Originally Posted by Connor

Since you're asking for honest opinions Alec, I'll give you an honest answer.

As someone who also runs and organizes a show, I think it's a mistake for you to give away free passes. I'm talking in general, since I've never been to your show and can't comment on it specifically. But in general, paying to attend a show means you're serious about getting something out of the show... and charging means your show will attract the most serious attendees. And IMHO, it isn't just about the numbers at the end of the day. When I attend a show, what's important to me is that I'm there with people who are serious about getting some business done. Parties are great, I love them as much as the next guy -- but they belong in the evenings, IMHO.

The Los Angeles Dodgers did a promotion once. They offered $2 tickets on Tuesday nights in the outfield. The people who showed up only because they were $2 tickets turned out to more trouble than they were worth. They were rowdy, and were basically there to raise hell instead of watch baseball. They had to cancel the promotion for the sake of the people who WERE serious about watching baseball.

So I know the "free passes" approach will win you a lot of friends, I mean who doesn't like free right? But since you asked this question I thought I'd give you my honest opinion.