Why is Plant Biology 2009 in Hawaii? Isn't that expensive?

[WendyS]

We've heard through the grapevine that some think that Hawaii is an
expensive and 'fancy' spot for an ASPB meeting. Why would we choose to
go there?

ASPB's annual meeting has historically had the highest attendance when
it's held in western states; indeed, Hawaii 2003 was one of the most
popular meetings ever. Why? Hawaii is certainly West Coast friendly,
and it's easy enough for East Coasters and those inbetween to get to
as well. But it's the interactions with ASPB members and other plant
scientists from around the globe that particularly enrich ASPB's
Pacific meetings.

What about the cost? PB'09 in Hawaii is actually remarkably
affordable. ASPB negotiated phenomenal rates at the hotels because of
our history with this location -- rooms at one of the best hotels in
Honolulu start at under $200 per night, and rooms at a secondary hotel
cost only $164 per night. Moreover, the convention center was provided
to us for free which reduced our costs enough that registration fees
for 2009 are the same as those for 2008. That just leaves the flight.
We negotiated discounts with two major airlines.

What does your registration fee include? The meeting runs four days.
Each day is jam packed with scientific sessions -- all included, of
course. The opening reception and final party are also included. And
your registration fee helps ASPB cover the cost of service fees,
coffee breaks, audio-visual services, registration materials,
programs, poster boards, one poster session lunch, the internet café,
networking events, shipping, symposium speakers, the abstract
submission system, payment processing fees, and so on.

How do we keep costs down? We keep registration fees down
significantly by negotiating convention center rental fees as low as
possible, charging for special events and t-shirts, cutting our
shipping of registration materials in half, avoiding moving tables,
chairs and equipment once they are set, re-using materials, and saving
costs as much as possible through logistics. We negotiate costs for
food and beverages as far down as possible, remembering that event
food pricing not only includes the cost of the food but service fees.
Finally negotiating, negotiating, negotiating! Our meeting
registration fees are generally lower than similar events of our size.

We hope this is helpful, and we hope it encourages you to visit not
only an amazing location affordably but attend a valuable meeting.
Check out more on how to save dollars going to Hawaii in our latest
Newsletter article.

[WendyS]