A very pleasant surprise came to us a couple of weeks ago, although
it is definitely long after the 2023 meeting in Ohio. It came at the
point in time where we were seriously looking at having to cancel CofC
for 2024 due to a lack of bids from councils willing to host a CofC.
Fortunately
a group have submitted the necessary form and are diligently /
feverishly working on the final bits to, again host (Spoiler), a Council
of Councils. A little later this week we will update our pages with
links to the hotel for booking and all the current info on what will be
happening in addition to the main meeting. It is a favourite getaway
destination .... so please stay tuned!
ON a related note, we are past the submission date to contact us, again, if you are interested in submitting a bid for 2025 !
This
is a recurring situation year after year lately, the feedback is that
no one wants to move to a virtual meeting for the main meeting, the core
of CofC. Quite frankly everyone enjoys a fun filled winter break with
our second family to get you thru to the Spring....but it is getting
harder each year to pull together the finances to host this event. I can
only speak for up here in Ontario, our best option would be for
something in Toronto for easy airport or train access. the few hotels
that I approaches sent us quotes that at first glance did not seem
workable.
Overall Guest rooms ranged from $190 CAN to $300, with
the exchange around $200 CAN getting $150US, that could get pricey fast.
The hit came when they quoted prices for the required meeting spaces on
a rolling scale where IF we had $15,000 or less in food and beverage
sales they would discount the charge down to $9,000. (IF everyone was
REALLY hungry and thirsty (hmm) and we hit $25,000 then the rooms would
be complimentary! Another property stated if we spent $22,000 then the
meeting rooms would be $12,000. If you notice the hotels now disregard,
up here at least, the number of room nights booked for guest rooms.
I
personally could not commit to all of those expenses. I know we all
want to chat in person but I would like to see a representative for each
member council complete a short online survey of what would be
acceptable going forward for a host council to try and arrange for the
main meeting. Nothing extensive, more along the lines of what Vanners
feel is affordable and doable for a winter get away. I was personally
shocked at how much has changed in recent years and wonder if these
numbers are the new norm!?! (REALLY hope not!)
That is it for tonight, did you guess yet where we are going...send an email to
[email protected].