Comments on: ProBlogger in Chicago – Would you Come?

By: Justin

Justin — Wed, 25 Jan 2006 19:38:14 +0000

I agree with that a conference geared specifically towards beginners is going to be hard sell. I’m in Chicago, and I would be there regardless, but you know what I mean…

Also, please look into sponsorship…some of us bloggers don’t have a lot of money to kick around yet…

By: Walter Jeffries

Walter Jeffries — Wed, 25 Jan 2006 03:38:15 +0000

No. City.

By: Ken

Ken — Wed, 25 Jan 2006 03:12:27 +0000

Although not the cheapest option, NOTHING beats New York City. You could always hold it in New Jersey near mass transit like the PATH.

Either way, that’d be awesome to have your six figure blogging course in the media capital of the world.

By: Fly Girl

Fly Girl — Tue, 24 Jan 2006 22:38:17 +0000

I’d certainly try to plan to be there — but since I fly for a living, travel costs aren’t an issue.

I have some rather extensive experience is conference planning from a prior life (venue selection, accommodations, meals/catering, curriculum and tuition, sponsorships, etc.), so feel free to contact me via email if you’d like to discuss specifics.

By: Victor

Victor — Tue, 24 Jan 2006 14:58:13 +0000

Darren,

What audience skill level do you want to focus at for this possible event? The novices, the somewhat experienced people, or advanced users? This would be the ultimate decision maker for me. If I can walk out of there a more knowledgable man, then I’d pay around $300-$500.

Thanks,

Vic

By: Blaine Moore (Run to Win)

Blaine Moore (Run to Win) — Tue, 24 Jan 2006 14:35:03 +0000

Chicago in early October any other year would mean I would be there, but I probably can’t this year due to lack of funds and vacation time from the normal job (as I’d rather use my vacation for a honeymoon than a blogging conference…no offense…) If you do it in the future, try to time it around the Chicago Marathon so that I can kill two birds with one stone.

As for Boston, I would just need enough notice. I can jet down that way fairly easily for a day or two as necessary.

Good luck; I hope you have a successful conference.

By: Eric Scalf

Eric Scalf — Tue, 24 Jan 2006 13:58:56 +0000

Due to my current monetary and health situations, I would be unable to attend anything outside of Houston (and likely couldn’t afford to attend it if it was in Houston). However, if you stop through Houston with a conference, in exchange for all access, I’d be more than willing to help you find a location, lodging, anything I can do. Not to mention, of course, local advertising.

By: pcunix

pcunix — Tue, 24 Jan 2006 12:19:13 +0000

Another vote for Boston – or Providence

Cost – $200.00 would be OK, I think.

By: Peter Flaschner

Peter Flaschner — Tue, 24 Jan 2006 12:11:47 +0000

Count me in for Chicago!

By: Marti

Marti — Tue, 24 Jan 2006 11:04:45 +0000

Kansas City is dead center of the United States geographically, has lovely mild weather in October, and would bend over backwards to give you a good deal on hotel and conference space, as it is often overlooked by event organizers. And I’ll throw in a free pumpkin – (I mean donate [picturing Darren ducking an airborne jack-o-lantern] – LOL)

By: mark

mark — Tue, 24 Jan 2006 07:05:18 +0000

I’m with Paul. Bring it to TO :)

By: Paul Short

Paul Short — Tue, 24 Jan 2006 05:12:59 +0000

Toronto’s probably cheaper for everything involved ;-)

But it’s only a short flight to Chicago from here.

By: HostingDiary

HostingDiary — Tue, 24 Jan 2006 03:49:38 +0000

Any plans for an Aussie blogfest?

Andrew

By: GizmoDoc

GizmoDoc — Tue, 24 Jan 2006 03:39:24 +0000

I am a Chicago native and my website and staff are based there so I would definitely attend. Wouln’t want to schedule much before May as the weather can be challenging. I’m in Maui now as I escape the winters here for 2-3 months.

By: Martin

Martin — Tue, 24 Jan 2006 03:17:54 +0000

Darren… re: sponsorship – I have a sponsorship background so if you’d like I’ll email you later tonight with some of my thoughts and ideas.

By: Darren Rowse

Darren Rowse — Tue, 24 Jan 2006 02:45:11 +0000

FMF – yep aware of that and am trying to get to it (hense the timing).

Martin – yeah sponsorship might work if we can pull some.

By: Martin

Martin — Tue, 24 Jan 2006 02:42:06 +0000

I’d go but I’d have to hitch a ride with Darren – has Chicago changed much since 1978 (the last and only time I was there. I was 8 years old) ? :-)

Pricing: for 2 full days at a proper venue I’d say $295-$495

Really all depends on the size you want. The bigger audience = lesser price whereas a smaller crowd the price would go up.

I’ve attended one-day conferences (30-80 people) that cost anywhere between $195 – $495

I’d also look at a sponsorship to keep pricing down.

By: Paul -V-

Paul -V- — Tue, 24 Jan 2006 02:35:46 +0000

I would go.

I have no idea how much you should charge ‘tho.

By: FMF

FMF — Tue, 24 Jan 2006 02:24:39 +0000

As long as I know about it far enough in advance, I could/would make it. Also, you know the Florida blogging cruise is that time right?

By: Darren Rowse

Darren Rowse — Tue, 24 Jan 2006 01:58:55 +0000

thanks for the responses – any comments on pricing anyone?