Imposed compliance for whose gain?

I was recently invited to attend a training "update" for one of the techniques I teach in my movement profession. I love to attend educational events to get new information so as to improve my skills as a practitioner.

What I don't love and quite candidly resent is when something is represented as one thing, when, in fact, it is a very different animal.

There is little point in revealing who I perceive to be the offender in this case. Suffice it to say that a major "educational" event in my industry smells strangely of a "trade-show" event where I have been asked to part with some of my cash to be "sold" on different methodologies.

What irks me most is that I was sorely tempted to do this, because I was being offered the opportunity to take courses with several people I respect and admire. But when I heard that the presenters themselves aren't being compensated for their time or travel costs, I had to ask myself:

Where does the buck stop? Whose pocket does this go in?

In today's economy, everyone is looking for ways to bolster their bottom line. Hell, people are scrambling to save their bottoms...period. And I understand that folks who have products/ideas/programs to sell need to promote their wares. But do tout these events as educational (which, in part, they may be) versus marketing is quite unethical to me.

Case in point: I want to take an update training for one of my certifications. This update training is taking place not independently of said forum, but is mixed into the curriculum. I can't just take the training; I have to pay for the entire day to get a four hour update. On top of that, I have now been informed that the person doing the update isn't getting compensated for his work. How does this work?

Here is a person who needs to promote their body of knowledge to get more people involved, i.e. get them to pay for training. I get that. But for me to pay some other organization to get a training where the person doing the work doesn't get squat (he doesn't need for me, or any other trainers, to be sold on his methodology...my finances readily show that I am a devotee of his methods) seems a trifle insane.

Fortunately, I can and will say no. I will wait for an update on my the materials when I know the person creating and teaching them will be fiscally rewarded for their efforts.

In times like these, "Buyer Beware" needs to take on a new and more vigilant meaning. Everyone is uncertain, and worse, many more are very frightened about what comes next with a near and dear friend...their wallets. I encourage anyone who is being told that they "must do" this or they risk professional death and/or dismemberment to pay very close attention to the fine print and any rumors that lead to a falling sense in their gut. Your gut is likely right, and if your brain still isn't sure, ask questions.

Your wallet will thank you.

K