great responses everyone! I too have headed up MANY a show in many a places. From small town hall shows, to large expo shows. yes, they ALL have expenses. Some more than others for sure.
Around here most shows are small rural county fair building shows. Many pay NO rent for the building, have few vendors, NO programs, no paid judges, no ribbons, etc...SO having said that, why should I pay $8-$10 to go to a show like that when for only $7 I can see a very large show with tons of vendors, juried quilts, etc.
OH and the small show, did not advertise their entrance fee, I think that is where the sour taste in my mouth started for sure!
I also do not think quilt shows should be considered fund raisers! Maybe in some small town guilds, but not in the big ones. They should be considered community service as part of the 501-3 C most of them have that says X% of monies must be used for community service!
Our guild of over 100 members will never do another show. NOT as long as the queen bee lives. Too many chiefs and not enough people willing to be her doormat! Sad but true! She runs the guild that way too! LONG story, but sadly it has run the guild into the ground!