There’s a lot of discussion going on about money and presenters. See Mollena and Andrea Zanin, who both posted this week and have sparked many discussions on their blogs, Fetlife and elsewhere.
I teach quite a bit as you can see on my teaching page. Sometimes I get expenses plus a payment. Sometimes I just get expenses. Sometimes it costs me to go to an event. And sometimes I just say no. Money is not the only factor that helps me decide where I’ll teach. Money often helps to make it possible, but the most important thing is whether I am going to have fun.
I’ve been on the organizing side and know how some events make big money and some struggle to break even. Every event is different. Every event has different abilities to offer incentives.
Last weekend I went to Kinko De Mayo in Cleveland and they really treated me well. One of the things they did was have an Ambassador program. Members of the group volunteer to host a presenter and their date for dinner on Saturday night. My Ambassadors got in touch with me before the event via Fetlife to introduce themselves, ask what kind of food we liked and discuss timing.
Wow! Finding a restaurant and driving in an unfamiliar city can be very stressful for me. They took on that responsibility. They chose a great restaurant and drove us. The four of got to talk, relax and get to know each other over a nice meal. We all had a really good time. The Ambassadors also paid for our meals out of their own pocket.
The Ambassador program did not cost the event any money. It provided an opportunity for the Ambassadors to take out a presenter and spend quality time with them. And it totally worked for me. It was an added bonus. I think more events should try programs like this.
Thanks again to my KDM Ambassadors!
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