I hope this newsletter finds everyone well. I would like to thank Tim Hunter and the rest of the Conference Committee for an excellent Conference this year. I have heard a great response regarding the breakout sessions. We will continue to plan for breakouts in the coming years as they break up the full sessions and provide options for everyone to attend different topics. I have heard very good feedback on the speakers and everyone seemed pleased with the majority of speakers.
The food issues are always a hot topic as there is the high cost of providing this service, so allow me to address this concern: The morning coffee is not designed to replace breakfast; it is merely to be a supplement for your breakfast. Each morning we provide coffee, fruit, Danish and such which costs the Association approximately $2,000.00 to $3,000.00 each morning. The Banquet cost anywhere between $30,000.00 to $35,000.00, depending upon whether we are in the South or North. Our total food bill including Monday night hospitality, Lunch on Thursday, all morning service and Thursday evening was $53,633.21. This is just a brief overview of the food costs so you understand why we don't just keep refilling the tables and coffee each morning. This seems to be a hot topic each year when the coffee seems to stop flowing. Last year in San Diego we were able to have a coffee cart at the hotel, a vendor who works with the hotel. I also received very good feedback on this issue as well. Unfortunately in Monterey this was not an option as there was not a vendor in the area to provide this service.
We can provide coffee throughout the day but just so you know there is a cost involved. I would be happy to take any suggestions you may have if you would like to have coffee provided all day.
The rest of the conference fees are to cover the costs involved in bringing the speaker's, and covering the audio for conference.
I would like to thank Robyn Berlin and her team for running the raffle. Robyn was responsible for the raffle prize donations, collection, organization and distribution. Robyn and her team continue to be an invaluable resource during the conference. It is a relief to see her team when they arrive.
We made a few changes to the board at the last board meeting. Robyn Berlin has vacated the Northern Region Director position and is now the Co-Conference Chair, at her request, to assist Tim Hunter in conference planning. Rex Osborn has been appointed, at his request and Robyn's recommendation, to complete her term. Rex's representative position replacement is pending.
Tim and Robyn as well as the rest of the board are already working on the 2009 ATC, our 20th Anniversary, in San Diego. We are already working on a new logo, different t-shirts, a special edition challenge coin and many other ideas. On a sad note; the place Enforcement Technology Group hosted a hospitality event in 2007, the Kansas City Barbecue (aka: the "Top Gun" bar), was destroyed by fire the past week. The owners have said they will rebuild, but it is unknown at this time whether it will be rebuilt in time for our conference. We are looking for another venue and welcome any ideas you have for a Monday night hospitality event. Please send your ideas to Tim Hunter via his email which is located on the website.
As always this is your association and the board welcomes your input.
I hope everyone had a safe and happy 4th of July
Matt Thomas
