Honestly I don't think it's a big deal to disclose the exact attendance numbers, but I won't because that's a decision the board of directors should be making as a group; it is not for any single one of us to disclose that without having a consensus. But I think that stating we had over 1100+ visitors gives a good enough answer to the question. Which is why I think Evan chose his words poorly; it's not about proprietary, it's about not shooting off one's mouth without checking with the group first.
Just to clear some possible misconceptions up ...
Vintage Computer Federation is a registered 501c3 which makes us except from Federal taxes. I think we are listed as an educational organization. Doing the paperwork to be a 501c3 exempts us from federal income tax and allows us to accept donations. We use the donations in the physical museum in Wall, NJ or to cover operating expenses for the museum and the events. We have rules for corporate governance and a board of directors. If any one person quits the organization continues on.
If you want to see hard numbers, we have summary fiscal results posted at
http://vcfed.org/wp/financial-information/ .
If you think about the expense of running an event, a lot of the expenses are not being recorded because VCFed doesn't see them. For example, at least four people flew to Mountain View and paid for hotels and food on their own time just to volunteer at the event. None of that expense is reported; people are just eating that personally. When we have to pay for professional services we usually get it at a discount due to personal relationships. We also borrow equipment and provide our own personal equipment to keep costs down.
For those of you near VCF East, VCF West or VCF PNW - consider volunteering at an event the next time it comes around. That will give you a better mental picture of what goes on.
And don't forget what the 20 to 35 exhibitors and speakers throw in from their own travel expenses ...
