Timonium Arms Conference Conflict

[Lee]

Originally Posted by Rick

It just might be time to organize a true ethnographic show and conference at a different time of year in a different place, eh ?

Several of us had pretty much agreed that this would be a direction we should strongly consider taking in the long run. We might have well tried this year had the economy not gotten sick.

I just got back from attending the annual Arts and Crafts Conference with a friend in N.C. and I was impressed with how well the organizer had coordinated lectures, workshops, exhibits and multiple sales shows over a Fri - Sun time span. I had had a lot of theories in my head and it was nice to see someone actually doing it so well in practice. I'll be carrying the program with me to Baltimore...

Originally Posted by Mark

I personally like the idea or organizing an "official" society and holding an annual event, but it would mean it being a pay-for-registration event, as our benevolent sponsor, Oriental-Arms, would likely not be available.

Obviously, I got license to study this move from Artzi (before the economy caused me to drop the ball), but, yes, an expanded conference would likely entail a registration fee for participants. There would be some revenue from dealer tables and likely an allowance from the conference hotel towards function room rentals depending upon how many rooms were taken by participants, but, the 'free ride' would likely be over. I think every attempt would be made to hold down the costs as much as possible while still having a quality event. I'll be happy to discuss the topic there in Timonium or continuing on in this thread...