SUPERSPONSORSHIP: Why does it keep going up?
First off, I want to say I do understand the costs of things are raising so I understand why the registration fees have gone up over the years, but to me it seems the supersponsorship fee is raising faster then the other two options, specially when you take into consideration how every year we have more and more supersponsors. This will explain it easier:
Year ATTENDING SPONSORSHIP SUPERSPONSORSHIP
2000 $35 $80 $150
2001 $35 $85 $165
2002 $35 $85 $160
2003 $35 $85 $160
2004 $35 $85 $160
2005 $35 $85 $160
2006 $40 $90 $175
2007 $40 $90 $175
2008 $40 $90 $175
2009 I forget the prices last year.
2010 $40 $90 $190
So as you can see, the attendies have gone up a whole $5 over 10 years, the Sponsors $10, and us supersponsors $40.
As a SS I'm still getting the same packet of artwork and a t-shirt I always have over the years, still have the SS luncheon (which as a suiter I have to run out of half way through to get ready for the parade), but have lost the SS lounge (understandably).
So what justifies the increase? There are more sponsors and super sponsors every year so the con is getting more and more "extra" cash to pay for the extra room in the dealers den. What happened that requires a cash injection? I've been going SS for pretty much ever now but at nearly $200 I'm really having second thoughts about it this year.
I'm not complaining/trolling and I know I "can" go with one of the cheaper registrations but I honestly want to know why SS keeps jumping so much? The only reason I can think of is that as con costs raise, the con is relying on the supersponsors to offset the cost so that the normal attendies don't have to pay any thing extra, keeping the con more affordable for those who lack disposable income.
What day is the parade, anyhow?
The scheduling of the luncheon is the big reason why I haven't committed to paying for supersponsor membership this year. I did it last year, and I was disappointed to find that it through one of my planned events and ended very close to the start of another. It was scheduled to start at the halfway point of the solo-competition fursuit games, and it ended near the time of the fursuit parade. I'm a fursuiter and I paid for the supersponsorship, and that meant I had to choose:
- Participate in the games, rest/clean up when they end, get something to eat, and get back into suit for the parade, OR
- Don't do the games, go to the luncheon (energy for the parade), and leave well before it ends to get ready for the parade.
The first choice would have destroyed one of the main reasons why I paid for the supersponsor membership. So, I took option two, and I showed up at the games to take a few photos (for as long as I could) before the luncheon started.
And you know what? I paid for sponsor membership at MFF '09, and ran into the same problem there. 
I understand all the work that goes into scheduling. Believe me, as one of the 'aliens' that actually attends panels and events at cons, I do appreciate it (and I'd rather be faced with too much to do instead of waiting a long time for something interesting to happen). I also understand that fursuiters are the minority group at cons; we account for only about 15% - 20% of total attendance. Really, I'm not asking for some kind of scheduling magic to be done for fursuiters who supersponsor. But spending nearly $200 for the ticket, and being forced to choose between an exclusive supersponsor event and another major con event... Well, you can see why that's a problem.
I have to agree with you here. I understand that they cannot possibly schedule the luncheon around every event but I would hope that this year they try and give a little more leeway around a major event like the fursuit parade. Another event I would consider major would be the masquerade not that there was a scheduling conflict there.
One of the reasons my mate and I got the supersponser reg was for the luncheon. I was somewhat upset to find out what the scheduling was like last year and that I might have to leave the luncheon early in order to participate in the parade (but at least my mate can stay as she won't be in the parade most likely).
Last year I was in the team competition fursuit suit games and had a lot of fun (even though it caused me to be a little late to Kage and 2's story hour). I plan on doing it again this year and was hoping to do the solo games if I can work it around the luncheon and masquerade rehearsal. Then again I wouldn't really consider the games a major event and will just have to see how the chips fall on that one.
