2012 Midwest Penturners Gathering

[low_48]

I got an email for Jerry Rhoads in Champaign asking about next years event. I thought about starting a poll thread, but since I want lots of input, I will start this as a request for your input. Hopefully, more than 2 will respond, LOL.
I'm considering moving it to Peoria (hope that doesn't seem too selfish), and holding it at a motel. It seemed to me that too many travelers had trouble booking a room, with many having a pretty fair distance to drive on Saturday morning to make the event. What do you think? Move it or leave it alone? I thought that if we have it at a hotel, we could get two conference rooms, one for vendors, one for the demos. We could start late Friday afternoon/evening, with the vendor room open, plus have a demo or open up a discussion panel. Maybe a couple demos covering penturning 101 on Friday evening for beginners. Then some higher powered stuff on Saturday. With this system, the Saturday morning start would be smoother. I will be talking to the Par-A-Dice Casino Hotel. Maybe some could make that a weekend deal with the gambling boat a short walk away. Also we could have a lunch buffet available for Saturday. Should we keep it a spring event? Late April or early May? If we have it at a hotel, I'm sure we will have to guarantee a certain number of reserved rooms. If that didn't work out, it may take a payment to get in. It would be just a break even deal, but maybe not being free would be a deal breaker for some. I really like the idea of expanding to a day and a half. We wouldn't have to rush so much, and feel so beat up by the end of Saturday. Please respond with any other ideas, or requests for me to leave a good thing alone. Thanks!

 

[Buzzzz4]

I would be open to either place. Having a hotel closer would be nice. What I would like to steer away from is having too high of an admission cost. Free is nice, but I can understand having some type of admission. Also, I would like to see the vendors remain in the same room as the demos. This way they can still observe the demonstrations. Those are my initial thoughts. There may be more as I think about it.

 

[steeler fan1]

Rich;

I don't have a problem with changing the location. I like the vendors being in the same room. At this point we are a small enough group that it's nice having everything together. Cost may become a factor with multiple rooms also. As far as an admission fee goes I would hope to keep it to a minimum. Having everything at the same hotel,(ie rooms, hall etc) is a very good idea. Would provide the oppertunity for some casual mingling. A chance to visit and get to know one another. Perhaps even some sort of social hour.

Just some ramblings but thanks for getting things started. I'm available to help where I can.

Carl

 

[pensmyth]

I've wanted to come for the last two years but wasn't able to secure a room due to University activities. While Peoria is an additional 1.5 hrs for me I would still consider the trek. I like the idea of having it all under one roof and adding an extra half day to the activities. I would be more than willing to pay an admission fee to attend.

 

[drGeek]

Peoria would be great!
It is more centrally located and has available hotel rooms.
Count me in!

 

[ed4copies]

You could certainly charge the vendors a reasonable fee for the "booth" space. I know one would return!!

It is a GREAT event--have you checked with Cozee? If he is able to run the event in Urbana, maybe you could alternate years?? If life has taken him away from this for the foreseeable future---then PLAN as you wish!!

Personally, I remain available for demos, and I REALLY LIKE the idea of staying with the group Friday night--gives us a chance to get to know each other!

 

[PR_Princess]

Rich, I also like the idea of expanding this to more than one day. The idea of a social get together really appeals to me as well. As does having this at a casino! This could turn into a really fun weekend getaway!!

Ha! Keep this up and you will be planning the pen turning cruise next! :island::biggrin: