[rchard]

Government statistics show that Washington DC is within driving distance of over 60% of the United States. That's a huge number given that fact thet there's a lot of water to the East.

[lefty007]

I wish I had the same cost as flight within the USA, but flying from Western Canada is even more expensive. I've always made money attending from the information and classes. Sometimes we've almost changed complete directions. Birthdays are huge.
Last year, based on the Pekin Haunt Class, we added a Haunted Corn Maze and Pumpkin patch, which netted me an additional $5k. Who knows what I'll learn this year, but I'm sure a paintball zombie shoot will be in for me in 2014.
I can't do all the ideas I find, but I have a Top 10 list. I have a small field, that's only open 6-7 months a year 1.5-2k paintballers each year from a Population of 40k within 1 hour. I can't get much busier with paintball. We added Laser Tag 2 years ago, from the PB EX, and mobile Laser Tag last year. That's all gravy now, and getting bigger each year with Laser Tag.
I don't mind a small show like Anaheim CA lots of personal time (the west coast had their chance, and it was the poorest attendance in a while), but the vendors don't. They need customers, bigger bang for their buck.
So I usually add much more to my bottomline, than the cost of attending.
I love being able to pick up the phone or send an email to someone I chatted with in person, or had a drink in the bar with. Things get taken care of quickly. I love talking with other field owners with the same issues, that I have, of similar size and much bigger.
It doesn't matter where it is, my advice, is just go. Book early and save some dollars, or wait for a seat sale. Save your Airmiles or aeroplan points.

[lopez17]

Originally Posted by John

The problem is that while St Louis has a lot of fields and stores within a 6 hour drive, I bet DC has more. Most likely the location is just due to something as simple as field or population density.



Now, if your poll required people to pay to attend first before you could vote, maybe it would have more validity...

This is rather significant. On the east coast, from the DC metro area I can be in Philly, NY, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Buffalo, Richmond, Raleigh/Durham, Charlotte and several other major metropolitan areas within a 6 hour drive or so. And all along those major interstate corridors are major areas of significant residential density...all with a large number of paintball fields. DC also has several airports. While it's potentially expensive for Midwestern and Western folks to come, you do get what you pay for. This is a top of the line show with a proven attendance record. It's easy to play "what if" games on other locations but when you have a proven winner, you stick to that formula.

Flying out for this is money well spent.

[greenposton]

Originally Posted by lefty007

I wish I had the same cost as flight within the USA, but flying from Western Canada is even more expensive. I've always made money attending from the information and classes. Sometimes we've almost changed complete directions. Birthdays are huge.
Last year, based on the Pekin Haunt Class, we added a Haunted Corn Maze and Pumpkin patch, which netted me an additional $5k. Who knows what I'll learn this year, but I'm sure a paintball zombie shoot will be in for me in 2014.
I can't do all the ideas I find, but I have a Top 10 list. I have a small field, that's only open 6-7 months a year 1.5-2k paintballers each year from a Population of 40k within 1 hour. I can't get much busier with paintball. We added Laser Tag 2 years ago, from the PB EX, and mobile Laser Tag last year. That's all gravy now, and getting bigger each year with Laser Tag.
I don't mind a small show like Anaheim CA lots of personal time (the west coast had their chance, and it was the poorest attendance in a while), but the vendors don't. They need customers, bigger bang for their buck.
So I usually add much more to my bottomline, than the cost of attending.
I love being able to pick up the phone or send an email to someone I chatted with in person, or had a drink in the bar with. Things get taken care of quickly. I love talking with other field owners with the same issues, that I have, of similar size and much bigger.
It doesn't matter where it is, my advice, is just go. Book early and save some dollars, or wait for a seat sale. Save your Airmiles or aeroplan points.

This is the kind of stuff that makes me want to go the distance. Any one can say its worth it, but I wanna hear how people changed their field and how what they learned actually worked.

[doge_02]

Originally Posted by Barbara_Walters

Good call on making it convenient next to an international airport.. Well played...

DC metro area is actually pretty easy to get around, but you're right, having the event near the airport makes it so much more convenient.

[PaintballofOKC]

I booked my flight from OKC today and got if round trip for $280 I was happy about that.

[lopez17]

What are you flying? Everytime I fly to OK City to visit my brother I can't find anything from DC for less then $375-400.

[halfsteppin]

I was able to get flight, hotel, and taxes, 317$

[HeadHunter team SOVA]

Originally Posted by lopez17

What are you flying? Everytime I fly to OK City to visit my brother I can't find anything from DC for less then $375-400.

Thats because you leaving from DC, they figure you make more money and can afford it.

[greenposton]

I found flight prices go down on Tuesday..They jack the prices up friday night...Hope this helps some people save some money...My flight went from $238 to $310 on the weekend then back down to $240

[PaintballofOKC]

AirTran or SW has that price the other airlines were double that price.

I think its time of year when you fly too winter in DC isn't very attractive to flyers.

[WildWayz]

See you guys there!

I start my trek at 11pm tonight... drive to work to leave my car there.. catch a coach down to London @ 00:05 (6hr or so coach ride). Flight to Dulles (via Charlotte) @ 09:55 - arrive at Dulles 12.5hrs later.

In UK time, that is... almost 24hrs of travelling..

[FirePro84]

i leave monday night get there at 5am tuesday morning. see you there James!

gonna be a fun (and busy) trip for us i think...

[GatSplat]

I'm packing now! fly out first thing and hit Dulles at 12:30. Look forward to seeing you guys there!

[motherpaintball]

I am so very lucky. We are less than a hour from the Extravaganza. It is nice to have something in the paintball business so close to us. We go every year and just enjoy the event.

Sue

[paintballsuperstore]

I would have loved to go there. The classes would have been great, but after looking at the prices there is just no way, why are the so high? do the give you the ego in the end?

[7paintball]

Originally Posted by paintballsuperstore

I would have loved to go there. The classes would have been great, but after looking at the prices there is just no way, why are the so high? do the give you the ego in the end?

Yeah you really have to pick an choose the ones to go to. Some are just way over priced.

[tony/the/colombian]

Need to have one in Vegas

[fairenuff]

Originally Posted by tony/the/colombian

Need to have one in Vegas

You read my mind. Why have it in the cold, Vegas is perfect

[Shiner777]

Cheaper alternative could be Foxwoods or Mohegan in the CT area. instead of vegas.