I don't know what more we can do. We pushed the Supersponsor luncheon ahead half an hour to 11:30 (generating quite a few complaints) and pushed the fursuit parade back to 2 PM so that fursuiters could attend the luncheon and still have time to make it to the parade. We even switched from a plated meal to a buffet (at greater expense) in part so that people could get their meal more quickly and have more time to change. I even invited fursuiters at the luncheon to get up first and get their plates ahead of everyone else.
I'm taking suggestions, then, as to what more you think we ought to do.
Could you deliver the food to our rooms? I'm joking of course. It was very nice last year for the suiters to hit the food first. I polished off a plate as fast as I could and took off to get into suit so that I could spend a half hour standing in line waiting for the parade to begin. Even that early I was past midline so others had been waiting longer then that in line.
The only thing I can think of, which I'm sure many would be annoyed by, would be to make it a super sponsor breakfest. Most of the things start up around 10am or later so scheduling some thing like this before that time is about the only way to make it not conflict with every thing else.
But honestly, how many furs (besides me) are out of bed and active at 9am during the con? First in line for the dealers den 3 years running (2 years I'm sure of with photos to prove it, forgot it I made it last year).
I'm sure that the board do all they can to accommodate as many as they can and it is very appreciated. I'm just hoping I don't have to leave the luncheon to early but if I do it's no big deal. An as Killjoy has mentioned if fursuiters are allowed through the line first so they can eat it would be a great help.
three words.... hot dog cannons! 
Well, if you want a suggestion...
In my case, moving the Saturday fursuit games to another time in the afternoon, some time after the parade, would be ideal. I'd have most of the morning to prepare for the parade, and I wouldn't be worn out (from prior activity or lack of food) before it begins. That move would also give me another fursuit event to participate in, and I wouldn't have to worry about leaving the luncheon early or arriving late. Maybe it would also allow you to move the luncheon and parade times to other slots?
That would work well for me as long as it didn't interfere with the masquerade. 
In my case, moving the Saturday fursuit games to another time in the afternoon, some time after the parade, would be ideal.
If we put those two items too close together, though, i'd anticipate complaints; the parade has in the past been a very long, hard walk for some fursuiters, especially with an extended photo session afterwards, and i would imagine that a lot of 'suiters would be too hot and stinky and worn out to go play games without a significant break after.
I understand the frustration of having to run from one event to another; really, i do. But i'm inclined to think that if there were a better way to organize those events and meet everyone's needs, KP probably would have taken it by now. 
Since there's just SO MANY supsersponsors, maybe make a fourth registration level, say $50 above SS, the super special sponsors! Make the luncheon for them?
the only serious problem with that is that it's kinda a slap in the face to the folks who are already digging deep to shell out the extra $150 for it, but it would fix the space problem, and in turn the time consumption problem.
Or perhaps another level between sponsor and supersponsor? since it's Attending+$50, then attending+$150, make a ExtraSponsor level based at Attending+$100 ($150 at door) that includes everything in the supersponsor package except for the luncheon.
I'd go for that.
Catering prices at the convention center are substantially higher than the prices at the Westin. The trouble is that we no longer have enough room at the Westin for the Supersponsor Luncheon.
Did moving from multi-course meals to the buffet style help out on prices?
It helped them go up.
Then perhaps it would be cost effective to reduce the luncheon to a pizza social? The main problem cost wise I see with the luncheon is the local unions. You HAVE TO have them cater while in the hotel/convention center and of course they over charge cuz they can. Don't get me wrong, the food is always incredible but I'd have to ask those to hit the luncheon if they are there for the food or to listen to the GOHs' stories. If its the later of the two then just have pizza and soda at tables while you guys chat at the main table.
Perhaps posting a pole asking supersponsors what they'd like could help cut costs for 2011?
