Hi Alan, I have spoken to Una and we would respond as follows. We are happy that we have agreed on Theatre rates (as per memo subject to agreement on dates). We really would like to accommodate the Fashion Show and like working with DCU student bodies and hence regarding prices for The Space (for drama) and The Mahony Hall (for style soc), we suggest you make us an offer of what might be an increase acceptable to these groups. We are happy to consider any reasonable offer made and hope we can reach agreement here! In response to Dave's email below I would like to point out the Security and Technical costs are re-billed at cost price, which is quite fair, and organisation of this is part of the service we provide. If Dave can source Security at cheaper cost for the same level of quality then that is acceptable. As per my last email VAT is not payable on venue hire. We really need to resolve these issues this week - we are currently at the final stages of firming up our Spring 08 programme. Let me know how this all sounds - we'd love to make this all work! Kind regards, Molly Alan Flanagan wrote:

Hi Molly,

Sorry about the delay on this I figured it would be best to consult the two main societies involved i.e. the Drama and Style Societies.

Pauric Carroll, chair of DCU Drama, emailed me, basically saying that they don't find the theatre prices that bad, but The Space leap from €100 to €150 is excessive, and hoped that there might be a way of renegotiating this?

Dave McGovern, chair of Style Soc, emailed me about it, and I thought it best to attach his email below.

"I'm writing this email regards the rates of renting part of The Helix for The DCU Fashion Show 2008. This year will see the third year of the show, with it having taken place every year in the Mahony Hall. It is a perfect venue for the show, in terms of the quality of the hall, the staff, location, etc. It is beneficial for us as we can easily communicate with the staff, move our equipment and familiarise everyone involved with the space. I feel it is also beneficial to The Helix and to DCU as it brings a large volume to the campus for a show that is extremely professional and creative, while being completely student-produced.

However this year we are having to completely review the venue and how we use it due to the huge costs of rental. Last year it cost us €3,000 to rent the hall for the night, with collosal technical costs, security costs and a further €1,200 for using the foyer for the after-party, which we had decorated ourselves and provided the entertainment. This year sees the rental of the Mahony Hall rise to over €4,000 once V.A.T. is added (€3,900 ex V.A.T.) and presumably higher costs for the tech set-up and rental for the after-party. It is understandable that prices will rise from year to year, yet it is a considerable jump from the previous year, and is extraordinarily high for an event that takes place on a university campus that prides itself on supporting student activity.

As a committee we work hard to cut costs and secure as much sponsorship as possible, with a committee member dedicated to sponsorship, yet the show will prove expensive regardless. However we feel that there is little or no support given from the university towards the show, and that once again this year we face rental fees that are not in any way student-friendly. In the same way that we are fortunate to have a great venue for the show, I feel the university is fortunate to have such a high-profile, professional event take place that is directly linked to the college, both in terms of location and name. However with the costs so high, we would appreciate if the university could intervene somehow to ensure that the show can reach its potential, and in being a success, can raise as much money for charity as possible.

Please get back to me as soon as possible and let me know if there is any action I can take. I can meet up at your convenience and outline some of the costs of the show, our plans for sponsorship and how we intend to maximise the amount we give to charity.

Kind regards, David"

As you can see, the Style Society think that the leap in the Mahony Hall is huge. Could there be more discussion on this? Seeing as it is not only a student event but a charity event, I'm say there's a strong case for something much more similar to last year's rental price.

Thanks,

Alan

Molly Manning wrote:

...

Dear Alan,

Have you had a chance to review this email?

Thanks and kind regards, Molly

Molly Manning wrote:

...

Dear Alan,

Further to our agreement made in February with Charlene Connolly for hire rates for DCU Student Events in 2007 we have now reviewed our new hire rates for 2008. I have attached for your review our proposed new hire rates.

Please come back to me if acceptable or with any queries.

Kind regards, Molly

-- Molly Manning Acting Programme Coordinator The Helix P: +353.1.7007112 F: +353.1.7007110 E: molly.manning@thehelix.dcu.ie W: www.the helix.ie NB: Please note that all venue bookings are subject to contract and no bookings should be regarded as confirmed until contracts are issued. -- Alan Flanagan President, Dublin City University Students' Union E: president@dcusu.ie P: +353 1 700 5279 M: 086 173 7103 -- www.dcudrama.ie