OK, I am only a hack at woodturning, but why are the registration fees
for woodturning symposiums so high? $130 ($200 if I can't leave the
wife behind)to attend our local one, is this the norm for other areas?

http://www.rmwoodturningsymposium.com/

I see some big name turners are doing presentations, but jeez, how is
the little guy supposed to be able to convince the wife he "needs" to
attend? Even the guy that owns the local woodworking store, where I buy
90% of my wood working supplies and tools (turning supplies too),
doesn't attend because of the cost.

Seems to me if they cut their costs by at least half they would probably
more than double the attendance and possibly make more money. Hmmmm.
Maybe they are trying to keep us "hacks" out???

I've attended "symposiums", "fests", shows" etc., for numerous other
activities and have never paid more than $15 for a 2-day event. These
typically have presentations by "big name" people in their fields too.
I am heavily into astronomy and attend numerous star parties.
Registration is typically in the $20-40 range, and that's for 3 nights/4
days of instruction/classes/presentations, hands-on playing, and general
camradarie.

--
Bill Berglin

http://home.comcast.net/~bberg100

"Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of
arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid
in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly
proclaiming, 'WOW! What A RIDE!!" ... Unknown