P Jones (12/16/2014)
I have to ask why should these events be totally free? Most people would be happy to pay a fiver or tenner (UK) which would cover the hire of a village hall, scout hut or similar, which are usually cheap and have tea/coffee making facilities. Lunch doesn't need to be provided either as long as there is somewhere it can be purchased or bring-your-own eaten.Personally I don't do work or work related things on Saturdays - I have a life and family.
I agree with you on this. We have a SQL Saturday in my area, and I get a lot out of it! However, it is very important to me to have them be either free or nearly free. Going to conferences isn't something that is always possible, so something like a SQL Saturday is literally a godsend. I would be willing to bring my own lunch to such an affair, but I think I'm in the minority as far as that goes. Most would rather just have it catered or purchased somehow.
Rod