2014 Conference
Earlier this year, we decided that putting on a conference this year was not doable, they take upwards of a year to put together. So we started looking at 2014.
Jan & Feb are not great months, you never know about the weather. In the beginning of March, we have the FFM and at the end of March we have the Rhode Island Conference. Come April, people are generally spent (having just had 2 big events) "“ they have bought a lot of corals and now have to pay their federal taxes. May, people are looking forward to the outdoors, spending time in the fresh air. June "“ August bbq's are in. In September, people are just getting back into the hobby, MACNA (the world's largest Reef Conference) happens. You may be asking why MACNA is a concern "“ many of the premier exhibitors and speakers will be there. They generally like to take a few weeks off after this to recharge their batteries. That leaves us with October (after that, people start getting into holiday mode).
So we have been looking at putting together a late September or October. We have identified a couple of locations in Cromwell that may work. Cromwell is central, easy on and off from Rt. 9 and I-91 (and not far from I-84). By moving it away from Mohegan, the cost will come down considerably. Mohegan charges us ~$5,500. And moving away from the shore all together, should we get a late season hurricane, inland will be less affected.
While the 2013 BoD is starting this project, the bulk of the work will be done by the 2014 BoD. To keep some continuity, we are asking that 1 or 2 club members offer up some of their time to help out. Help choosing the location, provide suggestions for speakers and exhibitors, designing of the promotions and helping set the pricing. Just like a BoD position, this is strictly a volunteer job. If you would like to be considered for this, send a PM to either myself or IcyCoral.
