AORE-AEE Peel Back the Curtain on Conference Pricing

From time to time we’re asked about the cost for attending the annual conference. “Why is registration so high?” When you factor in travel, housing and meals, attending a national event like the AORE-AEE Conference is certainly a considered purchase. 
 
For some perspective, I’ll share with you that the annual conference I attend each year with my professional association ranges from $1,199 to $1,699 per person (and that’s just the registration fee!). 
 
On the other end of the continuum, we know that a variety of student-led and regional events that serve the outdoor industry are relatively inexpensive. Moreover, we know it feels like a considerable increase for AEE attendees as compared to past years.
 
But we hope you’ll read on to gain a clearer understanding of the robust experience we have planned for you in Spokane. For example, AEE traditionally breaks apart meal costs from registration and this year six meals are included as part of the registration fee — and that's just the beginning. 
 
So, while the AORE/AEE rates may be higher than some other outdoor industry events, all member rates prior to Aug. 2 are well below $600 per person. And we hope you’ll plan to register early so you can take advantage of this early registration discount.
 
Likewise, to shed some additional light on why our event may cost a little more, following are just some of the factors impacting expenses (and, therefore, overall cost):
 

• Audiovisual — To ensure high-quality and easily visible slides and videos for both our general sessions and our breakout sessions, we partner with the onsite AV company for things like screens, projectors, sound and production. 
• Awards — Each and every general session we host is a major cost center for the event, but the awards banquet is by far the most expensive. Not only is AV and production involved, but also a plated meal and various awards/plaques/gifts.
• Exhibit Hall — It’s important that we partner with our vendors in a professional and engaging way. That’s why we secure a general service contractor who pipes and drapes the exhibit hall, coordinates vendor shipments and supports various aspects of Demo Day.
• Food — A busy three days of learning and networking can be taxing on your body. That’s why we offer lots of opportunities to refuel. This year a full conference registration includes six meals: three continental breakfasts, two lunches and one plated dinner.
• Learning — We facilitate some of the highest quality education opportunities in the outdoor industry, which includes this year an award-winning, Harvard-trained doctor, Researcher, Media Expert, Bestselling Author and Speaker. 
• Marketing — If you build it, they will come, right? But only if you market appropriately. While much of our marketing efforts are handled internally, expenses like copying, graphic design, Outdoor Retailer attendance/promotions, onsite programs, advertising, swag and signage can really add up quickly.
• Mobile App — AORE/AEE will offer this year a highly engaging and informative mobile app designed to help you navigate this year’s highly anticipated Learning Expedition.  
• Networking — We know the importance and power of networking, particularly at an event with more than 1,200 outdoor and experiential education professionals. As a result, we do everything we can to make events like the Opening Night Celebration fun and engaging. Costs here include things like entertainment and activities. 
• Planning — This conference requires the year-round planning support of several paid staff members, many of whom you may get to interact with before, during or after the conference. Together, with the volunteer action teams, they form the heartbeat of this event and make it all possible.
• Scholarships — New this year, AORE and AEE are offering a combined $10,000 in scholarships to those would-be attendees who need a little financial support in order to attend/fully participate in this cornerstone industry event.
• Shipping — To be respectful of the environment, we recycle and reuse as many of our conference supplies/materials as possible. As a result, we ship at least two large pallets to/from the conference venue each year. 
• Speakers — In appreciation for their contributions as thought leaders, speakers receive a small discount on their conference registration (yes, even they pay!).
• Students — We’re also cognizant that college students don’t often have the cash flow of a professional member. Therefore, students receive a small discount on their registration to help reduce the barriers to attending.
• Supplies — You’d be surprised how quickly badge holders, lanyards, ribbons and other supplies add up.
• Venue — We have no choice but to host an event of this size and scope in a convention center (which inevitably costs a little more than a traditional hotel or a college/university campus).

• Broadening collaboration within the fields of experiential education and outdoor recreation;
• Creating higher-quality educational opportunities;
• Building professional skills and knowledge;
• Strengthening professionalism within their memberships;
• Broadening networking opportunities;
• Leveraging both communities in advocacy and public policy efforts; and 
• Raising awareness of the value and impact of experiential education and outdoor recreation.

 
We hope you will invest in yourself. Registration is now open. 
 
And should you need help finding the right words to share/discuss this opportunity with your supervisor, department head or manager, download and modify this justification letter. In the meantime, we’ll look forward to seeing you Nov. 13-15 in Spokane, Washington.