Is CMAC VI happening?

[mikelaubach]

The concerns I have are simple, and I've made them clear before - there is precious little time remaining to get something booked and get speakers to accept and to make it what it should be. We are less than 90 days out at this point.

Having a bad conference would certainly have a negative effect on comments such as

I don't care where it is, I'll be there... last years was great!

While I too agree that this year should be better than last, the reality is that such a trend cannot go for too long. At some point, the "awesomeness" will plateau. But I do not think that we are there yet. And a slip to years past would be a smack to those who have come to expect the quality that we have shown to be able to deliver.

The big push for a conference had been to show MASNA that CTARS could handle an undertaking like MACNA. This would be a major boost to our creditability, notoriety, and honesty, our coffers if my understanding is correct. Is that still something the the members and the board foresee in our future? If so, a bad showing would most definitely hurt us.

The other side of the coin, as I have also said to many people, is that I have to admit my inability to assist with the planning or execution of a conference at this time. Between law school, a full time job, and now studying for the bar exam in late July, there is no way I can also add such an undertaking to the list. I surely would not do the justice that the club deserves. This might be the type of position that many members are in, and that too makes it harder to pull off something like what we had last year.

Ugh. I think I'll go stick my head in the tank and scrape the glass for a while to cheer up.

 

[FroMan]

how about the aqua turf in Southington Connecticut. they can hold 400 plus no prob

Thanks for the suggestion. The BoD thought this would be a great location too! They have great food and is a very nice facility overall. I've attended a few functions there and was impressed.

Difficulty with the Aquaturf's spring scheduling was trying to find time between weddings, proms, and other events. Scheduling multiple days over a weekend in a high demand facility is a bit tricky.

 

[monty]

Saybrook Point Inn???...great place to go, even for those who will want to get out due to cabin fever...plenty of boats to look at in the water by may and great accommodations/restaurant/bar

 

[T5PO]

Lets help the Future! E.O. Smith would be a perfect place in my opinion. The funds can go to the stundents and fitch4 to help with upgrading and expanding. New equipment can be purchased along with some speciality corals to grow out for future sale. A Connecticut club helping a Connecticut School, I mentioned this school because im not familiar with others in the state. If there are other Schools we can rotate on a yearly basis so everyone can be supported, no more Venue searching.

 

[danbmx]

I vote Mohegan sun.... it was just awesome last year... its almost the perfect venue for a big coral show. I dont want this to become a small dinky show at a hotel or something. This should be a big deal with people from all over New England wanting to go. If its down at the days inn or something people from far are not going to want to go. Being at a casino it gives further away people more reason to go...which means more funds for our club.
To my understanding the money we make off of this event is used to help fund other club events, such as trips, and to keep dues low. I like the idea of giving back to the school, but personally i would rather see my money go back to the club to help my future with the club. It would be great to have more future members for the club, but if the club has no money, then there is no club.

MOHEGAN SUN...DO IT BIG...AND MAKE $$$$$

Oh and btw..who ever is in charge, i would be glad to help to make this event happen!

 

[FroMan]

The concerns I have are simple, and I've made them clear before - there is precious little time remaining to get something booked and get speakers to accept and to make it what it should be. We are less than 90 days out at this point.
Having a bad conference would certainly have a negative effect on comments such as

Quote:
I don't care where it is, I'll be there... last years was great!

Mike "“ thanks for the thoughtful response. You are correct. We do have time limitations.

While I too agree that this year should be better than last, the reality is that such a trend cannot go for too long. At some point, the "awesomeness" will plateau. But I do not think that we are there yet. And a slip to years past would be a smack to those who have come to expect the quality that we have shown to be able to deliver.

You are correct it will plateau. To simply continue down the path of expecting better and better conference is unrealistic. With any change people will second guess the decision to make that change regardless of the outcome.

The big push for a conference had been to show MASNA that CTARS could handle an undertaking like MACNA. This would be a major boost to our creditability, notoriety, and honesty, our coffers if my understanding is correct. Is that still something the members and the board foresee in our future? If so, a bad showing would most definitely hurt us.

From what I understand this was Jeffry's personal goal. I cannot speak directly for Rich, Dave, or Greg, but I do not believe that there was a consensus reached on this item by the former board of directors.

Personally, I'm not worried about notoriety or increasing our credibility as an organization by hosting a massive conference. I'm not sure the club would gain anything from it.

Are we considering hosting a MACNA in the next two years? Probably not. Could that change with the right set of circumstances? Yes.

Do conferences have the potential to have a windfall to the coffers of the host club? Yes they do. Those clubs also are exposed to financial risk if attendance isn't up to par.

The other side of the coin, as I have also said to many people, is that I have to admit my inability to assist with the planning or execution of a conference at this time. Between law school, a full time job, and now studying for the bar exam in late July, there is no way I can also add such an undertaking to the list. I surely would not do the justice that the club deserves. This might be the type of position that many members are in, and that too makes it harder to pull off something like what we had last year.

Time is a major constraint for everyone. No different than the membership, all of the board members have jobs, families, children, and other obligations etc.

Running the club does take time out of one's personal life. There is time spent: planning, preparing for club meetings, quarterly board meetings, talking to store owners, issuing membership cars, responding to e-mails, balancing the books, etc.

