Private Scholarships for Attending TAM?

[hal bidlack]

Folks,

While we have tried to keep the cost of attending TAM2 as low as possible, none the less there will be some for whom the airfare and costs will be too much.

Based on last year's event, I believe there may be some folks who would be willing to help others attend by sharing rooms, and perhaps even helping to fund some or all of the airfare and/or registration for those with financial challenges to overcome to attend.

If you are planning to attend, or would like to attend but need a bit of help to get to Las Vegas, please post here.

[Paul C. Anagnostopoulos]

Hal, do you have a "fair" procedure in mind for handing out the scholarships, in the event that there are fewer givers than takers?

~~ Paul

[hal bidlack]

perhaps I chose the wrong word. I don't mean scholarships from the JREF, I rather was meaning private 'scholarships' from individuals. It would be handled by the individuals involved, not by the JREF.

Say person A wants to go, but can't afford the room. Well, maybe person B will pop up and offer to split a room charge. Similarly, maybe person C would pay the registration fee (or some part of it) for a person who can't afford it.

This is *NOT* a JREF offer of scholarships, but rather an effort to create a location where folks can offer up help, and other folks can indicate they need a bit of help. For example, I know of several folks last year who attended because they were able to stay free with a new friend.

[Paul C. Anagnostopoulos]

I understood that they are private scholarships, but I thought you might want to act as a lottery agent to hand out the scholarships at random. I guess that's messy and complicated.

~~ Paul

[Girl 6]

I already have a couple of donations hat people have made. It's not a lot, but it's something. It would be great to start up the telethon once again. Last year, we were able to help out a few people.

G6

[UnrepentantSinner]

We alread have a telethon started.
http://host.randi.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?s=&threadid=15112

I figured we'd just continue with what we started last year. Oh well, what do I know...

[Girl 6]

Oh yeah... {hitting head on keboard}

Well, never fear! I have the money in a safe place! :) Also, what helped a lot of people out were anonymous gifts made to pay for he registration and so forth.

Sharing rooms, as pointed out, is another way to help with costs. I think as the date approaches, we will all get creative like we did last year.

G6

[The Central Scrutinizer]

I am very poor, so I will have to share a room with 2 or more Skepchicks.

[Avian]

I was very excited to attend TAM2, until I saw the registration fees. Yikes. For me, it's those fees that make the meeting unaffordable.

Avian

[Linda]

Yes, we realize the registration fees are higher than last year, however, the conference will be a lot bigger than last year. We have added a full day to the event (with an additional meal :) and that means more speakers, more magic and more fun. And due to the fact the room rates are cheaper than last year, that additional night won't add too much to your total expenses. While the Las Vegas location means it's more convenient for many of you to get to, it does mean that JREF has to pay expenses for all of our staff to get and stay there too. But we get Penn & Teller, so that's worth a lot!

We're hoping that the additional cost won't be a deterrent to too many folks, as we're looking to double the size of the first conference. Registration forms are in the mail today, so if you're a member of JREF or have ever made a donation, watch your mailbox. Register early (before Nov. 1st) for the best price.

[Trish]

Well, I will have to have a roommate to meet the costs, I think I can swing the registration, if I can make payments.