Thanks for the additional information about the Riviera financial picture and for the enthusiasm about our great convention. As a 2 year member, I have gone to the convention both times, stayed at the Riv, and had a complete blast (yes and supported the Museum Fund, volunteered, etc.). I am committed to doing what it takes to keep it going and I post this with that spirit in mind. I know a bit about booking events at hotels and the inter-relationships of room nights, meals, floor space, etc. This whole discussion leaves me with a couple questions.

1) If the Riviera is one of the few casinos (the only?) where we can meet under the current financial structure of our convention, what do we do when it is bought and possibly imploded? We should have a preferred plan B on how to keep it together.

2) I think it reasonable that we should aim for all participants to share somewhat equally in the true cost of the convention. If I stay for 7 nights and pay $90 a night instead of an average of $40 at the Riv under comp/discount rooms, I am, in effect, writing a $350 check to the club to help the convention. BTW this also means I have $350 less to spend on chips. Multiply that by 500 room nights, and there is potentially $25K less chip/merchandise purchasing due to higher room expenses.

What do the local members and other show attendees who do not stay at the Riviera pay for the privilege of attending if they just drive in? Ever thought of a 2 tiered pricing of convention tickets? Nominal for room block attendees, significant for those not staying?

3) Are we happy with the level of annual dues? An annual convention is one of the key functions of the club -- if we are looking for ways to afford the convention, is it reasonable to increase dues to help? What about a 'leadership level' of membership that better sustains some of our activities?

4) Are the dealer charges where they should be? I do not want to drive away the core reason I attend, and I figure ebay puts enough pressure on margins as it is.

In summary, it seems that the largest extra burden is being asked of the out-of-towners willing to stay at the Riviera at the higher convention rates. If that group feels unfairly singled out and decides to shop for alternatives, then fewer will be asked to pay more, and then the whole structure crumbles. We need to avoid that.

With the deepest respect and appreciation for all that club leadership does in general, and in support of keeping our convention going......