:::::Together Again::::: Extending the early bird registration closing date to the 10th of April 2015 and FAQs :::::
The '98 Batch - Together Again!
(please find the attached PDF file)
Dear friend,
Ever since registration for ‘Together Again’ commenced, the response we received has been heartwarmingly positive. 60 of us have already jumped on to the bandwagon and another 40 or so are giving last minute finishing strokes to their busy schedules to make themselves available for the event.
We have received several requests over the past couple of days to postpone the final date for the early bird registration offer to the first week of April, as many batch-mates, most of them out-stationed at present, would be able to give a definitive answer regarding their participation only by then. In view of this development, the organizing committee has unanimously decided to extend the early bird registration closing date to the 10th of April 2015. We request all those who are yet to register to take cognizance of this matter while processing their registration particulars.
Concerns that the registration amount was “too high” were raised from certain quarters after the first invite was sent out. This and certain other “FAQs” have been elaborately answered below.
Going by our present numbers, we expect a crowd of at least 100 batch mates for the event, which we are told is a very healthy number for a batch reunion. So for those of you who are still undecided about joining the festivities, kindly ponder over this. These 100 or so people with whom you have shared many precious moments of your college life have put aside all their other engagements and exigencies to be a part of this nostalgic joyride. Away from the deafening din of our busy lives, the event offers us a unique opportunity to re-experience the lost innocence of sincere friendships and carefree fun. On that day, would you rather be anyplace else than in the midst of this joyous celebration?
So do not wait. Take the plunge!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1) If other batches have held their reunion for 2,000 rupees, why is ours costing so much?
Ans: Batches which have had reunions for 2,000 odd have not held these at a resort. Moreover, it would have been a one-day event at the college auditorium with lunch and would not have included families. We, on the other hand, thought that when we are meeting up after so long, one day was too short a time period to drive down memory lane. We therefore have booked a luxury resort almost entirely to ourselves for two days. The package includes boat rides to and from the resort, welcome drink, accommodation in Deluxe Double room/ Cottage, three full buffet meals including a Banquet dinner, two mini meals / Snacks & Coffee, full use of all recreational amenities and swimming pools, two bottles of mineral water and in-room snacks.
2) Are you collecting more from us than what is actually required?
Ans: Yes. We would like to clarify that the amount collected as per existing packages is well and truly above per capita anticipated expenditure. This was a conscious and unanimous decision of the organizing committee as we were not sure of the numbers upfront and also because we didn’t want any unforeseen expenditure to go uncovered.
3) Can we know the item wise split up of the anticipated expenses?
Ans: Most certainly. We have nothing to hide from you.
Split up of the registration tariff – calculated per head, for one adult, on twin sharing basis
|
Overnight package at Estuary Island Resort – Aug 22 (Details as mentioned above) |
3,150/- |
|
Registration kit, Memento, Gift hampers, Batch photo |
1,500/- |
|
Transport to and from the resort (A/C Buses / Travelers / Cabs) |
350/- |
|
Audio-Visuals at resort |
200/- |
|
Audio-Visuals at College |
200/- |
|
Hall rent |
100/- |
|
‘Onasadya’ at College |
200/- |
|
Cultural event at Resort |
100/- |
|
DJ night |
200/- |
|
Photographer |
100/- |
|
Memento for faculty |
100/- |
|
Miscellaneous expenditure, stationery & consumables |
300/- |
|
Margin for unforeseen expenditure |
1,000/- |
|
GRAND TOTAL |
7,500/- |
4) Will the income and expenditure be audited? What will you do with the excess money?
Ans: Yes, an audited statement of accounts will be presented at the event and the balance of income over expenditure will be refunded, either along with the gift hampers or transferred to individual accounts.
5) Won’t the expenses come down once the numbers go up?
Ans: Yes. All existing rates have been calculated expecting a turnout of 100-120 pax. If the numbers go up, per head rates will certainly come down. As on today, the total numbers are close to 80 plus, including families.
6) Can you not offer a day package at a reduced rate for those who do not wish to stay overnight?
Ans: We have already received close to 60 registrations as per the existing three packages. In that context, adding a new package at a reduced rate would not be fair to those who have already registered. Nevertheless, if we get sufficient registrations so that all 60 rooms we have blocked are availed, we shall certainly consider refunding the room rent to those who opt not to stay on after the banquet. They can rejoin for the college function on 23rd and the ‘Onasadya’ thereafter. Though this has been agreed in principle, a final decision on this can be taken only after the registration closes
7) What would the same package cost at the resort if we do not book through the ‘Together Again’ account?
Ans: We had clarified this with the resort and they have given us the quotation at 7,600/- on twin sharing.
8) The resorts website says Deluxe rooms are available on the same dates for 3,600 on double occupancy (1,800/- per head). Then why are you charging 3,150/- per head?
Ans: The rates quoted on the resort’s website are according to the “Bed and Breakfast” plan, wherein they offer only a complimentary breakfast. Dinner and Lunch would be chargeable at 750 + taxes per head. So you end up paying close to 3,800 extra per room (1,900 per head). Two additional snacks and coffee would cost 400. The total therefore would come to 7,800/- on twin sharing basis (3,900/-). This will never be mentioned on the website landing page as it is bound to drive away potential customers. This package of 3,900/- per head is what is being offered to us at a discounted rate of 3,150/-
9) We are finding it difficult to confirm family participation this early. Can we register as individuals now and later pay the difference if we want to bring our families along?
Ans: It is precisely for such people that the early bird dates have been stretched to April 10. In spite of that, if the issue is still not resolved, we would encourage you to certainly go ahead with the registration. Availability of extra rooms cannot be guaranteed at the moment, and probably not until we have the final numbers, but we certainly shall try our level best to accommodate your family, should they chose to come along. In any case, family for the banquet alone should not be a problem if you inform us ahead of the last date of registration.
I am settled abroad at present. It is difficult to confirm my participation this early. What shall I do?
Ans: Kindly try and make use of the extended early bird offer. In case of foreign registrations, we may extend the early bird offer further, again depending on the actual numbers, but nothing has been decided on this yet.