[ebarker]

1311 is definitely with 1511 on this one.

My observations -

The Peachtree is generally just about right. At the very opening ceremony this year it was too loud for a few minutes but fine the rest of the way.

At the Palmetto in Columbia in 2006 and 2007 it was just way too loud. Double that if you sat in the central rows around the arena, directly in front of the speakers. This year I don't know because it moved from Columbia to Clemson.

Another indicator - Last year after attending the Peachtree, the Palmetto and the Championship I practically lost my voice from having to speak so loudly. Took me a month to recover.

An example - ignoring your musical tastes...

A couple of years ago I took a group to a rock concert at the Phillips Arena and the sound level was absolutely obscene. The people working the venue told me it was actually lower than a concert a few days before. Most of the people in my group, adults and kids were wearing 33db ear plugs.

If you go to the Grand Old Opry in Nashville you will see what I think is an excellent example of how to manage sound. They really know what they are doing.

Excessive sound levels definitely hurts FIRST image with the older crowd. I've seen it happen already. Make sure your regional director is on the issue !!