How much money does the club take in at the door from non-members? Do we make enough at the door to potentially turn away people who would just like to look around and perhaps catch the bug (or maybe buy a thing or two)? Is this an old issue?

Last year, I met a couple friends in Vegas during the show, and although they were curious about the hobby, they didn’t want to pay the cover to walk through the show. I know $10 is not a lot, but it might be too much for someone who is “intrigued” but not committed. Has the club ever experimented with no entry fees? I'm not sure how you could quantify the results (did we get additional members because of the free admission?), but it might be something to think about.

If not outright free admission, what about perhaps opening the doors for free at 1pm or something?

P.S. - I also fell into this trap last year as I was curious about the Star Trek convention but didn't go because it was something like $30 to get in. I regret that decision now as $30 would have been a small price to pay to see a bunch of nerdy grown people dressed up like Klingons.