Does
Price Determine Value?
In
an economy where penny pinching is finally in vogue, ticket price
can cause sticker shock! Maybe you’ve heard that a high-end
conference will bring out “the cream of the crop?” To some extent, I
agree. But I also believe a conference can cultivate a whole new
crop! Let’s look at both sides of that coin.
1) A high-priced
conference, workshop or retreat will require a big step of faith to
attend. It will bring out people who are serious about their desire
to grow as individuals, business people or leaders. They’ll want to
attend in order to develop their craft, to network or to confirm
their calling.
When a price tag is high, it means…
*...the
organizers have a budget to work with and are able to bring in
experts who have studied and bring new insight to their
field.
*...the location will be conducive to a
getaway.
*...you will network with others who have experienced
success.
*...it will weed out people who aren’t serious about
their growth.
*...it will offer a large number of experts and
offer many opportunities through workshops and hands-on
programs.
*...that program can stand the test of time. It will
continue to bring people in, regardless of the economy because it
has a reputation for excellence.
I’ve been drooling over the
CLASS Christian Writers’ Conference in New Mexico for years. But the
cost of traveling across the country, coupled with the cost of the
event itself has stopped me in my tracks. This year, scholarships
are being offered, and that changes everything! As I’ve reevaluated
that desire to attend, it still beacons me with the pull of
connecting with successful people in the industry.
2) A
high-price can exclude people who need that extra nudge. Some people
don’t read past the cost. It becomes prohibitive in their thinking
and can stall the best intentions. All budding artists and
entrepreneurs need to start somewhere. Networking at a conference or
retreat center can give them the confidence to take a step in the
right direction, as they learn from the stories of others.
A
low-priced conference may not bring people in from all over the
country, but it could provide the environment where a mentoring
relationship may be birthed. Both sides benefit from the
relationship as questions are tackled and clarified. Both sides gain
insight into the process and grow from the banter. We’ve all been on
the receiving end of someone else’s wisdom; mentoring someone who is
just starting out gives us the opportunity to “pay it forward” to
another.
Over the years, I’ve sought alternatives to large
writers’ conferences, and have benefitted from attending a variety
of options. I found a great conference at Sandy Cove, Maryland, and
attended twice. I went to workshops at our local college and
libraries. And I’ve interacted with seminars online. They helped me
to clarify my calling and to pursue excellence in that cause.
In
planning retreats for the women of our church, we have sought ways
to keep cost to a minimum, so that everyone would be able to attend.
You never know where seed will be planted that will sprout into a
fruitful life!
Does price determine value? The point of a
conference is to motivate and encourage those who participate. If
action happens because of that connection, then it will have
achieved its purpose!
Exciting
News to Share!
I
received word a few days ago that I am a recipient of the Cec
Murphey Scholarship for the CLASS Christian Writers’ Conference
November 3-8! My flight is booked, and I will be presenting book
proposals there of Dawn Samuelson’s love for Jesus and horses! New
Mexico, here we come!
