Spinachcat made an excellent post on the message boards talking about ways to make a trip to the Palladium Open House (or any convention) affordable. I repost it here with some of my own observations and suggestions.
Spinachcat wrote:
It was sad to read Kevin's Murmur about people canceling their tickets to the Open House. The economy probably won't be much better in May. However, there are ways to make the Open House cheaper for you. I am a veteran con-goer and I was con-hopping back in college when money was tight and back in my teaching years, money was tight too!
So here's my Big Tip...Bring 3 Friends. This is the key to everything. In business, its called "economies of scale" and here's how bringing friends works.
1) GAS MONEY
A four seat car will use the same gas with 4 passengers versus just a driver. Gas is much lower than a year ago and cut 4 ways (3 ways if you reward the driver) your transportation cost gets slashed. Real gamers roleplay at 70mph! (Gas prices should still be at reasonable prices when the POH takes place. Gas is currently around $2 a gallon in Michigan -- Kevin).
2) FOOD
If you are serious about saving money, you MUST skip restaurants. That McCrappy Burger + Fries + Soda will set you back $6 bucks. That's $24 bucks for 4 people.
The key is to buy in bulk and make great meals to transport. Enlist your wives/girlfriends/moms to cook up meals, lock'em in tupperware and away you go. You would be shocked how many massive sandwiches on great bread you can actually make for $20. And please people, for the love of all that is holy, use good bread. Say it with me sou-er-dough-chi-a-batta!
The key with food is you have to trade Time for Money. Going through the drive-thru is a trade of Money for Time.
But we want hot food! Hey, I'm with you. That's why my crew always loaded a microwave into the trunk and snuck it into the motel. Bring a 3 prong to 2 prong outlet doohickey just in case.
3) HOTEL
I am pretty sure the hotel has the two bed option (Yes -- KS) and lets 4 people stay per room (yes -- KS). Surely some of your friends own inflatable mattreses, sleeping bag and/or foam pads. Suddenly, $80 per night becomes $20 per night...and the hotel gives us free breakfast. Nom, nom, nom! Yes. (Note: The price for a two-beds (a double) or one king is actually $69.95, though with hotel tax it is probably closer to $80, but you need to reserve your room by the end of the month and I think there are only 16 double bed rooms left. Order today! They do not charge your charge until the event. -- Kevin)
4) FUN
It's way more fun to spend money than to save money. Going low budget can seem like a drag when doing it alone. However, in a group, there is a camaraderie and it becomes a Wacky Road Trip with great memories. (The POH is also a great time and should leave most of you with experiences and memories that will last a life time. -- Kevin)
So if you are coming to OH09 and you are worried about expenses, grab yourself three friends and see you there!
Some additional comments from me, Kevin Siembieda
- All events at the Open House are FREE. Your admissions covers all events from panel talks to game events.
– Definitely share expenses as a small group. Even many Freelancers will be sharing rooms with 3-4 people to a room.
- Continental Breakfast is FREE at the Comfort Inn. Take advantage of it!!!
- There are a great many inexpensive places to eat all around the Palladium Offices. There is a wonderful little fruit market too, and a Kroger’s supermarket.
– Some of the hotel rooms come with a microwave, but not all. For those that do, you could buy and heat inexpensive microwave food and reheat leftovers (pizza, etc.). I’m also a sandwich guy, so I approve the notions of making sandwiches, the go a long way.
– There will be special offers on select Palladium items.
– G.M. 3-4 game events (must register and describe your game in advance) and you get a 30% discount on books.
– For what it is worth. The POH is the only gaming event any Palladium staff or I will attend in 2009. It is is also the largest gathering of Palladium creators anywhere, ever. Fun if you can afford to be here. And if you can't . . . with any luck there will be more Palladium Open Houses in the future, see you then.
Sincerely,
Kevin Siembieda
Publisher, Writer, & Game Designer
© Copyright March 5, 2009 Palladium Books Inc. All rights reserved.
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