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Post by exoticimports on Nov 1, 2021 4:05:44 GMT -8
There's a difference between an organized, marketed event and a bunch of guys meeting in a hotel or private setting to swap stuff.
An organized event is a lot of work: planning, coordination with hotels and transport, insurance, marketing, etc. It's a business venture. It would be easier to join up with an existing event, such as a Herp show. Or, one of the aforementioned entomology events at the universities/ museums.
What I'm thinking is a no frills get together. It could be in conjunction with one of the institutional events, though note Bob indicated 2023 for that, as even joining in would require additional work on their part.
I have an ulterior motive, in that I have a lot of specimens to get rid of, and this would be an opportune way to move them from my house to your house. Heck, I've considered saying "the door is open on [date] come on in!"
Chuck
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Post by trehopr1 on Nov 1, 2021 10:32:34 GMT -8
I wholeheartedly agree with you Chuck on just a simple one day event utilizing some conference space for 200 - 300 bucks -- a no-frills event for starters.
This way we could easily gauge how many attendees would (or could) show up; and, how many would bring things with them to swap or (more importantly) sell because not ALL of us have stuff to swap.
I know, speaking for myself I don't have much of anything to actually (swap) with anyone because all I am able to collect is common stuff; which pretty much everyone else is able to get on the Eastern seaboard.
So, I would be looking to purchase things if possible and of course meet and greet others who would show up.
I don't think we could ever hope to have a "serious" event like those held in Europe because we simply don't have the dealers here anymore. There's virtually no one doing that here.
Keeping things simple would be best and perhaps in time we could involve a university or institution as that involves more logistics/planning.
Just my humble opinion...
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Post by yorky on Nov 1, 2021 10:42:34 GMT -8
If you can organise one you won't regret it believe me, we used to meet at a friend's farm, around 20 of us. Drinking, buying, exchanging, drinking, setting up the moth traps, drinking. Before you knew it you were getting up to take a leak at 5am avoiding 19 unconscious bodies strewn across the floor of one room and checking the traps with a banging headache. Up at 7.30 the next morning, full breakfast and then out collecting in the hot sunshine the next day, memories never to be forgotten.
Lifetime friendships are forged this way,your collection and knowledge enriched and cherished memories.
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Post by exoticimports on Nov 1, 2021 10:50:44 GMT -8
If you can organise one you won't regret it believe me, we used to meet at a friend's farm, around 20 of us. Drinking, buying, exchanging, drinking, setting up the moth traps, drinking. Before you knew it you were getting up to take a leak at 5am avoiding 19 unconscious bodies strewn across the floor of one room and checking the traps with a banging headache. Up at 7.30 the next morning, full breakfast and then out collecting in the hot sunshine the next day, memories never to be forgotten. Lifetime friendships are forged this way,your collection and knowledge enriched and cherished memories. We're too old for that now. More like cook hotdogs, have two beers, fall asleep while the sheet is loaded with great stuff, wake up with a headache after the birds have picked everything clean, say screw it, I'm going home. I'd love to have a simple meet-up to kill the boredom of winter, problem is where and how to avoid some bloody snowstorm? For me, anything south/ west of Erie and I have to go through Buffalo and Erie...between a 2 and 12 hour travel time, depending on conditions. I've been meeting up with east coasters in Harrisburg- inexpensive, not too far from lots of the seaboard. But most of us are off the seaboard. Chuck |
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Post by lepman1256 on Nov 3, 2021 7:23:23 GMT -8
I have a unique spin on the concept. Dan Dunwoody who owns Butterfly Dans Butterfly Farm in Kissimmee hosted a conference last year, or the year before, that was held by the IBBA. He told me that he would like to have an event where he could have collectors night collect on his property of 3+ acres, where he could supply the electric. Maybe a combo of swap and collect could be done, perhaps even in connection with happenings in Gainesville, FL.
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Post by mothman27 on Nov 7, 2021 9:47:49 GMT -8
Although I am unsure if I will be able to attend, I certainly think this is a fantastic idea. The University of Ottawa has something similar. We will hold in Cape Vincent just for you. That’s centrally located, right? Not to put Bob on the spot, who could do Pittsburg in February or March? Cincinnati? I love the idea of a swap meet. For me it's a matter of distance. I'm not sure I'd be willing to drive many hours for a meeting of just a handful of people. The reason for this is simply that much of the swapping can be done through the mail, etc., for almost no cost. I would absolutely enjoy meeting you all if the venue was not too far. I would certainly consider Cincinnati or perhaps some other city in Ohio. Pittsburg is a little farther than I would like to go but this is just my two-cents. I'll be checking back to see any updates. Tim |
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Post by yorky on Nov 7, 2021 9:53:12 GMT -8
You will find when organising any event that you won't be able to cater for everyone's exact requirements and that a little flexibility will be needed on some individuals part to make it happen. Best thing to do is to get a rough idea of what people want and then go ahead and do it, otherwise you'll still be talking about it in 2 years.
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Post by exoticimports on Nov 8, 2021 13:28:55 GMT -8
I don't see anyone jumping up and down to meet in, well, anywhere.
Chuck
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Post by trehopr1 on Nov 8, 2021 15:04:29 GMT -8
I have been pondering this thought and it is just a matter of getting some ballpark figures on the cost of a conference room.
I have been thinking of looking into a couple of hotels around my area and (off of major highways) which would be easily accessible. I would like to find a place that can offer a conference room of small or medium size in the 200 - $300 range and the ability for those who travel (farther) to be able to get a hotel room there.
The event itself would be for a single afternoon; preferably a Saturday and maybe run from 10 to 4 pm. I would like to see at least a small table set-up so that people could buy pop or purchase drinks from a limited drink menu.
The region I'm looking into is Northern Illinois about an hour west of Chicago. There are a lot of places for me to choose from so the possibilities are there.
I do want to keep it simple because I cannot anticipate the attendance. Also, I have been thinking of a March date (if this is at all possible)
because I believe hotel conference room rates are hiked up during the months of November December and January. February is very dicey up here and it could be a real problem for others traveling from afar especially the Northeast so, I believe a March or perhaps April date would be best.
The only other problem I see is not knowing how many people may actually bring things to sell or swap ! A hotel can certainly provide tables for you but, if only two people show up with goods to sell or swap then it will wind up being more of a meet and greet and no one wants to travel for just that.
I will check into this matter over the next couple of weeks and will pass along any solid information. Location will always be a problem for somebody but, it's about being able to get enough of us together (in any one place) to enjoy an afternoon of pleasantries and insect discussions.
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Post by foxxdoc on Nov 16, 2021 7:06:47 GMT -8
BACK TO MY EARLIER POST. IF YOU GO THRU ALL THE ORGANIZING ADF COSTS MAKE SURE OF A BUILT IN AUDIANCE . IF YOU DO IT IN COMBINATION WITJ AN ORGANIZED BUG EVENT ( AGAIN; SUCH AS THE LEP SOC MEETING ) . IF I WERE GOING I WOULD BE THRILLED TO SEE SOMEBODY SELLING OR TRADING. I ALWAYS THOUGHT THAT SUPPLIERS SHOULD HAVE BEEN PART OF THE LEP SOC MEETINGS I ADDENDED .
BEST
TOM
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