My question is not really about the PTO Convention, but conventions for non-profits in general.
I attended our State PTA convention last month for the second time. Last year, the person who organized our group to go to convention bought tons of food to keep in the hotel rooms. This food was shared by 3 PTAs, so she presented an invoice to each for their share. Other than the fact we had no receipts to back that up, I had no problem with the way the food was handled.
This year, the same person bought dinner for herself and 2 others the first night (they were there early to help set up the convention). She also bought the food for the hotel rooms. Then she bought lunch for everybody one day. All this in addition to the $35 per person for tickets to a banquet dinner that the state offers. All of this food was paid for by the PTA. When she told everybody to come to lunch, that she was buying, I thought it was her personal money. When I asked her, she said the PTA would pay for it, because there is money left in the budget. My feeling is that, even if there is money, it can be better used. I suggested that in the future each person bring something to share with all the others, but she thought that would be too much bother. I also have no problem with the PTA providing food to eat in the rooms.
So, what do you think? Am I way off base here? I have been to 2 other conventions (not for non-profit groups) and had to buy my own food. I would like to find out what other groups do.
