Why is eBay Open so expensive?

[bigdeals.etc]

I see that the early bird registration is $350 for eBay Open 2019. Given that I haven't been to any eBay Opens, but attended the last two eBay Lives (Chicago in 2008 and Vegas 2009 I believe). I recall paying about $70-$80 dollars for registration. Correct me if I'm wrong, I also asked my colleague to confirm the price. Those Live events were also 3 days of networking, seminars, workshops, sponsored lunches and dinners, and floor exhibits. What your standard convention is.

Is eBay Open any different? From what I see, it should be about the same. So why the huge markup? Even with 10 years inflation, $80 comes to around $90. Is there any reason why ebay marked up their convention price to about 500% the previous Live cost?

[weschurch]

The real question is why would anyone go? Lucky to get a few hundred people

[weschurch]

Sellers get plenty of ummmmmm..............Help (?) from Ebay during the year. Just remember Ebay knows best

[sharingtheland]

Breakfast and lunch for three days is included.  Woohoo.  I'm going to assume that's buffet dining so  ~$40/day, not counting tax/tip.

I am not a Mandalay Bay fan.  Too far from everything (except Bali Hai golf course) and cab rides add up.

[kenscorner]

Because ebay is nothing but greedy.

[weschurch]

Another way to make money without having to actually produce sales I assume. Its Ebays current business model

[gracieallen01]

Perhaps there are few people expected to attend and they need to raise the price to make up the attendance difference?

[bigdeals.etc]

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@weschurch wrote:

The real question is why would anyone go? Lucky to get a few hundred people

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I'd go if it was cheaper. Actually back when I went to the eBay Lives 10 years ago, they were great and really fun. Yea there were people complaining about policy and stuff, but that's expected. I networked a lot and met some great people/sellers... some which I still benefit from today.

@sharingthelandThe eBay Lives only included breakfast I believe for the general population. But my colleague and I went to sponsored lunches and dinners by the companies that attended. Back then I remember we went to one for Powersellers, eBay Mobile department, and Paypal. And they weren't too shabby... yes they weren't $200/head high end restaurants. But they were still nice, no buffets... they paid for drinks too.

I'm not sure if this huge markup in the Open would reflect any heightened experience from the Lives.

[weschurch]

10 years ago things were alot different then they are now. 

[yuzuha]

Honestly?  That sounds about right for a three-day event with meals included.  I paid $150 for a two-day event in Vegas back in November and that didn't include any meals, just the event programming.

[escuintla]

I've learned that you either read books, listen to a mentor, or do anything that will improve your inner soul, be this for business or whatnot, but attending seminars or conventions where you are just an spectator is a waste of time. 

Be the person for whom the bell tolls, then that would be a story worth of hearing.