Let me attempt to explain why the name(s) of the hotel(s) we are talking with are not disclosed.
1) If we are talking to more than one place and one of the others finds out it could make them withdraw from consideration (or make them more competitive).
2) You can't select a Convention site by deciding I like staying at this hotel. In order for the members to give an educated opinion they would have to see the whole contract. We have to look at the cost of tables, linens and chairs which sometimes run as much as $11,000. We have to look at the cost of the showroom space. We have to look at the number of rooms nights we have to meet so we don't owe the casino if we come up short. We have to look at room rates, and the comp ratio. We have to look at the term of contract we can get. We have to know ancillary costs such as if it is a union shop we have to pay a "shadow" a minimum of 4 hours wages to follow around our video crew. We have to look at the catering menus to see what the banquet and other food is going to cost. We have to look at dates and what works best for a majority of our members. We have to make sure they have enough ancillary rooms for us to have our meeetings and trade sessions in. We have to look at the cost of having materials shipped in to the business center, the potential cost would amaze you. We try and look at how close the rooms are to the showroom. We need to look at loading docks and how difficult it will be on the dealers to unload.
These are just some of the considerations we try to look at. I think you would agree that it is not feasible to make a copy of the contract(s) available to the membership. I hope this helps answer your question.
I hope to have an announcement next week.
Wayne
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