I agree with what was said by Manuel.
I am in favour of larger events (we do not stop people from writing in Wikipedia, and all who can afford it should come to wikimania).
I am in favour of professional events - where schedule is kept, and Wifi is working, and food is tasty and sufficient.
All a good bid needs in the first stage is to describe a good venue (which is well located near cheep dorms and reasonable hotels). No money is required for that. At the second stage the bid should include a reasonable budget – for that all that is required is a list of quotes form companies – again – no cost is needed.
I am against wasting donors money.
In my personal opinion, the best bid is done by legwork (going to see the venue and places around it), writing letters and having meeting. This can be done by volunteers.
So my personal opinion is that the bid should cost 0$.
At most - have the chapter pay for public transportation for going to the meetings.
But what do I know.
Deror