Originally Posted by Forest

shows have become obsolete to the affiliate for several reasons and expense is only one of them.

Affiliates are making less and less every month. Programs are going out of business taking the affiliate's hard earned money with them.

the avg affiliate makes less than 40k a year in my estimation. i may be wrong but i doubt it. so even a 2k trip for an affiliate with a family is a lot of money even if it is all inclusive. and where is his ROI for that? why does he need to go to a show? he doesnt. if he is worried about his next check do you really think he would lay out 2k for a show?

there is also a purging of affiliates going on due to economic factors. less affiliates means less roi for sponsors to spend money at shows.

if i were an avg aff my last thought would be to attend any show when i can do what i need to do via email phone or icq.

you are correct there are too many shows. but that wont last for long as the natural progression of things and fewer sponsors willing to spend money will reduce the number of shows.