Registration Background Info

As a planning figure, your Committee estimate that 2010 Reunion costs can be held around the $155 per attendee range, but only if more than 400 people attend our 2010 Reunion in Penticton. And 450 is our goal ! Since only 341 attended SPAADS-2008 (in that wonderful venue of Quebec City), we recognized that we would have to be highly 'innovative' if we were to draw more than 400 people in 2010 to the BC Interior city of Penticton (even recognizing the fabulous setting of the Lakeside Resort). Thus our Website, BCHosts, Extend-Your-Trip, Sqns, surveys, etc. We are an optimistic bunch and highly enthusiastic that the place, the program, the people, will draw the numbers and make this a reunion we will be glad we didn't miss. Hotel bookings to date are well ahead of projections.

One of our first thoughts was to use PayPal. But even the 'special rate' they offered us (1.97% on the $$'s moving) would cost over $1,000, so that seemed inappropriate. However, that really set us thinking about our past Reunion 'Payment & Registration' practices.

Your Registrar held the view that attempting to get Members to make Payment (& Register) months before the Reunion, was not only unnecessary, but counter-productive. Too many members even delay making advance accommodation reservations UNTIL AFTER they pay their Registration fees. Travel agents, and especially Cruise agents confirm that, in the current financial climate they have had to sharply reduce deposit/pre-payment requirements and guarantee 100% return even on late cancellation. For SPAADS 2010, we want attendees to make accommodation reservations early. That will be "committment" enough for us to await your arrival at Penticton, when we will collect your cheque as you "sign-in & register". Some may wish, however, to send in their cheques early to the Registrar. And these will be cashed (and receipts provided when you arrive), or refunded if you provide reasonable notice. Payment in advance will only be required for golf, so check out our golf page for the latest as we set this tournament up.

So in a nutshell we have a new 'payment & registration' system for SPAADS 2010 Penticton. We'll know you are planning on coming through our ongoing 'survey' system. We'll 'see' you make accommodation reservations with the hotels (or query you directly if you have reservations elsewhere). Later surveys will tell us your travel and/or flight schedules. And our final questionnaires before the 2010 Reunion will gather all the data necessary for us to process your "sign-in & registration" efficiently on your arrival. Hopefully, you'll find that we are here to help you -- even helping you extend your visit to Beautiful BC !