I think that the same problem would still apply. If the Supersponsor Luncheon is held in the DLCC (as Kage states it must be due to size), the con would have to pay the food equivalent of a 'corkage fee.' (It might even be called that, even though it's food.) This means that either you use the DLCC facilities for food (and pay DLCC costs) or bring food from the outside (and pay DLCC fees). It's very likely that pizza and soda at the DLCC would not be much cheaper than the buffet.
From what I have seen on other convention websites (was just looking after the original post) I would have to say the $200 is about the norm for supersponser level memberships. I can definitely understand wanting to cut costs though. I know that the con staff and board really appreciate their supersponsers but I would have to say that if the con were to change it to a pizza luncheon it would come across like the con was trying to take it on the cheap to a lot of people.
Ya, I can see how some would see that. Honestly I'm at a loss for thinking of ways to reduce the cost without coming off as 'cheap'. As for me I think I'll just go for the attending reg, I can do without the t-shirt and luncheon (I can get a lot of food for $150 I'll save) and I'll be suiting all the time so being in the front row/short lines for shows isn't important.
Just speaking for myself, I think every attendee at AC should ask themself
"What am I doing to make this a great con?"
Some attendees are SuperSponsors, some are Sponsors, some volunteer their
time to staff the infrastructure, some staff the panels. All of those
make rhe convention better for everyone. I wouldn't presume to speak
for anyone as to what was best for them to do, but I think we should all
do something. Me, I've been a Panelist each year I've attended-
including my first year (running 2 different panels some years.)
It's the contributions- whether of time or money- that make AC
the great con that it is. People staff registration- which is lower
due to Sponsors, people run facilities like Tigerden's internet room
and various rooms like Tabletop and the Zoo, people run panels all over
the convention, and people oversee all of them and interface with the
site, making sure it all runs smoothly- or smoothing it out if it doesn't.
If people DIDN'T volunteer at one of those steps, AC would not shine so
brightly.
Good point, bump attending membership up to $45. Its time for those guys to help out 
But seriously, I get the point you're making. I've been a supersponsor for years, donated a ton of stuff to the charity auctions, helped other con goes every time I could and encouraged people who weren't going to AC to go (I've even paid for train/plane tickets for some and made my room a cashing pad for those without beds). I've done so out of kindness and never asked for even a pat on the back in return, I just go and enjoy the con.
And believe us, these things are appreciated!
This is really our penance - our albatross - for all those petty complaints about the Dreaded "Iced Tea Drink"...Isn't it? 
penance?PENANCE!? I think i`d rather drink the river water then that iced tea..maybe even the devils sweat then that iced tea! I kid,but that stuff was nasty.I appreciated the change greatly!
One possibility that springs to mind is to hold two smaller luncheons. I don't know the best way of allocating people to lunches - it might be best to just give them tickets and have them turn up when they like, but turn them away if the room is full.
Of course, the end result may be that some people don't get to go to the luncheon they wanted, but that's true already. And it might cost less (hard to tell without specifics).
To note initially, the 2009 costs were the same as the 2008 costs.
I'd like to make a couple comments about the most recent price change.
First, we've eliminated one listed price you did not account for: The $35 "At-con Attending Special". That was active up to 2009, but has been eliminated for 2010, due to several reasons- most notably our new financial year. While that's a minor effect (less than 30 people signed up at 2008 for 2009), we do want to note that it is an attending price that has increased.
Second, I will note that time-dependent prices are being instituted; Sponsor prices are going up modestly as well on Feb 16th to $95 until the close of registration, and $100 at the door. This is to permit a more sensible and understandable upgrade scenario: No matter when purchased, Attending to Sponsor will be $50, Sponsor to Supersponsor will be $100.
Third, while Anthrocon does consider itself the leading furry convention and not merely the largest, we do take into account the rates of other conventions when setting our prices. Of the next three largest furry conventions: Further Confusion 2010 charged $40/$100/$200 for their corresponding least expensive levels; Midwest Furfest 2009 charged $30/$120/$250; Furry Weekend Atlanta 2010 is charging $40/$90/$160 (plus tax).
Fourth, as a 2009 Supersponsor you were supposed to get one of our sponsor tags, as well as the $5 coupon to the Steel City Diner and the free lunch combo at Fernando's. We received an overall positive response from our Supersponsors.
Are we providing a good 'value' for the cost of the Supersponsors? We do try, as we try to keep high value for all attendees. Sponsor and Supersponsors, of course, are people who sponsor us, who are patrons, who do give more than the simple value-of-the-stuff to Anthrocon; they are generous people who do help the con to function. We don't want to rely solely on them for price increases- I will note there was an increase in the price of Dealer and Dealer Assistant Memberships, which tends to be 'invisible' to most attendees. Future price increases, if they must occur, are very likely to involve an increase in Attending level rates. The 2010 increases are, as noted, our first increase since 2006; we do try to keep the costs low for even our generous Sponsors and Supersponsors.
Finally: we appreciate your honesty, and you ought never be worried about voicing a complaint. We're a convention of fans for fans, and we value the opinions of our attendees very highly.
--Chiaroscuro
I would like to say that I have appreciated all the "thank you" luncheons which AnthroCon has provided, and which I attended - I declined the invitation one year, for personal reasons - and last year's was particularly nice, because of both the broad choice of menu items to stack our plates with, and the beverage choice being far more palatable, with the so-called "Iced Tea" being banished...but I do not believe that everyone was able to start their meal and finish in a timely manner, I think that it actually took _longer_ to serve everyone than in the past, with the fixed menu items, pre-chosen and served by the Westin staff.
I have been to a good many catered meals in my time, and usually the least fuss, quickest service was of the pre-selected, pre-portioned plates brought from the food-preparation area, and it also eliminates the pressure to "rush" a line, to get desired items before they run out of any one thing. More service people are involved, but more decorum is maintained, and a more orderly schedule can be kept, the time that diners are kept at their seats more dependent upon the presentations and speeches made from the head-table, rather than the food service.
Of course the number of Supersponsors has increased to the point where one needs to use the DLCC services, rather than the banquet facilities of the Westin; but it makes me wonder - is it necessary to hold the luncheon at either the Westin or the DLCC? The absolute BEST luncheon that I have atttended while at AnthroCon was the last year at the King of Prussia, where we all embarked by bus to a restaurant down the road a ways (I do remember the decor featured paintings of horse-and-hound foxhunts). Is there someplace near the convention center like August Henry's, which could be reserved for our "private party" luncheon? Or, for that matter, one of the "Riverboat tour/BBQ" charters, taking us aboard at the wharf under the DLCC, for a BBQ lunch cruise along the Allegheny? How would this compare to cost of DLCC banquet services?
Finally this idea of a "conflict" in scheduling - the Luncheon should be scheduled for lunch-time, and there shouldn't be scheduled programming or events of any sort at lunch-time. Most conventions essentially shut down at lunch-time, so that panelists and presenters and attendees can go about and eat lunch. DO we have so much programming that we can't take that break for everybody? Shouldn't such a crowded schedule be avoided? And for that matter - why would the Fursuit Parade have to take place right after or at lunchtime, anyway? Wouldn't this be a better event for mid-morning or mid-afternoon, or even the last hour of Saturday programming, as the day's sales in the dealers' den are wrapping up?
I will make only one comment: August Henry's is a nice place, but not for the Supersponsor Luncheon. It's not large enough, nor is it arranged internally to create a 'group' feel for something this large. It has internal walls that would cause feelings of separation, instead of community.
The rest of Vulpes' suggestions break down to money, time and available locations: I can't speak to those.
As mentioned, August Henry's cannot accommodate the 200 or so Supersponsors for the luncheon, as fine a place as it is to eat.
I do recall that SS luncheon in King of Prussia; it's the only one I ever made it to, that because I was pressed into duty to shuttle Paul Kidd to the restaurant. As a volunteer, my first year at Anthrocon and my first time in King Of Prussia. (What were they thinking?)
The reasons to hold the Luncheon in the DLCC or the Westin are rather straightforward: Large, open rooms capable of service of 200+ people; and proximity to convention events. The next logical place I would think to hold the Luncheon would be the Omni William Penn; and I do believer there would be such a hue and cry over the 'long and terrible walk' (Of three blocks) that it's a non-starter. The complaints that Anthrocon is in 'too far spread-out' a space do occur every year, and we're only programming in two directly-connected buildings.
However, I'm intrigued by the notion of a River Cruise/Luncheon possibility. We may investigate this further.
that does sound fun.Ive always wanted to go on one of those boats.
Since I'm a pessimist by nature, the first thing that occurs to me when someone mentions boat excursions is the fate of the Titanic...
Two problems:
1) Expense. I'm already seeing people complaining about that the price of a supersponsorship is too high.
2) Timing. Loading people onto the boat, casting off, moving into the river, serving lunch, returning, offloading people....it would all take at least 2 hours. People are already complaining that the luncheon imposes too much on their time, and we have it situated right next to the Headless Lounge and the spot for the fursuit lineup.
no matter what you do people will complain.No matter what time the luncheon is held it will conflict with something.I for one want the luncheon to be something special and impressive and its among the top priorities of myself during the con after looking through the art show and meeting old friends. I would say if the cost could be worked out so it wouldnt be more much expensive then it would be well worth the time to try it . but everyone has different priorities at a con of course.I would think that boat luncheon would impress the guests of honor more then sitting down in the DLC .That could maybe sway ones ideas about whether its worth the time and travel.Heck maybe it would mean everyone who got "forced" to get away from the con for a little bit could stop and appreciate and view from a unique angle the city we are visiting for a little while.
Also as far as the supersponsorship goes.I think people forget what the point of it is.Were not suppossed to get every penny we spend on it back in total value .there is suppossed to be extra money we are donating to the con to help it run bigger and better.Otherwise no offense to the smaller cons,but wed be still in a hotel ballroom with 500 attendeees. I for one think $200 for supersponsorship or even another 10 or 20 bucks is not a major expense compared to travel and room and other expenses to attend the con.If it is one probably should be a sponsor or regular attendee then.
Two problems:
1) Expense. I'm already seeing people complaining...price...too high.
2) Timing. ...(logistical and time breakdown)...People are already complaining that the luncheon imposes too much on their time...
If, by tossing out that particular suggestion, I somehow left the impression that I was dissatisfied with the status quo and felt that "improvements" must be made, then I am sorry - such was not my intent; I'm not trying to find fault.
I've always thought of the luncheon as, first - an expression of gratitude by the powers-that-be for the financial assistance which we provide, and second - as a demonstration to the Guests-of-Honor of the place they hold in our hearts, for the stories or art or animation which they created and of which we are so fond (or at least, that is the impression which I hope they come away with). The actual meal, and its value as such, has been of relatively minor consequence to the other two considerations, and - aside from the "iced Tea" - I've had no reason to complain about either your hospitality, or the service itself.
No One is compelled to become a Supersponsor, or to donate anything above the base attending registration fee - and there isn't even any strong effort to recruit more Supersponsors or Sponsors. While I do appreciate the little "extras", especially "Preferred Seating" for Evening Performances, the reason that I register at the Supersponsor level is because I can. Not everyone is in that position, and I am only there because I have been extremely fortunate during my years in the Fandom, and have the wherewithal to make this simple and relatively minor contribution towards the enhancement of the general Fan Experience.
I know that there are others - too many others, sadly - who make their contribution after calculating their specific benefit-to-cost analysis, and are likely to look at the thing strictly from their own benefit value, and these will complain about the cost (though not all who complain about the cost are by any means ungenerous or selfish).
As to the Riverboat Excursion suggestion, I only understand that there are companies which do provide that sort of thing - one of which benefits attempts to restore riparian habitat and wildlife in the local area - and had not actually done any research into the thing, such as group charter rates, itineraries, menues, etc. but (perhaps carelessly) tossed out that inspiration as an alternative. If the cost subtracts even more away from the gains which the supersponsors provide, then of course the idea is a non-starter. Same with an Off-Prem eating establishment similar to August Henry's.
Since I'm a pessimist by nature, the first thing that occurs to me when someone mentions boat excursions is the fate of the Titanic...
...Or the fate of the S. S. Minnow?
"Come Story Hour, You'll hear a tale
A tale of an aweful trip,
That started from a Pittsburgh wharf
And ended with a "dip"
The point was the Chairman's Gratitude,
An expression of his thanks,
For unstinted generosity
from the Supersponsors' ranks..."
- "The Rhime of the Ancient Chemist"
In relation to the Luncheon, I don't know how feasable this is but I'm suggesting it anyway. I myself have been through this (I supersponsored once), and I was thinking that if the Luncheon were on a different day than the other big events (Masquerade Rehersal, The Masquerade and The Parade) there may not be as much of a timing problem. Now I'm sure opening day isn't a good time because not everyone has arrived all the time. But what about Sunday? By then alot of us are ready to start winding down and a nice lunch get togather would be rather nice then. Just thought I'd make a suggestion
The problem with Sunday, from my point of view, is that around lunch time I am guarding my bids at the auction. Unfortunately, there is not going to be any time for any event that is going to be good for everyone.
Bingo.
Bah! It's not that much to help the greatest convntion of all time!
We should be willing to sell our kidneys to get the money if necessary! Both of them, in fact! We can make do with pig kidneys from the slaughter house! Or cow ones! They're bigger so ya only need one to make up for both. You don't want one from a racehorse, cuz then you'll literally pee like one. :3
It's all for Anthrocon! *salutes*
Taking a more long-term view, expenses per person have risen significantly ($10-$15/person) since the move to the Westin Convention Center. This rise has not been fully covered by the $5 rise in the base membership.
Sponsors, and in particular super-sponsors, are paying more so that Anthrocon can be held in a location that matches its size. This is hardly a surprise; I seem to recall Kage saying as much during opening ceremonies.
As Anthrocon grows, each person getting what is now a "(more) subsidized" standard membership - or a free one, like staff - increases the absolute "subsidy". This has to be made up by the sponsors.
The proportion of sponsors has increased slightly since 2004, but not enough to offset the 25-30% increase in expenses after the move. Of course, fees went up for everyone in 2006.
Psychologically-speaking, moving sponsors up to $100 would be a big thing. Moving supersponsors up to $190 is more palatable. But you're right, continued increases seem unfair even with underlying causes like catering costs.
Anthrocon did not publish figures for sponsors and super-sponsors last year. It's possible the proportion sponsoring has decreased (or is expected to this year) and that could have contributed to the rise in price this year.
As Chiaroscuro suggested, it's most likely that the base membership will rise next. That will ease the situation for a while, especially if AC can find ways to make scale work for it rather than against it.
AC Expenses Revenue Pop Ex/per Rev/per Spon Super %/Spon %/Super 2004: $110331.06 $106131.99 2411 $45.76 $44.02 157 153 6.5 6.3 2005: $112542.73 $125169.78 2371 $47.47 $52.79 162 195 6.8 8.2 2006: $149934.36 $147427.57 2489 $60.24 $59.23 192 188 7.7 7.6 2007: $157190.40 $186002.90 2849 $55.17 $65.29 183 202 6.4 7.1 2008: $201455.62 $215694.29 3390 $59.43 $63.62 306 251 9.1 7.4
Budgeting for a large, growing event is tricky. AC usually sticks to its goal of "keeping its cost of attendance to a minimum," but when expenses per person increases by a quarter, something's gotta give.
For comparison:
FC Expenses Revenue Pop Ex/per Rev/per 2003: $114883 $126907 1201 $95.66 $105.67 2004: $87606 $134923 1411 $62.09 $95.62 2005: $98021 $133745 1712 $57.25 $78.12 2006: $98922 $128265 1911 $51.76 $67.12 2007: $113574 $136018 2062 $55.08 $65.96 2008: $135664 $158494 2423 $55.99 $65.41 2009: $143590 $159596 2587 $55.50 $61.69
FC is in California - they haven't got the function space AC does, but let's face it, prices are higher over there. They also directly donate quite a lot to charity, and they've been building up a reserve fund.
MFF Expense ss Revenue Pop Ex/per Rev/per 2002: $27938 $27739 685 $40.79 $40.49 2003: $35383 $36282 800 $44.23 $45.35 2004: $46657 $39266 986 $47.32 $39.82 2005: $32904 $42780 1066 $30.87 $40.13 2006: $58983 $63186 1422 $41.48 $44.43 2007: $52470 $63872 1690 $31.05 $37.79 2008: $67311 $76534 1992 $33.79 $38.42
MFF also donates a chunk to charity but overall has had significantly lower expenses. A big part of this is that MFF just hasn't had to shell out as much for the space (that may change this year).
The figures above are public and come from each convention's Form 990 (like a Form 1040 for non-profits); summaries and links are available on WikiFur's page about each convention (example), or here for MFF.
I'd like to clarify two points here.
We have raised Sponsor prices; very few people have noticed this because the early prices have remained the same. However, from February 16th until the end of pre-registration - when the majority of our attendees register - prices will be $45 for attending, $95 for Sponsor, and $195 for Supersponsor. At the door, they will be $50, $100, and $200. We run our numbers based on those middle figures, which for the first time have variable pricing in Sponsor and Supersponsor. Supersponsors have the largest increase, but they are not the sole increase. (As mentioned, we have eliminated the 'At-con Next Year Special' of $35 for Attending, and Dealer and Dealer Assistant rates have also increased from 2009.)
I also did not say anything about the timing nor the amount of any further pre-registration cost increases; we'll revisit those numbers after the completion of Anthrocon 2010. We may hold steady at the current prices for further years; raising attendee prices for any category is something done with great reluctance.
Without doing the numbers, a quick glance tells me super sponsors make up 10% or less of the AC population and shoulder 25% of the financial burden. Considering Kage tells up each year how much of the con's cost the SS covers (I think last year he said the SS paid for the convention center by themselves) I'd say that's a sizable chunk. But looking at the figures also says the other cons are more profitable % wise so either the convention center is sticking it to us cost wise (its a huge place so I'd expect it to cost a lot), we need to generate more rev (charge a little more some where), or cut costs some how (do we pay the con security?)
Its nice to be able to see these figures so people can understand just how much these events cost to hold.
To make any bias I have on this issue clear: I have been a Supersponsor every year I've attended Anthrocon. This includes 1999 when I was, in effect, a guest of the con. (Since 1999 I have missed 3 years due to illness.) I have already registered as a Supersponsor for this year although it's very possible I won't be able to attend.
I Supersponsor because I can, not because I feel that I have to. I understand that I'm not going to get back anywhere close to equity on that. If you want to phrase it that way, I'm deliberately pumping money into Anthrocon to subsidise it... and, more importantly, all of the young fans who are just starting. I can afford the expense, almost literally out-of-pocket: young fans have to scrimp to afford it. Usually, I have a room to myself: young fans have to room share to afford it. You can phrase it as Sponsors and Supersponsors are subsidizing the next generation of fans... in the hope that they will do the same when then can afford to do so.
