[Clasp 2007] Breakfast with an expert

I was considering going to Clasp 2007 and began to add up the
expenses. Once I got to $1200.00 not including transportation from
Michigan, I decided that I would do some reading of my wonderful
collection of metalsmithing books, order some metal and just DO IT.
I am unhappy that I would have to spend $50.00 to have breakfast
with an expert. I would like to hear from experts that are on the
schedual at the same time. So…to those of you who do attend…let
me know how you liked it…I know it’s almost 4 months away…so I
wait patiently for your response!!

Mary

Hello Mary,

I’m sorry if the registration brochure was confusing regarding
breakfasts and lunches. The standard registration fee for Clasp
includes continental breakfast and lunch during the conference (no
extra fee).

There are a few breakfast and lunch events that are limited
space-wise to a very small group each, and there is an extra charge
for those. But there’s a tremendous amount of conference content
without signing up for the these extra meals.

As for being able to communicate with the ‘experts’, all of the
folks presenting sessions at Clasp will be readily available
throughout the conference for networking, questions, and discussion.
One of the things I heard from the attendees last year was that they
were pleased at how much interaction they were able to have with
industry experts.

I hope that clarifies things a bit.

Andrea

Mary,

Although I did not attend one of the breakfasts, I can tell you,
that even though the expense in attending Clasp might seem wallet
busting, it is worth every penny. It’s expensive for me too, but I
budget a little per month to make sure the money is there by
September.

Throughout the year, I attend nearly 8 conferences a year. Yes, you
could learn from your metalsmithing books, but converging once a year
with your peers about everything from what kind of solder you like to
use, to what your website should look like is that no
book can provide. Even in the Orchid forum which is amazing and gives
us a platform for discussion and education. Clasp is like this and
much more.

Last year I was sitting in my office outraged that the registration
was so high. Now I am singing a different tune. I could hire a
business expert for $350 an hour to help me run my business. For less
than three hours with an “expert” I attended three days with many
experts at Clasp.

If you want to pound some metal, hey go for it. There are lots books
on the subject. If you want to turn your business around, talk with
other people in business just like you, then find the money to attend
Clasp.

I’ll leave you with my favorite quote.

“When artists get together, they talk about money. When bankers get
together, they talk about art.”

-k
M E T A L W E R X
School for Jewelry and the Metalarts
50 Guinan St.
Waltham, MA 02451
781 891 3854
www.metalwerx.com

Hi Mary,

As one of the “Breakfast with the Experts” presenters at this years
Clasp convergence in Denver and I couldn’t be more excited.

Besides the breakfast, I will be attending the rest of the
convergence and will be learning from and sharing with
all the other attendees.

I am kind of bummed that I will not be able to attend Chris Ploof’s
breakfast since it takes place at the same time as my own, but if the
DVD of this years event is as good as last years, than I am not
missing a thing.

Nanz Aalund
Associate Editor / Art Jewelry magazine
21027 Crossroads Circle / Waukesha WI 53187-1612
262.796.8776 ext.228

I understood the fees and the continental breakfast…I just can’t
imagine the “breakfast with the experts” costing $50.00. I think
this conference is too expensive. My opinion.

Mary