On Jan 17, 10:48�pm, wrote:

�What were the other reasons given for the every other year
conventions?

It was suggested that a few larger vendors didn't like schlepping
their sailplanes, booth displays, merchandise across the country every
year. Then again, the booths spaces usually sell out!

The big reason I'll miss the annual convention is that it is our
Oshkosh, our Woodstock.

At previous annual conventions I met some of the old-timers who are no
longer with us:
Peter Riedel (German pioneer), Dick Schreder, Paul Macready, Paul
Schweizer, Gus Briegleb, Al Santilli, A.J. Smith, Steve Fossett. I
brought my Dad before he died to a SSA Convention and it was all about
the "reunion" of the people. How many more will be gone before
2009? Who did you meet at a SSA Convention who became an
inspiration, a mentor? Remember the night we gathered informally in
the hotel bar at Atlanta and listened to George Moffat share his
knowledge? Priceless!

The regional events are very important, but I sure like seeing the
sailplanes I wouldn't see otherwise including the Antares, Paul
Hanson's restored Sisu (that was just destroyed by wind), Steve
Leonard's HP-14, all the beautiful vintage gliders that the VSA
displays, and of course the DG-1000T. It was at a SSA Convention that
I made my decision to order it. Point of purchase sale. "A pack of
gum and a new sailplane, please." Customers are more motivated to
buy when they are sitting in it rather than looking a photo.

Some terrific regional events are already ongoing such as Cindy
Brickner's "Back in the Saddle" seminars in California, Tom Knauff's
seminars in PA, the Chicago Glider Council seminars, the Lakeland, FL
FAA seminar, the Ames, IA seminars and many more.

Back in the old days, before we had SSA Conventions, we gathered for
only one National Contest. For 10 days that was our gathering of the
tribe. Now with the (6) contest classes, we split up, so the SSA
Convention serves as our tribal meeting ground for our reunions, our
Director's meetings, and helps unify our tribes.

Adequate venues, local hosts and hard work are required, and the SSA
Convention is usually very profitable for the local clubs. I'd be
willing to host a SSA Convention, but I have no venue large enough at
Marfa. My 80' x 80' hangar is the largest building here!

I am looking forward to attending the off-year seminars, especially if
the Soaring Safety Foundation will be presenting a Flight Instructor
Refresher Clinic and training sessions. No vendors and no sailplanes
will be odd. Knowledge will be shared however. The "Soaring
Symposium" series in the early 1970's was always well attended. You
can find the transcripts on the internet courtesy of Ed / Betsy / Guy
Byars.

Now I see the sun is shining on the mountains north of Marfa.
Thermals and wave today. Time to go fly.

See you at ABQ!

Burt