Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] 2009 PSUBS Convention - Update 26 May 2009

[Jon Wallace <jonw@psubs.org>]

Ray,

I am planning on attending.  Depending upon the cost and time, I am 
interested in diving as well.

1) Crane operator and diving.
How many subs are available for diving?  What hours are the subs 
available?  How many minutes dive time for each sub?  What is the turn 
around time from when the sub surfaces to when the next person can 
dive?  Does the crane have to pull the sub out of the water or is there 
a dock the subs can use so occupants can debark/embark?  I think you 
should answer all these questions so you know how many "diving slots" 
are available, first.  We're going to want to make sure people know 
exactly what to expect as far as dive time and cost.  Once you know the 
number of diving slots, you should set a deadline for people to sign up 
for a dive slot and collection of money.  At $150/hour, PSUBS will not 
be able to absorb the cost of the crane so it will have to be split by 
the number of people who want to dive.  The money will have to be 
collected up front and be non-refundable.  The sign-up deadline will 
need to be scheduled so that you have plenty of time to notify the crane 
operator of our exact needs and work out any kinks that might show up.  
Also, if the dive-slots are limited, PSUBS members should have first 
choice at a slot which means you'll need two deadlines, one for PSUBS 
members, and after that the slots are open to anyone.

The crane operator's request for lunch is unusual and not acceptable 
unless you can confirm we are getting some special rate for the use of 
the crane.  Will he be satisfied with a tuna sandwich, or is he looking 
for a three course meal?  Unless I'm missing something, we're hiring the 
crane operator to provide a service and as such, they are responsible 
for their own lunch.  The last time I hired heavy equipment, I didn't 
have to feed the operator.

2) Ferry costs.
You should decide if having Jacques Marc is going to be an interesting 
speaker for the group.  This may depend upon the topic he will present 
and who else you might be able to get for speakers.  If you think his 
topic is relevant and would be interesting to the group, pay the ferry 
cost.  Otherwise, simply tell him we can't do it and let him decide if 
he still wants to talk to us or not.

3) Hotel.
Select a hotel closest to most of the activities.  It's going to be 
easier to travel north to Nuytco once, then south to all the other 
activities multiple times.  Depending upon who has vehicles, 
transportation to various sites could get ugly.  Make it as simple as 
possible giving coordination of transportation priority.

4) Food and Conference room.
The conference room cost has to be absorbed by everyone.  Food, at least 
preliminarily, needs to be absorbed by the individual.  Don't include 
food costs except for water, soda, coffee during presentations on Sat 
Oct 3.  We can always change this later if we get enough sponsors.

I think we should start working to get as much of this on the website as 
possible.

Jon




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