@SoCalMama wrote:
I see that there are classes too, as an add-on cost.
Per the event website: "The registration fee includes the cost of attendance at all general and concurrent sessions, social functions and planned meals."
It's my understanding from that, the classes on the agenda for Saturday are included in the price, but the Sunday certifications require an additional fee.
My question would be more about what experienced shoppers can get from of the event. I'm not really interested in learning about writing restaurant evaluations or getting further certified at this point in my MSing career. However, it's nice to see that the shopperfest is including an initial session that's open to the public and complimentary, so those interested in MSing can come and get an idea of what it's all about.
It's unclear if the opening reception afterward is also open to the public, but that would be the best option for networking IMHO. The MSPA is holding the CXE3 event in LA for the few days before the shopperfest, so I expect there will be a number of MSP reps in the area that day. It would be nice if the reception was also open on a complimentary basis to shoppers who could both network with reps from the MSCs and also speak with newer, up & coming shoppers that could benefit from the classes offered, as well as speaking with experienced shoppers. That would be a win/win for all involved.