2008 International

[Over59]

I'm I reading this correctly. 2008 International will cost $540 for two with 30amp service. Looks like a millionaire's convention to me. After the reports I've heard of how uninteresting and dead Perry was I cann't imagine spending that kind of money for 6 nights of camping in a row. It's interesting given the New England Unit's officers experience at Perry that "standing offsite" is an option on the form. Nothing like volunteering to wear a bulls eye on your shirt.

[Minnie's Mate]

Originally Posted by Over59

I'm I reading this correctly. 2008 International will cost $540 for two with 30amp service.

Not sure what they are thinking. Maybe if fewer people attend they can get the motor home vote sneaked by next year?

[Shacksman]

I guess they haven't noticed that as the cost goes up the attendance goes down. Next year should pretty well kill it. This year did it for me.

[SilverCabin]

Where are you reading this?

$540 does sound a little steep, but isn't 30-amp service an option? I know Montana has been having some 90-degree days, but it's high and dry, and the nights are in the 50s.

What happened to the NEU, turned out to be a big misunderstanding and mix-up. It's unfortunate that it was posted here on the forum, because we all blew it out of proportion. Staying off site was perfectly acceptable. Several members of our unit were off site with no issues. I understand the reasons for wanting to stay off-site, full hook ups, swimming pools, etc., and it was hot there, but IMHO it was more fun to be a part of the larger group.

As far a Perry being uninteresting and dead, I agree and disagree. This was the agricultural south. There wasn't any good places for canoeing, kayaking, and hiking, like you have in the mountains. Did I mention it was hot? And buggy? There were however, many interesting things to see within an hour's drive away (see the Airstream Life weblog), and lots to do in Atlanta, a few hours north. Most of these attractions (history, civil war, aquariums, CNN Center, etc.) you could enjoy away from the bugs and in the AC. Also, the people of Perry, repeatedly thanked us for being there--very nice people.

We are making plans to go to Montana for the 2008 rally.

Randy

[Minnie's Mate]

Originally Posted by SilverCabin

Staying off site was perfectly acceptable. Several members of our unit were off site with no issues. I understand the reasons for wanting to stay off-site, full hook ups, swimming pools, etc., and it was hot there, but IMHO it was more fun to be a part of the larger group.

Correct me if I am wrong, but staying off site has been a long time option, but you still have to pay the FULL rally fee to attend the International. There is no discount for staying off-site. So you have the option of staying on-site with 3 amp only, or paying the extra $255 for 30 amp or pay for an off-site camp site in addition to the full rally fee if you want to use A/C. Granted, that may not be necessary in Montana, but it may be desirable for some. So if you will want to use your microwave or a hair dryer while at the International in '08, you have to pay quiet a bit to do so.

[SilverCabin]

Tom,

$18.00 was the daily addmission fee. We discovered though, that you only needed to pay this if you wanted to attend any of the evening activities. So, a couple of our unit's members stayed off site, visited the rally site all day, then went home at 7:00 p.m. No charge at all.

Randy

[Minnie's Mate]

It is my understanding that the $18/day will no longer be offered and wasn't supposed to be offered to members this year. That, I think, was the basis for the confusion this year for the NEU: they were told one thing a year ago and the volunteers on the registration desk were given the new policy, or at least a different policy. As far as visiting the site during the day, that's a long way to go to "look, but don't touch". I understand that has been an option for non-members in the hopes of enticing area residents to visit and "get the bug" for an Airstream without giving them access to the business functions and other official educational and social functions of the International, but I'd hate to travel that far and be turned away at the gate.

[SilverCabin]

Originally Posted by Minnie's Mate

I'd hate to travel that far and be turned away at the gate.

Agree. I hope they clarify the policy before everyone starts making serious plans.

Randy

[Minnie's Mate]

Originally Posted by SilverCabin

Agree. I hope they clarify the policy before everyone starts making serious plans.

Randy

Especially for us still working folks in the Southeast it takes a while to plan a trip like that. I don't plan on going next year, but I'm sure there are a lot of folks like you that are and need to plan accordingly weather working or retired.

[Over59]

Originally Posted by SilverCabin

Tom,

$18.00 was the daily addmission fee. We discovered though, that you only needed to pay this if you wanted to attend any of the evening activities. So, a couple of our unit's members stayed off site, visited the rally site all day, then went home at 7:00 p.m. No charge at all.

Randy

Actually our officers were told they could not attend at the price and 1st VP of Region One to this day denies it was an option. In fact he demands names as if the unit officers were making it up when told of it. Of course names were not provided of those offsite at the same campground. They were told it was because they were offsite. Our Regional Officers did not support our unit but in fact may have been the original source of the problem. The membership is very unhappy.