Ok, I'm the new guy here, but I wanted to throw my two cents in the hat.
I didn't know about Pond Boss or the PB VII convention/expo until a day or two before the event. I happen to live within 20 miles of La Torretta, so I was able to register on-site and commute to/from rather than staying at the hotel, so in full disclosure, that saved me a lot of coin attending.
At first, I thought the registration fee was a little steep, but after attending the event, I walked away feeling it was worth every penny. The value delivery was there in spades and it was put together and run very well. Since it was my first one, I had no concept of whether attendance was "light" or not. I just felt like my registration money was well spent.
I don't know the reasoning behind only having them every couple years or on an irregular schedule, but I think that might actually help attendance more than hinder it. I will say this... I am looking forward to the next one... not just to learn more, but to reconnect with new friends and acquaintances I've met not only here, but at the PB VII event.
Travel costs to/from obviously will vary by person, but the content/agenda, food, venue, etc were all done extremely well. There may be less expensive venue options, but there is a lot to be said for having the event at a location where you can attend the conference, eat, drink, fellowship, and fish without leaving the property. If/when I am traveling to another state to attend PB VIII, I would hope to have a similar convenience in event location.
I know it doesn't take the sting away for those unhappy with the cost - and I completely understand - but I do want to tip my hat to Bob and the Pond Boss team for putting together an exceptional convention at a beautiful location... and pulling it off without a hitch. In my opinion, the value justified the expense...
I don't know how far out in advance these are planned, but maybe one option would be to announce the event far enough out that people can plan/save as needed. Just a thought...
/c
