In the past I have berated the Museums Association (MA) for organising its annual conference in such a way that the costs were prohibitive and accessible only to senior management with scant regard for their employers’ value for money. I fully expected to see the usual £1,000 package for full participation in the conference.
However, unless I am missing something, it would appear that full participation including accommodation is available at Edinburgh for under £500.
While this is still beyond my pockets and budgets, it is much better value for money and at least comes close to a justifiable mark-up on probable overheads. If this is a conscious reaction to opinions like mine expressed in the past and the obvious climate of austerity then well done, MA.
Erik Blakeley, Dorset
The conference pricing is a conscious reaction to the current climate and to members’ feedback. In 2011 we reduced the delegate fees significantly and for Edinburgh 2012 we have frozen these fees.
Over the past few years, with the kind support of host venues, we have also been able to provide free evening networking events.
We are aware that conference is still a significant expense for our members, and to some extent our costs are bound up with the conference venues, but we are trying hard to keep them as low as possible.
The full programme is online and anyone wishing to attend should book now to ensure they receive the early booking discount.
Click here to find out more about Conference 2012
William Adams, head of sales and marketing, Museums Association, London
However, unless I am missing something, it would appear that full participation including accommodation is available at Edinburgh for under £500.
While this is still beyond my pockets and budgets, it is much better value for money and at least comes close to a justifiable mark-up on probable overheads. If this is a conscious reaction to opinions like mine expressed in the past and the obvious climate of austerity then well done, MA.
Erik Blakeley, Dorset
The conference pricing is a conscious reaction to the current climate and to members’ feedback. In 2011 we reduced the delegate fees significantly and for Edinburgh 2012 we have frozen these fees.
Over the past few years, with the kind support of host venues, we have also been able to provide free evening networking events.
We are aware that conference is still a significant expense for our members, and to some extent our costs are bound up with the conference venues, but we are trying hard to keep them as low as possible.
The full programme is online and anyone wishing to attend should book now to ensure they receive the early booking discount.
Click here to find out more about Conference 2012
William Adams, head of sales and marketing, Museums Association, London
