When it comes to speakers you've got to look at the big picture. 10 years ago when we had a few speakers a year there wasn't a fraction of the amount of clubs like there is today. Back then we'd play for the flight, dinner and hotel...Now theres honorariums too.
Lets just say theres 300 saltwater fish clubs in the states. and say 20 or so speakers that each club would like to have.
What are the chances the Cleveland club is going to have to book those speakers. Seeing as we've had most speakers come in the past 10 years too.
If I was a speaker and I had the choice between, California, Florida, Texas and Cleveland.... Where would be my last choice to speak?
We don't have as many speakers anymore, not due to lack of trying, Its due to ,no phone calls returned, no emails returned, Im booked solid, I can only speak once a month and I can't fit you in ect.
This is just a little behind the scenes information that most probably don't know when it comes to meetings.
The club can afford to have a speaker every month, but we just can't book them, they don't want to come when theres so many clubs out there that they haven't already spoken at or have a warmer more vacation like quality to them.
Our hobby has exploded over the past ten years.
Erik
