Beanology.

Dry_bean.

Others may see it differently, I have a strong aversion to paying admission to any event that is a thinly disguised venue for retailers and wholesalers to tout their wares, in this case $56, $16 more than admission to the MCG to see one of the Big Bash matches and $11.50 more than a premium seat to an AFL match at the MCG, its b*llsh*t, obviously there are those willing to pay, I'm certainly not one of them, what it amounts to is paying for the privilege of opening your wallet to spend more money, at least at a cricket or footy match you receive a few hours of enjoyable entertainment.
OK, so you can see a wide range of products in one place with hands on demo's etc, whoopee ::) Demonstrations are something that any good specialist retailer can and should be able arrange.
That's my rant for this week, I will now step from the soap box and await incoming fire. :stir

mycuppa

I have attended many trade events but not this one. As a vendor - they are expensive to participate in and if you include all the effort involved in getting displays setup, people on hand to deal with customers, etc. For people who are in the market to purchase equipment - this is a great opportunity to see stuff lined up literally side-by-side - rather than wasting hours, days and weeks running around to visit vendors (these days it's becoming impossible for most brands).  For many people, the money they spend on their premium coffee gear is akin to buying a home or car - so in this respect the event is perfectly suited to them - rather than wasting countless hours reading 1-eyed forum reviews and looking at numerous jpeg images - there is nothing that compares to in the flesh experience when it comes to kit. In essence, the purchase of any coffee equipment is about comparisons - you can't do that so easily online. In relation to the educational event, in my mind that represents excellent value for people wanting to learn more. I wanted to attend Joseph's seminar last year, but could not. I would have paid a grand to listen to Joseph as he is without doubt the most knowledgeable coffee person on the planet. Comparably, I would not pay for a seat at the MCG - I do go there hosting clients, but nothing beats a relaxing moment in front of the big screen at home. To me, the whole argy-bargy over-crowded train trips meaning a 2.5hrs wasted transit, constant queuing for basic necessities such as warm, flat beer in dodgy spill-prone plastic cups, massively over-priced heart-attack pending greasy salty food (if you can call it that) and delays to visit the little boys room just make the whole experience very less compelling. $56 to indulge a passion once a year is small change.

Vinitasse

I attended last year and learned heaps from Joseph and Mark Beattie and considered the cost of admission to have been very well spent. Andy also threw in a very generous showbag filled with coffee, tea and cocoa and that alone would have justified the spend. The line up of shiny toys was just icing on the cake. My only regret is that Beanology moves to Sydney this time around... hopefully it is back in Melbourne next year.

paranomia

I thought that entry to the exhibition, comps, etc. was free - the $56 was for a seat at the Beanology series of sessions on blending, cup profile, etc. which don't sound commercial (although with CS who knows >:D)  The only odd session for the home enthusiast is Di Bella's one on "Branding & Marketing". I think I need something like this to move my roasting/blending up a level so it sounds like reasonable value (and with a showbag thrown in it sounds like good value) so I've got my ticket.  Anybody else going? (Besides, $56 isn't too bad after you've paid M$ several $K for TechEd which is all about how wonderful M$ products are)

beanflying

Like with Bruce I gained a heap from Joseph and Marks talks last year and the goody bag would have topped $30-40 retail in anyone's money. Due to doing some work for Pullman meant I missed the afternoon sessions on maintenance and another couple but still felt it was excellent and apart from the gear line up to play with there was no time for the flogging of products. I would seriously consider paying to go see Joseph next time he is out and I think the day courses run to $4-600 from memory and are still good value.