SSA Convention ideas

[bildan]

I agree with the sentiment that every two years is too long.

How about choosing a location near the middle of the country to host
the convention for at least three years running? I'm told by experts
on the subject booking three years running opens the possibility of
big discounts for the floor space which might mean cheaper display
booths. It could be moved to a new location every three years or so.

The EAA has great attendance at it's shows in part because they are
always at the same location. (Oshkosh is always at Oshkosh.) That
way people can plan years ahead. Another reason for the EAA success
is that they all feature flying demonstrations.

To allow flight demonstrations, the convention would have to be at an
airport and I have no clue where that would be although someone
mentioned the US Air Force Academy.

Finally, why late January when bad weather is likely? I'm pretty sure
some people didn't make it to Little Rock because of the weather. The
folks with trailers must have faced a road nightmare. Would it make
sense to schedule the convention for late October or early March when
benign weather is more probable?

[Mike the Strike]

> How about choosing a location near the middle of the country....

Little Rock is pretty near the middle of the country, but I agree
about the timing. The reason I didn't make it was a business trip to
that general area was postponed because of the prolonged bad weather.

How about Southern Arizona or Southern California? It could be cool
and wet, but we can pretty much guarantee there won't be snow and ice.

Mike

[Tony[_5_]]

On Feb 2, 3:13*pm, bildan > wrote:
> I agree with the sentiment that every two years is too long.
>
> How about choosing a location near the middle of the country to host
> the convention for at least three years running? *I'm told by experts
> on the subject booking three years running opens the possibility of
> big discounts for the floor space which might mean cheaper display
> booths. *It could be moved to a new location every three years or so.
>
> The EAA has great attendance at it's shows in part because they are
> always at the same location. *(Oshkosh is always at Oshkosh.) *That
> way people can plan years ahead. *Another reason for the EAA success
> is that they all feature flying demonstrations.
>
> To allow flight demonstrations, the convention would have to be at an
> airport and I have no clue where that would be although someone
> mentioned the US Air Force Academy.
>
> Finally, why late January when bad weather is likely? *I'm pretty sure
> some people didn't make it to Little Rock because of the weather. *The
> folks with trailers must have faced a road nightmare. Would it make
> sense to schedule the convention for late October or early March when
> benign weather is more probable?

The weather does of the tendency to suck in the winter-time but one
nice thing about a winter convention is it gets me excited about the
upcoming season. I notice on OLC that there seemed to be a fair
amount of flying in Tuscon and at Warner Springs last weekend.

I was really dissapointed that the board voted down an annual
convention.

[Tim Mara]

someone is echoing my remarks!
I've been suggesting this for years..haven't spoken to anyone (until now I'm
sure :o) that doesn't think we need a big change in the way we do
conventions.and FWIW the way the SSA is and has been for the past ..
Do these conventions at an airport......I can give you several examples of
places suitable...get out of downtown convention centers..go where pilots
like to go...how about at the beginning of or end of Sun-N-Fun or
Oshkosh....find a satellite airport nearby and hire a bus company to run a
shuttle between these events (bus would be filled both ways..and we expose
general aviation pilots with soaring....(new blood?)..central
Florida..Seminole Lake a few days before or after the seniors....near
Disney, great restaurants, lots of tourist attractions (get along with the
spouse and kids?? be a hero with the family.bad idea?) ....and most of
all....conventions are good for showing off new stuff..but what about other
stuff.....why not combine this with a USED glider sales lot? buyer and
sellers all have a place to show and find all in one location...even have an
auction? got a glider to get rid of and need a tax deduction? donate the
proceeds to ..get this......not just the SSA but you can choose to donate
the proceeds to any cause..heck give the money to Haitian relief effort if
you want....or for that matter, a not-for-profit (read: Glider Club of your
choice)...I am certain we have talented tax accountants among us that can
show us how to do just this.....have a flea market for those who want to
sell their old equipment.....they too can donate of use the proceeds to pay
for their trip and lodging at the convention....so many ideas.we just need a
forum to make this happen...
think about it....
Tim Mara
Please visit the Wings & Wheels website at www.wingsandwheels.com

"bildan" > wrote in message
...
>I agree with the sentiment that every two years is too long.
>
> How about choosing a location near the middle of the country to host
> the convention for at least three years running? I'm told by experts
> on the subject booking three years running opens the possibility of
> big discounts for the floor space which might mean cheaper display
> booths. It could be moved to a new location every three years or so.
>
> The EAA has great attendance at it's shows in part because they are
> always at the same location. (Oshkosh is always at Oshkosh.) That
> way people can plan years ahead. Another reason for the EAA success
> is that they all feature flying demonstrations.
>
> To allow flight demonstrations, the convention would have to be at an
> airport and I have no clue where that would be although someone
> mentioned the US Air Force Academy.
>
> Finally, why late January when bad weather is likely? I'm pretty sure
> some people didn't make it to Little Rock because of the weather. The
> folks with trailers must have faced a road nightmare. Would it make
> sense to schedule the convention for late October or early March when
> benign weather is more probable?
>
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[vontresc]

I won't claim it as my idea, but someone mentioned in another SSA
convention thread that it would be a good idea to hold it the weekend
before the seniors contest in FL. A lot of folks are already going to
be there, and if Don comes down to FL again, some of us could go
winching. Maybe we could hold the "Symposium" that was discussed down
there.

Pete

[Mike Schumann]

On 2/2/2010 6:04 PM, vontresc wrote:
> I won't claim it as my idea, but someone mentioned in another SSA
> convention thread that it would be a good idea to hold it the weekend
> before the seniors contest in FL. A lot of folks are already going to
> be there, and if Don comes down to FL again, some of us could go
> winching. Maybe we could hold the "Symposium" that was discussed down
> there.
>
> Pete
Naples / Ft. Myers would be great. Good airline connections to most of
the country. Great diversions for the family. And WARM weather!!!!!

--
Mike Schumann