[Killietalk] Attendance at events, a parallel view

["Ken Ealey" <kealey at telus_net>]

Edd and unlike -minded readers
For the like-minded already know this.

2.5 CAN or so cents from the north. 

I have to agree with Edd: priorities, there is nothing wrong with them, just
make them and live with them.

I have been involved with local and international shows/conventions for the
last twenty plus years. Has there been a decline in attendance or interest,
yes and no. We have not had over 400 entries in a local show for many years
now but the interest is still there.  After a while taking 40 or 50 plus
entries gets to be too much with kids to care for and new hobbyists to
encourage. If three or four people make up the bulk of the local show the
new members feel intimated and there fore do not enter. We are also so hung
up on the show being a success attendance wise, entry-wise or financially
that we forget who it is really for, the people in the hobby and those who
would like to join. 

My planning philosophy, invite speakers that interested the show committee,
if others do not care for them they will help out next time, plan to loss
money, that way anything over the break even point is a bonus, treat all and
any who come from out of town, even the town down the highway, as if they
were your only guest, ensure that the speakers, no matter where they are
from, near or far, know how much you appreciate their time. Last planning
rule: after all is said and done ten years from now what will be said about
the event. I always hope it will be that everyone, regardless of numbers
says they had a good time.

There will always be members, who cannot make the event or choose not to
make the event, but that's life, it goes on.

I for one will not be able to make the convention again. But I have friends
who will be there, and they will live the great time for me. Sending a few
dollars for fish as well doesn't hurt either.

Conflicting dates between events, it will always be there just another
choice that has to be made.

Ken Ealey

Take the great bow of the sacred writings and place in it an arrow sharp
with devotion. Draw the bow with concentration...
and hit the center of the mark.
 
Credited to Mundaka Upanishads in St. George and the Dragon and the Quest
for the Holy Grail by Edward Hays.

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