[UAH] RESPONSE TO KALANZI

Nic,

thanks for your question. It is almost 11pm here (sorry for any typos!), so I'll give you a very brief analysis:

As I mentioned in my postings, if elected, I intend to cut all unnecessary expenses. My analysis would be simple: if an expense does not add value to the convention, then it is eliminated.

Then I'd look at what members directly get for the $250: 2 meals and entertainment.

Then I would look at prices for those core benefits: I would use prices in San Francisco, which is one of the more expensive cities in the country.  A special order dinner (UNAA wants them to provide Ugandan food) at a good hotel like the Marriott  is about $65 for large groups. UNAA provides 2 such meals (total for the 2 meals is $130). 

Entertainment is $20 per person. Since invited musicians are merely miming, I would not pay airfare for any musician from Kla. I'd welcome any good musician that wants to showcase their talent at the convention, as long as they can fly themselves from Kla. I'd rely a lot on US based entertainers and DJs. They are not only cheaper, but the convnetion would give them a chance to show their talent to a big audience.  So, it is a win-win deal.

Then I'd turn to non-paying guests.  Again, I'd only pay for those guests that add value to the convention.  This would include the main speaker. 

I'd try to get a local person as a main speaker so we eliminate accommodation and transport expenses. If it is someone from Uganda, I'd get someone that can fly themselves here and we'd arrange for them to stay at a local Ugandan's house. Families and friends of the organizers, entertainers, etc would have to pay because they fail the "add value test".  All politicians would also fail this test. They'd have to meet their own expenses.

Then I would choose a mid-level hotel (e.g I guess most UNAA members don't care if Obama stayed at the hotel where a convention is held...after all, they will not stay in the Presidential Suite!).  That will reduce the amount needed to get free meeting rooms and the ballroom. I know that UNAA members like hanging out at the lobby and someone mentioned that we had to get an expensive hotel in Philly "because it a had beautiful lobby", but I doubt that most members will go to a convention because of the beauty of the lobby. 

Lastly, I drive a hard bargain in negotiations with the hotels. If UNAA pays its bills, it is a huge customer.  There are not many groups that can fill up a hotel, especially on Labor Day weekend! 

--- In UNAANET@yahoogroups.com, N Kalanzi <nick_tar@...> wrote:
>
> My dear friend Joseph,
> I have read all your posting but have not had time respond. I think there is a reason why board meetings are attended by the board. For me personally, that is a none starter. You have promised to lower registration fees "$250" is too high. Please tell us what you think the fee should be? Specifics please!! Please share with us how you would make this happen.
>
> Sent from my iPhone

 

For a faster response please contact me at jmusoke@hotmail.com or 415.789.6427