[RACooper]

$10,000 to $20,000... umm.. thats actually small change compared to what some chapters have managed to rack up.

But I agree that blaming the chapters, solely, for the finacial state is a mistake. It's partly IHQ's fault for some programs... such as booking events at "executive" hotels in expensive locations (ie. Renisance in DC.. rooms listed at 465 a night, so even with 50% off thats a disaster); but it's also chapter's faults for not sending delegates (more people means less of a hit to IHQ), for large debts and insurance issues.

On a chapter level things need to be run tighter, both financially and responsiblity wise. Further, although it sounds simple, send at the minimum number of delegates to events.. if IHQ can have a confrimed base number then it's easier to get a more favourable deal.

IHQ wise they need to run a tighter ship financially too... one way would be to hold conferences in smaller venues... don't always book large population centres, but use mid-range to small-range cities or towns. Personally I'd love to see one held up here in Canada (if only to shorten my drive), but I can see why IHQ would be hesitant (risk management nightmares), but it can be a lot cheaper... for example the Skydome Hotel (Renisance) could have been booked for half the listed price of the DC conference....