom of the 2010 Homecoming page:
http://www.relivinghistoryinc.org/2010Homecoming.html