They changed the name from "district convention" to "regional convention" maybe 4 or 5 years ago, around the same time they eliminated the position of "district overseer".
Back on topic, yeah, the money angle seems to be the one that makes the most sense.
At a convention, no matter how much you beg people to get the electronic version only, everyone will want a hard copy anyway, plus 2 or 3 more for Aunt Mary and Grandpa Joe who couldn't come. Just because the hardcopies are *right there* and all you have to do is grab one or 6.
Releasing the books this way, the only way you can get a hardcopy is to walk up to the lit counter and order one. And then you have to wait until it arrives.
So, for the US, instead of printing 2 or 3 million, you can probably get away with printing maybe a few hundred thousand. Between printing and delivery, that's probably a substantial savings.
Collapse! The WTS is on its deathbed! (just filling in for SBF since I don't see him posting here yet).