Just wondering if there is any (general) preference of opinion between having a 'meeting' and having a 'dinner meeting'.
Judging by the last dinner at the Mitcham Pub, everyone felt welcome and comfortable, did a lot of mingling and no-one seemed to be out of a conversation for very long. Lots of new faces and a relaxed atmosphere.
I have only been to a few actual 'meetings' at the Swinburne facility, although I know that some participants go to every meeting and also cross town to the Footscray meetings as well (and vv).
I guess that a 'free meeting' may have the appeal of being 'free', but the cost of a dinner (which we have to eat, anyway) would be less than $20 per head and there's no feeling of 'gotta rush and eat before I go 'cos I've gotta get there by a certain time'.
As Y-Man and Manny have put a lot of effort into organising the meetings over the years, please don't think I am saying 'that doesn't suit me but meeting for dinner does', just that meeting in a pub doesn't necessarily imply drinking alcohol, the parking is on site and free, there is usually heating / cooling, there is usually public transport close by, and there are lots of places to choose from.
Plus, my social life has always been a bit on the skimpy side (all work and no play), it's fun to meet for dinner and get to talk about property, too!
There are also lots of places which can provide a separate room if there is any particular subject to discuss eg I went to Hampton RSL this evening, set menu plus tea & coffee for $20 per head, yes someone has to receive the money and make the booking but a separate room would only be necessary if there was going to be a 'speaker' for any reason or a 'question and answer' session.
If we got really creative we could nominate four places - North, South, East and West on a rotating basis but I don't know how to do a Poll but if I did (know how to do a Poll) perhaps a dinner / non-dinner meeting question and a general preferred direction choice, or to keep it Really Simple if someone said 'I'm going to Barnacle Bill's at Brighton phone 1234.5678 on Wednesday 28th so please ring Bill's if you are coming. See you there!'
Just a thought but after a while everyone gets busy and if this is left to the same people (Y-Man, Manny) to organise each month it means that they always get left holding the heavy end!
Cheers
Kristine