Ultimately being a board member is thankless job. There are always club members that are appreciative of what you do. They give you a smile, say thanks and shake your hand. They help to clean up or set up. They donate frags to the auctions or help to secure donations for club events and meetings.

Then there are the critics that offer harsh criticism and always think they can do better. These individuals will choose to bad mouth you regardless of what you do our how successful things are. The sad thing is that the torches are lit and pitch forks sharpened behind your back or on internet forums where people feel they can say whatever they want.

We have a great club with a diverse membership of experienced individuals, intermediate reefer's, and novices. Each individual brings something to the table: a question, an answer, or a new idea. On occasion they bring goodies to share with everyone (I'm recalling rave reviews of chocolate covered pretzels at the December meeting). We also have members that have graciously offered up facilities at their place of business and their homes (thanks John and Dave!) for club events.

Ugh. I think I'll go stick my head in the tank and scrape the glass for a while to cheer up.

Not sure why you're down, but send me a PM and we can discuss further off line.

Oh, if you're going to stick your head in your tank make sure you have a GFCI. Don't want you to have the shock of your life! :wildone:

 

[Rwinfrey]

I agree with the mohegan sun I would pay extra to attend but at this point I would imagine it would be hard to get in.

 

[mtc1966]

i just hope i can attend do these usually take place on sat. or sun. if Sunday then i miss another year.

 

[FroMan]

Oh and btw..who ever is in charge, i would be glad to help to make this event happen!

Thank you for volunteering. One person isn't "in charge" we're working together as a team. :beer:

Please send Steve and myself an e-mail (ctars dot membership at gmail dot com & mario at ctars dot org).

We'll add you to our growing list of volunteers.

 

[cato]

Lets help the Future! E.O. Smith would be a perfect place in my opinion. The funds can go to the stundents and fitch4 to help with upgrading and expanding. New equipment can be purchased along with some speciality corals to grow out for future sale. A Connecticut club helping a Connecticut School, I mentioned this school because im not familiar with others in the state. If there are other Schools we can rotate on a yearly basis so everyone can be supported, no more Venue searching.

This is a great idea too. ^^^

 

[adunne]

agreed! Great idea!

 

[osrascom]

The annual conference should not be held at a school. Hobbyists look forward to our conference for the experienced speakers, vendors and fellow hobbyists from other states. I agree with meetings at the school. Actually, we have this already, The Annual Frag Farmers Market. Proceeds go to the high school which helps with their future. I look forward to seeing people at both the Frag Market and the conference.

Rich

 

[T5PO]

I respect your opinion rmhgold1. Although a speaker speaking in a school auditorium or a room in a Casino, or a Banquette hall, or your local volunteer Fire Station Bay, or a Park in the Summer,is still getting His or Her Info out to the Reefers. Thats just my opinion, the objective is to get the info out. Sure im gonna be driving a MiniVan to the Conference and not a Mercedes Benz, Im still gonna get there and have the same experience regardless what I drive to get there. I Really do drive a MiniVan, Im still cool though!!!

 

[FroMan]

This is a great idea too. ^^^

Thanks for the feedback. This is something to consider. The auditorium at E.O. Smith is an ideal place to hear a speaker.

Then again I wouldn't want all you guys to fall a sleep in the back of class as you flash back to high school!!!!! :lol: :sad1: :lol:

 

[fitch4]

I had already talked to Mario about the realities of hosting it at the school. As much as I would love to host it, and have the school program benefit (it would be REALLY nice not to have to beg, borrow and sell frags to keep it going), we just don't have the right places to run something like this. Space for speakers, we definitely have. You could set-up 20 classrooms and run sessions all over the building, no problem. The issue is more the vendors coming in. The classroom space we use for the FFM just would not work for what people are looking for in the conference. I liked the venue of Mohegan Sun last year but am not sure that it can be put together on such short notice. I think the venue was was nice for what we did, and offered lots of other things to do when we were not in talks. I just can't offer that at E.O. That said, I am neck deep in Frag Farmer's prep work and have no time to do any work for it, so my plan has been to sign up and go. Heck, I'll even go if it is held in T5PO's minivan!

 

[erbgo]

I respect your opinion rmhgold1. Although a speaker speaking in a school auditorium or a room in a Casino, or a Banquette hall, or your local volunteer Fire Station Bay, or a Park in the Summer,is still getting His or Her Info out to the Reefers. Thats just my opinion, the objective is to get the info out. Sure im gonna be driving a MiniVan to the Conference and not a Mercedes Benz, Im still gonna get there and have the same experience regardless what I drive to get there. I Really do drive a MiniVan, Im still cool though!!!

you drive a mini van I used to think you were cool now I am not sure :lolspin:

 

[cato]

you drive a mini van I used to think you were cool now I am not sure :lolspin:

:lmao:

 

[T5PO]

Darn Members!!! I should of left that sliding door close.

 

[SueAndHerZoo]

How about Mystic Aquarium as a venue? I have no idea how costly it would be but I know they hold weddings and corporate events there (you can rent the whole place or just a part of it). Wouldn't that be the PERFECT setting? Again, I have no idea how costly - it could be way out of our league but it would be something people would talk about for years.
Sue

 

[T5PO]

Good Idea!