Although I've been told the responsibility for finding and negotiating contracts for the convention has traditionally fallen to the convention chair each year, the board ALWAYS has to approve what the chair puts forth as a recommendation.

When I became President, I was unaware of this and assumed the duty would fall to me under the standard "Presidents Negotiate The Treaties" rule. After learning that it would be under David's purview, I asked if I could please attend and be involved in any negotiations that take place and he said that would be fine.

There is a rule/policy that states the club President can't be convention chair, but nothing says I can't be involved in various aspects of the convention, so I plan to do everything I can to get an affordable rate with as many "perks" as we can, and to encourage them to lock in that rate for multiple years, in spite of their stated annual renewal policy (plus or minus some dollar figure tied to the economy or rate of tourism or something that lets them nibble at us each year when costs and demand go up, but let us nibble at them when costs and demand go down).

I also travel to Vegas (from Reno NV) many times a year, so I can make personal contact with these folks as needed. I'll be there in March for the Silver Strike release, April for a business conference (AT&T) and comedy show (Tim Allen), again in May for another concert (Yungblud), and I'll be there in June for 2 weeks (CCA convention, Silver Strike tournament, August (AC/DC & The Pretty Reckless concert).

I also think we would be remiss if we didn't investigate other properties in Las Vegas, not only to have a backup should we suddenly feel we're getting gouged, but also to develop relationships with other properties for future potential events. And beyond that, having some figures in hand about South Point's competition doesn't hurt when SP tells us "no one can beat this price" or "it's the best we can do".

Anyway, just thought I'd throw that out there to hopefully help everyone understand that you're in good hands with David, who has been involved in this stuff forever. And me, more local and present to be an extra pair of eyes to look at everything with scrutiny to make sure we're getting the best deal we can to continue offering a great experience to our members.