Getaway

From: Mark Schaffer <markschaffer100@gmail.com>

Sent: Monday, July 1, 2019 9:50 AM

To: Board FP <fullboard@folkproject.org>

Subject: Acoustic Getaway Report to Board - July 2019

Acoustic Getaway Report to Board - July 2019

1. Getaway registration opens July 4th for everyone.

• Last February members were given a two-day head start, but that is not necessary this time. Last February we enlisted popular performers in our marketing campaign, and there was a fear that a strong response from their fans would limit the number of our members who could attend.

• The response from our membership and internal mailing lists was overwhelming - we sold out in ten days. We expect to sell out from within our community, so we are not forwarding publicity to outside artists.

• The two-day head start isn’t a head start because we all start at the same time and there’s no outside publicity.

2. Registration Options are simplified.

• Last spring, we offered a wide choice of registration options because it seemed like better service. The result was member confusion, control issues for our volunteers, and coordination issues with Stony Point.

• Friday dinner was extremely popular and difficult to manage. It is now included in the weekend package and the cost of Friday dinner has been added to the price of the full weekend.

• Historically, we offered one extension package. This spring we offered variable arrival times, departures, number of meals, and pricing. It was confusing and difficult to manage. This fall there will be one early arrival extension offered for Thursday night and one late departure extension offered for Sunday night.

3. Financials

• Stony Point agreed to most of the bill adjustments we requested in the last report.

• Spring Getaway netted $1800, which will be rolled over to the Fall. We are on sound footing for next Getaway.

• One-time income sources like the Cliff Eberhardt benefit concert and a boost in one-time donations account for most of the net positive.

• The new creative hiring practices and the price increase are ongoing cash flow contributors.

  • There is a strong indication that Stony Point will increase their prices. We are applying for a grant from the Martin Guitar Foundation, whose mission is uncannily similar to the Getaway’s.

Yours,

Mark Schaffer, Co-chair.