MPG 2013 IL CANCELLED

Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
L

low_48

Member
Joined
Jul 1, 2004
Messages
2,177
Location
Peoria, IL, USA.
I regret to inform everyone, that I am canceling MPG 2013 Illinois. I hate that the end of the event comes on my watch, especially since last year was a record year as most attended and the only multi day gathering we had. It takes a tremendous amount of effort to organize this thing, and if I had not had Eric help last year, it would not have happened then. This year, I only had one person volunteer to help with the overall event, and 2 demonstrators, another 1 possible, and then less than 20 total people saying they were coming or possibly coming. Only 1 vendor approached me for a booth. Note that Ed Brown was in each of these categories. Thanks to Ed! It's my feeling that the overall lack of interest just doesn't make it worth the effort. I also didn't want folks to travel for hours, pay for a hotel, then just gather with around 15 other people. It would have been a major disappointment if they had attended with the other 99 people last year.

My late start on the event, mainly due to venue and liability insurance issues, may have been the fatal error. I sincerely apologize for this. My main regrets are that skills won't be shared, people will miss the inspiration of others work, and I won't see those friends that I only see once a year at this event. I feel horrible about this.

Please look to a local chapter and the new event MAPG. Those guys have a nice team getting ready for the event, and it looks like it will be a great time.

Take care everyone, sorry. Rich
 
Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
Rich,

I can't imagine all of the work that goes into putting on an event like the MPG, I'm sorry that I could not help. You have done a great job taking over the MPG from Greg. I'll treasure the memories from the ones I attended.:smile:
 
Rich how sad is that. I live in Canada and not that I would have attended I know what it takes to put these on. In Vancouver they have a Woodturning Round up every 3 years as it takes that long to get these things put together, and sadly to say 2013 was the year for the next one and this year it is not going to happen. Sorry for the MPG.

Lin.
 
Rich I just want to say Thank You for all of your time and efforts towards the MPG's. You have done an outstanding job and set very high standards for the gatherings to come. Don't take this years gathering personal. Some things are just beyond control. I know I will miss seeing you and the others this year but will look forward to HOPEFULLY next year and those to come. I hope you will consider it next year. You have done a GREAT JOB my friend and I thank you.
 
Rich, I also would like to thank you for the hard work you put into it last year especially. It was one of the most fun "business" trips I have been on. I would have loved to come again this year and was planning to up until the end of the year. However, with buying airline tickets and having to plan way ahead for things, there was just not enough time left to make proper plans once it was announced.

I hope it does not go away and hope it can happen again next year. I might suggest that you come up with a committee to put it on next year rather than try to do it all yourself. It is just too much for one person to take on effectively.
 
Rich,
I certainly understand your difficulties and agree with any decision you make regarding this event and future events. It is EASY for me to volunteer, since I am far enough away that there is little I can do!!

I agree with Curtis:eek::eek: that an event this size (now up to 100 attendance) is too much to do alone. I think the MAPG is utilizing a game plan that could become a "boiler plate" guide for events of this type.

Another "boiler plate" could be the Chicago Woodturners event, held every second year (Turn on Chicago) in Mundelein, IL.

Turning events are, usually well attended. This can be a blessing or a curse. The "one-day in our turning club facility" model can handle under 100 visitors or participants. Once that magical 100 number is surpassed, you are planning an "EVENT". And the details also are numbered in the 100+.

So, please DON'T feel disappointed by this year.
Instead, look at last year's success and enjoy the opportunity you made available to 99 pen turners. WE will all remember that weekend, fondly!
SO SHOULD YOU!!!!!

Ed
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom