Bubba57,
I am the person planning the FLGAPG in February next year. I understand your concern, however, the lack of information is due to the fact that I had to wait on Woodcraft to confirm the dates to use their store. They were moving to a different location and I had no choice but to wait. I finally confirmed a couple of weeks ago. There is a Facebook Page as well where most of the information is being placed. You can periodically check the website, flgapg.com.
I am getting assistance from other turners on the forum, but due to this being my first year planning an event of this caliber, volunteers and assistance are slim. I am open to any suggestions you may have.
As of now, I have four demonstrators, myself (watch parts blanks), Jonathan Brooks (kitless and fountain pen maintenance), Jim Swank (casting bottle caps and stamps), and maybe Seamus Rooney (snakeskin). I am open to any other demonstrators if anyone is interested. There will also be a couple (so far) vendors. Jonathan Brooks (Brooks Blanks), Jon David Jones (Signature Pen Supply) (maybe selling kits) so far. I am in need of more vendors.
There will be door prizes. I have a handful of members and businesses donating blanks, kits, etc. for this. We will have a 'Show Off Your Pens' segment, a show and tell, so to speak.
I am also going to have a 'Pen Swap'. So if you come, bring a pen that you would like to submit. Each pen will be numbered and you will choose the pen that corresponds with the number you choose from a bowl.
Again, I know it isn't much, but a recent survey showed that those who wish to attend, would just be okay with the fact that they are getting together with other turners to discuss the hobby and learn from one another.
I can tell you I flew from Southeast Florida to Richmond, Virginia two years ago for the MAPG. I was a new turner and so glad I attended. I felt welcomed from the moment I registered to the moment the event ended. I spent over $300 in the store and also money on items the vendors brought. Again, I was happy to have spent the money on the tools I needed. These tools have brought me the revenue back tenfold!
There was no intention on using the store to lure people in to spend their money and send them home. That is ludicrous! We are all family here. I consider some on this forum true family. I have made close friends and also traveled to Tennessee and Georgia to stay at the homes of these members. They were very welcoming and courteous.....(you know who you are)!
I hope you can make it so you can truly see the 'family' we are! You won't regret it....
In the meantime, please keep checking with the Facebook page and the website for changes. Be patient, I'm only one person.
Thank you and have a great Thanksgiving!
Michelle F.
ladycop322
