Not really a "*****" thread - just throwing out some personal thoughts on this (feel free to add your own thoughts too!).

I am thinking the economic crunch happening now may/will have some effect on conventions/sci fi shows/comic cons etc. Attending these shows usually comes out of a persons discretionary funds (fun money) and with all the job losses/cuts there may be an attendance issue as well as hhow much people have to spend on these type of events.

People should definitely put their money on accomodations, food, hydro, gas etc first and then whatever (if any is left over) then spending on fun stuff!

This could go a couple of ways IMHO - less attendees so conventions will really have to watch their costs/cash outlay and not overreach for guests.

You might find more "stars" willing to attend and charge a little less because if they over-price then people will just not have the same amount of spending money.

I am watching some of the medium to large conventions to see if they change anything and to see how the Registration prices are in 2009 versus 2008 (I noticed Shore Leave went from $60 weekend pass to $70 USD).

I think 2009 is going to be a tough year period for all things $$ related and conventions really have to focus on the core and not waste on frivolous things. Each customer should be valued and Customer Service should be top priority to not lose any customer. Websites should be updated regularilly and places like LJ and Facebook and email blasts should be used as cheap and effective ways to reach potential customers.

We are planning on attending Ad Astra (if it is a go), Motor City, MI, Polaris/Toronto Trek (hopefully if the guests are good) and SFX and that is about all in 2009 (only Motor City is out of town but still only a 4 hour drive away).

Thoughts?

If Polaris doesn't interfere with my school/employment options I'll go - I'm already booked for DCon on Labour Day. Despite the economics I always have fun there - the economy sucked before and it will suck again, such is life.

And for the record, I do hope AdAstra goes on this year, I really do. But I can't shed any tears if it doesn't because of too many factors directly related to the (mis)conduct of the person(s) at the top of the food chain who were previously in charge.

Susan and I recently spent a week traveling cross country, and stayed in the jacuzzi suite, spending slightly more than we usually did at 3 days at TT. Rather than crappy overpriced hotel food, we ate at good restaurants. If I have to choose again, I'd stil go cross country.

Cons like Polaris as shrinking, and having to raise prices to compensate. No longer ale to get "A" list guests, they are reaching out to "D" listers and folks who haven't been seen in 20 years.

Alot of the stuff we used to go for is now easily found online. Ebay has replaced the dealers room. Forums and Blogs have replaced the panels. Youtube has replaced the video room. Die-Hard fans are becoming scarcer, and there is less reason to go.

Some of us went for the hall costumes, but those too become rarer.

Another problem is, we're getting older. Balancing the needs of having a real job, a family, and other interests, cons are now a "If Go" rather than a "Must Go".

As the economy slows, and other necessity prices rise, there is less money to spend on $130/night hotel rooms, $75 weekend passes, and $200 autographs.

After all, you can't eat an autograph. ;)