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Dear organizers
ANA event is viewed as the biggest event for the Nepali diaspora in North America. Nepalese take a day off just to attend the 3-4 days events and a pure, memorable event is expected by the visitors. We understand that ANA, like any other organizations, needs cash flow to run; however, being a not-for-profit organization the focus shouldn’t be in making money but to deliver the promise that ANA was found upon:
"The purpose of the exclusively educational and charitable Association of Nepalis in the Americas is to promote preservation of Nepali identity and culture in the Americas, to foster cordial relations among Nepalis and Americans, and to demonstrate the effectiveness of the participation of Nepali-Americans in the communities they live in."
The primary focus of this year's event were:
1. Keep the cost as low as possible
2. Curb the crowd as much as possible.
By doing this the result was:
Shows:
1. Low grade performance of the Audio/Visual system. Frequent technical difficulties etc.
2. Most of the performers had already entertained the crowd on numerous occasions. All stale, nothing new. This might have saved money on bringing the artist from Nepal, but how can you justify 30-35 dollars for a show that can be easily seen every night in NYC Nepali restaurants.
3. Long lines were ridiculous. Not getting any chairs in Cultural show while people still selling tickets outside is unfathomable..
4. What happened to E4 express lane? Where were the organizers when there were questions. Poor volunteers were exposed to so many complaints and questions, people would feel bad for them.
Sports:
1. How can you organize a soccer tournament and not have more than one ball and no ball boys?
2. No certificates for the sports winner. Very low investment in trophies (medals were okay).
3. What happened to the little league? Another promise not fulfilled or just not enough participation?
Registration/ Venue selection
1. It was commendable that the organizers were able to get so many registrations, but what is the point of selling a DJ ticket for higher cost if not registered, and later not allowing the visitors who don't have registration???
2. Very bad choice of the venue. Knowing such a huge crowd, a bigger hotel should have been picked, with bigger lobbies and party halls.
3. Condasecending hotel security. Need I say more?
4. Far sports venues. Sports, accesibility to the airport and party hall should be the main focus on picking a venue.
Having said all this, the volunteers should be highly commended for all the work they did and complaints they put up with. If the Organizers focus more on the value and quality than cost/profit, it could have been much much better. This shouldn't be treated as the opportunity to make money only. We all know that the only place ANA makes money is in the tickets and registration (hotel room profits/ bar sales go to the Hotel), but don't cut cost so that the quality is completely sacrificed.
We still haven't given the hopes for ANA. We know the money doesn't goto your pocket; please respect the visitors and preserve this tradition.
A visitor and long time ANA member.