Just a thought. Why the registration fee? Why not just have an entry fee for those who want to look around the general vendor area, and then add ons for those who want to do the classes or other stuff? In other words, say a 30 dollar entry fee each day to get into the vendor area, then, as I have seen on the website, 50 bucks per class. I actually would enjoy the beginner brewing class and maybe even the intermediate. If anybody wants to do the add on for the VIP, which again looked fun, then add on for that as well. If somebody wants to buy the whole package, cool, keep that as an option a well. But have something scaled down for the folks like me who either don't have an interest in, or don't have the cash to justify the whole package.
Then, at least for me, I am not paying 300 bucks for stuff that does not really interest me and then 50 for this, 50 for that and another 90 for this. For instance, the Good Guys does 3 or 4 Car shows in my area. They charge I think it is 30 or 40 bucks to get into the car show. I think there is an add on fee for those who want to look at the cars and trucks for sale, and another add on for guest speakers I think. Even if I just pay for just Saturday at the BrewCon, 130 gets me in the Vendor area, an awards ceremony that I could care less about, and some knockout party, that again does not interest me. So, breaking it down, 130 to get in the door, 100 dollars in classes, and another 90 for the VIP. That puts me at about 300 bucks. Again, that with hotel and gas from San Francisco to San Diego has priced me out of it. But, 30 bucks to get in, 100 bucks for the classes and 90 for the VIP I am only in it for about 200 bucks. That I can justify as a nice weekend with the wife. And hopefully a nice weekend meeting some of you folks that have been so helpful to me in my quest.
Please take this for what it is worth. I am not complaining and certainly not trying to get nothing for nothing. But, I think you guys have priced the "newbie" and the budget conscious out of the party when, in my mind, you don't have to.