Originally Posted by
DAL 88 Driver
I'm sure a lot of that is true. I guess what really jumps out at me is the cost per person for food and beverages. Some of the meetings were shorter meetings and not a full day. But based on what I saw in the reports, it looks to me like the average full day food/beverage cost per person is around $175. That would be an average of a little over $58 per meal!
I'm not sure I could spend that much if I tried!
I do not know how that info was broken out, but when I have been there under official business, I have opted to go out with the reps for dinner so that I can get something well below the daily meal allowance. I generally came in at about 22 a meal plus tip. It is more or less what I saw. No crazy Steak and lobster dinners, no 100 dollar bottles of wine. None of that. These guys are very good. I mean that. Even I was impressed.
For lunch it is generally catered in so that the association's business can continue though lunch uninterrupted. (Pack more crap it) Those are done by the hotels and as you know most of those will be 20-40 per plate, but a serving fee. Breakfast is served there and is buffet style. Nothing fantasy by any account. Oatmeal, fresh fruit, eggs, bacon, and the like for breakfast. Lunch is a protein, iced tea, salad and a soup. Again nothing mind boggling. My guess is the cost comes from doing it in house, which may cost more but it keeps the meetings shorter and less night for a hotel.
A few lunches we all went out in groups, those we paid for. I know I did not expense those. Rooms are direct billed to the association, charges are yours and a credit card is kept on file. No free spending. King keeps a very close tab on all of that. He is the King of "No." Just ask around.