Is the Convention Center 'sticking it to us'? Maybe. They're probably charging us exactly what they'd charge anyone who rented Hall B. (However, they're cutting us some breaks with the union workers.) If we pay the Dorsai, I can only say one thing: we don't pay them anywhere near enough. Considering that a Pittsburgh-area anime con (Tekkoshocon?) has been kicked out of the Westin because they didn't supply security, cutting back in this area would be foolish. Finally, 'profit' is something Anthrocon can't deal with: they're a registered not-for-profit organization.
In short, I consider Sponsorship and Supersponsorship an investment in both the present and future of the fandom. I think that's a good enough reason to do it. If you don't feel that way, that's fine. You can be a member at Attendee level and your investment/payback ratio will be that much higher. Just remember: it's harder for the young fans to afford a $5 increase than it is for someone like me to afford a $10 or $20 increase at Supersponsor level.
I do agree that seeing the dollar breakdown is nice: it makes me feel that I've helped keep the fandom alive by 'investing' in Supersponsorship.
As a followup, and for the record, the Dorsai are not paid for their services. They are volunteers, just like everyone else on Anthrocon's staff.
Finally, 'profit' is something Anthrocon can't deal with: they're a registered not-for-profit organization.
Technically, speaking as someone who works with a lot of accountants, that's not exactly true...
Budgeting is, beyond a certain point, a mater of guesswork; the governmment knows this, and recognizes that no organization can be expected to make their income and outflow exactly every year. The 'nonprofit' part of Anthrocon's taxable status means that they try to make the income and outflow levels balance on their budgets (which allows for money to be set aside as a reserve), and that any surplus income gets churned back into the support of the organization, not into private income for shareholders.
All of which is not to say that i have anything to do with that budgeting process...only that the laws for nonprofits aren't always precisely what you might expect.
Dester'edra, I work for a not-for-profit hospital. Believe me, I understand what you're saying. I was just simplifying the idea down to its lowest common denominator: Anthrocon is not set up or intended to make a profit. Break even, certainly. Make a little bit of money that gets fed back into setup for next year or donated to charity, fine. Line the pockets of Kage and the Board of Directors, no way.
I'm well aware that all Kage, the Board, the Staff and all of the volunteers get out of this is a hearty 'Well Done!' from the attendees... and they don't even hear that often enough!
To everyone who helps Anthrocon run, Well Done!
No worries; my little OCD side just loves to nitpick about precise definitions. Besides, i also do some work with the board for another nonprofit, where this seemed to be a matter of some confusion. 
Personally, I feel Anthrocon does rather well for what it is. $60/person is crazy for a significant "three-day" (really four day) event for 4000 in a major city. Doubtless the convention center costs a lot — but AC gets a lot for its money, too.
To put that into perspective, the NY Mets (whose reporter was "freaked out" by us - but not enough to stop him grabbing a shot with Crusader Cat) typically charge as much for a single night's entertainment. The Pirates are cheaper, but they're even worse than the Mets. Some pay more for taxis than for registration.
One of the greatest reasons for this - true at every furry con, but more significant at large events that needs more dedicated personnel - is the willingness of over 150 people to work the equivalent of two to three days for little more than a ribbon, access to events, and a sit-down dinner at the end. (To be fair, I think the Dorsai get a collective room to sleep in, but they also work 24/7 on security, and probably don't get as much out of the events.)
All listed organizations are not-for-profit. AC is a "social and recreational club", devoted solely to the event (I like that), while the others allocate money to charitable objectives; all roll over any surplus into future conventions. There are a few furry cons that are technically for-profit, but this is "by accident".
That's a very interesting question. My mate and I are coming to AC again this year. It will be our second year attending but our first year as supersponsers. I have no qualms about the price (otherwise I wouldn't have paid for them) but I am interested in seeing the answer.
I'll also have to keep an eye on the schedule because I will be in the parade also and may need to leave the luncheon early if they conflict. It would be nice if K.P. could schedule a little more time in between these two events so we wouldn't have to leave the luncheon early to be in the parade.