NEA Dispenses Cost-Cutting Advice
Businesses and nonprofits are looking for ways to reduce spending anywhere possible. For many of them, conventions are a huge expense and they are desperate for tips on how to reduce costs. When they think of fiscal discipline, naturally they think of… the National Education Association:
Attendance is largely based on location, says National Education Association’s Michael McPherson. NEA’s convention, which typically draws 10,000 delegates plus 5,000 of their associates and family members, was held this summer in San Diego and will be in New Orleans the next. The locations are chosen 6 to 10 years in advance. Like the Global Cold Chain Alliance, NEA tried to make cutbacks members wouldn’t notice. The association encouraged more laptop usage rather than renting computers and cut back on catering by buying in bulk from Costco on location. It reduced signage and carpeting and rented fewer lamps, desks, and garbage bins for the convention floor. Staff members were also asked to book flights months in advance.
Trying to keep the cutbacks hidden from delegates is important, particularly the misinformed ones that asked for a boycott of Costco.
