The US Go Congress is just once a year, so large difference in registration cost isn't necessarily that big amortized across the entire year. Let's say that registration is $1k more expensive - that's less than $20 a week.
This probably isn't a strong argument, since various participants are in different financial situations. But still, spread across the entire year, a cost difference like this could be manageable.
That being said, I entirely advocate a low-cost go congress, if it's possible!
Thanks for the replies guys! I didn't know most Congress goers have their housing/food set up through the USGO Congress. I probably will be looking for Airbnb or hotels, so it never crossed my mind that his estimate would be with lodging/food. Hope to see you all next year!
Hades12 wrote:Thanks for the replies guys! I didn't know most Congress goers have their housing/food set up through the USGO Congress. I probably will be looking for Airbnb or hotels, so it never crossed my mind that his estimate would be with lodging/food. Hope to see you all next year!
I am not the ABnB type, good luck nailing that down. I’d suggest booking now. Let us know how that works out, cost- and distance to the site-wise.
Estes Park is a year-round resort city and hotels run about twice what the YMCA charges for their multi-occupant rooms. A quick Expedia search found the lowest priced (one-star and non-rated) hotels/motels might be a long drive from the YMCA convention center and still run about $200/night or $1400 for the week. Deeper research would probably find better opportunities. The YMCA center is quite a ways from town. There are some lodges and BnBs on the road but they look like a long walk if you don’t have a car.
The congress prices for 2020 are all inclusive. The prices will include: registration, room, and meals(breakfast and lunch). It was explained that there are many places to have dinner on site and around the congress site. There may also be some theamed meals during the week but it was not explained further. Prices will be between $1100 and $2000. This will be an expensive congress because it is a very very popular vacation area in Colorado. The site is ~1.5hrs from Denver airport as well which will have shuttles to get to the site. I did not take a pic during the general assembly meeting as we heard the information would be out soon. When I get that full info it will be posted to see. It was suggested that you register early for the best style of room when registration is available. 30% payment will be required to fully book the room.
Decisions are made by those who show up. and possibly those willing to attend secret meetings in ancient basements
These are the prices as sent from the congress liason. For registration I am being told that you'll pay for the registration and banquet on the go congress site and the room and board to the event site.
Registration (may change slightly)
Adult: $425
Young Adult (19-22): $375
Youth (13-18): $325
Child (12 and under): $225
Non-Participant: $100 Meals
If you stay onsite, breakfast and lunch are included
Dinner available from multiple restaurants, and ca. $10 at the dining hall (More information later) Banquet
Adult with Alcohol: $50
Adult no Alcohol: $40
Child: $30
Rooms Premium – Hotel Style, en suite bath, balcony, 2 queen beds (includes breakfast and
lunch)
Single: $1891.50 per person
Double: $1022.77 per person
Triple: $766.52 per person
Quadruple: $638.40 per person East Side Lodge – En suite, slightly older room, 2 sets of bunkbeds and 1 queen
Single: $1438.06 per person
Double: $846.05 per person
Triple: $648.74 per person
Quadruple: $550.04 per person
Quintuple: $490.84 per person
Sextuple: $451.43 per person
Child (12 and under) any room: $147.47
Sample Totals
Adult in double premium room, with banquet: $1497.77 per person
Family with 1 adult player, 1 adult non-player, and 14 year old and 10 year kids (both players), with 2 alcohol, 1 no alcohol, and 1 child banquet ticket:
In a Premium room: $3307.67 TOTAL for the family
In an East Side Lodge: $3042.59 TOTAL for the family
3 college students in an East Side Lodge: $1063.74 per person
Decisions are made by those who show up. and possibly those willing to attend secret meetings in ancient basements
I was involved in planning a Congress - was the treasurer for Tacoma in 2005 - and it amazes me that they have prices figured out to the penny a full 12 months out. (even if only in draft form)
I pitched the idea of a group road trip to the Boise Go Club. Interest was high till everyone did the math and compared the expenses/opportunity ratios against other family vacation possibilities and we went from about six possible attendees to zero over 48 hours. Bummer.
David Bogie, Boise ID
I play go, I ride a recumbent, of course I use Macintosh.
I’m one of the co-directors for next year’s Go congress in Estes Park, CO. We don’t have the exact figures yet, but they are mostly in line with what @vash3g posted earlier. The lodging/meals will be slightly lower than those figures posted.
It’s true that the Estes Park area is popular tourist destination in the summer and the prices for lodging in the area reflect that. We’re doing everything we can to mitigate the costs for attendees. We’re hoping that the beautiful location and the plentiful amenities will make the trip worthwhile for everyone.
People thinking about staying offsite should start looking now. @bogiesan posted some useful links. A few facts: the YMCA camp is two miles outside of the town of Estes Park. There are some shuttles that run back and forth, but it’s useful to have a car, or a friend with a car. There is no Uber or Lyft service in the town. There is no camping onsite at the YMCA, but there are various places to camp in the immediate area. The entrance to Rocky Mountain National park is a few miles from the camp and town.
We hope to have the registration website up later this year with more information. In the meantime, I’m attaching our general flyer.
Costs for the 2020 Congress are officially up - https://www.gocongress.org/2020/costs. They seem reasonable overall and offer options for varying budgets.
I'm sorry but those prices are anything but reasonable. They are outrageous even before considering the price of travel to get. Which this year's location is one of the most remote the Congress has ever been. So once again, I won't be able to attend, because the AGA has deccided that USGC is only for rich people. Not that I'm surprised.
Good news from Boise! One of our chapter members is attending the 2020 Go Congress in Estes Park. He's planning to sleep in his freakin' car for a week. He will have fun. I'm sure of it.
David Bogie, Boise ID
I play go, I ride a recumbent, of course I use Macintosh.
