CONVENTION ON THE ORDER OF MARY KAY

I would consider going if there was an awesome nursery to shop, maybe a wholesale nursery that would give a tour for the occassion and let us shop as well as a perk, a tropical botanical gardens to tour, a great greenhouse to shop.....you get the idea. To go along with that it would need to be close enough to drive ;P

It is not generally enough to say we're going to meet a lot of the DG'ers we talk to on a daily basis to bring some in, you need to consider what will we do once we get there. Generally a conference has seminars....topics would have to be chosen very carefully inorder to be all emcompassing to a group of gardeners from around the country.

Possibly more sophisticated regional gatherings might be a more reasonable first step here? Pull together people who have more things in common gardening wise. Consider a country wide gathering afterwards.

maybe we could have a convention for only one region like the southeast, northwest southwest, midwest etc.... that way we wouldn't have to worry about distance, and the information shared would pertain to everyone, and someoune who lives in so.cal wouldn't have to hear how to make tulips bloom in the appalachains...

Mibus, I ordered some david austin roses from chamblees and very happy with them. I need an excuse to drive 7 hours to see it for myself. . .and load up my truck. . .LOL
Crossing my fingers for the convention. I know y'all are just looking for interest, but I'm crossing my fingers for it to be held in Dallas too.

Diehard, wow, you're only 16. I can't imagine what your garden will look like when you're 40.

Dave is supposed to be back on Monday. Hope he is not angry that this has gotten so far along without his ok. Enthusiaum is a powerful thing.

Diehard, thank you for putting into words what I was thinking. I really like the idea of an organized state or regional gathering with seminars and vendors. I have been to couple RUs now and honestly found them to be pretty boring considering that I had to drive for several hours to get there (will not be specific because I do not want to cause offense). If I had to travel half way across the country for the same thing I would not be a happy camper. If we did regional or state we could learn from that and apply it on a national level.

I agree with the suggestion from Diehard and Azreno to ask Dave to consider regional DG conferences.

It will be interesting to hear Dave's opinion since there are many financial, logistical and legal considerations in putting on any large gathering under a corporate name, which Dave's Garden is. It is not inexpensive to put on such events and someone in authority from DG would have to be financially responsible for the funding, insurance coverage, payment of bills, as well as the enormous amount of work gathering vendors, speakers, etc.

The enthusiasm is wonderful but.....if you've ever put on a large church event, you'll know the downsides. ;-)

June

I love all of the ideas.
There are alot of us who would be thrilled to go for a weekend of relaxation and gabbing and shopping for plants and visiting gardens and greenhouses and having workshops and visiting and eating. And we love to get free catalogs and discounts.


This message was edited Nov 20, 2007 5:53 PM

I don't really think it is fair to ask for people's input and then, when they have a different opinion about having a convention in some way, you repeat what you have said. We have read how you feel and other people are posting how they feel.

"and to these folks" I say, if you would be interested please give us your input.
That means to me that I should be quiet and not encourage regional get togethers?

IF Dave gives his okay, perhaps a voting booth question would also be helpful in determining if there would be enough attendance to pay the expenses and make this adventure feasible.

On no gessiegail. I think regional RU's will be fabulous. Basically, unless Dave gets on board with any of it, it's a mute point. The in put that we need for now, so it's not so overwelming in the beginning, is the response to the original suggestion,

If we have a National RU in Dallas to get together and to celebrate Daves accomplishments with Daves Garden , would you come? That's all I meant. This thread was to give Dave an idea if anyone would be interested in coming to Dallas or Texas for a National RU. Sort of a head count.

.

Debbie

This message was edited Nov 20, 2007 5:54 PM

You did not offend, but if you want input about the subject, do you really want just people to give input who would like to come to Dallas or Texas?

I think polling folks, if Dave choose to do it, would probably be best to get the most effective sampling of opinions. You know, when you log in to DG, on the right there are usually "Vote Now for ...." polling/voting by the click of a button survey. Dave could probably utilize that software option on the website to survey better a real feel for how many would be yea or nay.

rebecca30

This message was edited Nov 18, 2007 6:05 PM

I'll be so glad when Dave gets back and lets us know. He has a better way with explaining things to people than I do. I am in agreement with JoanJ. If it happens, that will probably be the best way. We were just trying to generate interest in the possibility of a huge gathering of DG's in Daves Home State. Thought it would be alot of fun.


Debbie

If the question is simpy, "am I interested in a big get-together with my new friends on DG" the answer is, "heck yeah." That being said there are 105 different things that would come into play before I could ever commit with the 3 biggest being date, location, and expense. I suppose that is the case with just about everyone here (except for all those independantly wealthy, non-working, nothing-to-do-all-day types out there). LOL

La

How would this be any different than a round-up?

The first round-up was for everyone from DG to get together. After than more regional round-ups started because many people wouldn't/couldn't travel that far from home, to get to the centrally located one.

Not trying to be difficult, maybe I'm missing something. Isn't there already a Texas round-up?

Deb

I live in CA. I think Dallas Or Las Vegas are both great places, fairly easy to get to. A "Hub" is a must, as most people can get there, also, if there are enough people staying @ one hotel, most have airport & convention shuttles at no or very little cost.
As far as the Regional conv., I guess if your first priorty is zone planting & learning what grows & works in your area, you might wanna check out the local garden club. A few years ago we had a gathering of DGers on the coast at a garden tour. I don't live in that zone & what grows there won't grow here. I went to meet the other DG folks, it was a fun day & I met many people that I converse with on DG. The next year we had a RU in our area, it was cold & windy, but we had a great time. It's not so much the info. (but that should be great too!) but the camaraderie, shopping wouldn't be bad either!
As far as meeting other DGers I think it is a wonderful idea. There is a lot more to DG than just gardeners, it would be an all inclusive. There are many artist on DG, it would not have to be just garden related thing. A convention center is big enough to encompass many things. Think BIGGER!
Many ideas pop into my head. If you know way in advance, plane tickets are cheaper bought way ahead. I'm on a fixed income as well, but would sure try hard to attend just for the fun of meeting fellow DGers. (& maybe the shopping!)

Thanks Bj, very well put ;)

BJ!!! You've got it! Not trying to be regional. Have no idea whatsoever "where" or "when". This would so much a social affair. I have made life-long friends through DG. Something that used to be pretty much a mystery to me...that people could connect on the internet. Now I know. It is a tremendous tool used correctly. Dave has made it possible for people of all walks of life and interest to meet and discuss whatever. The gardening has saved my sanity. The comaraderie has saved my life. I have lots of friends right where I live. We have pretty much the same experiences in life. DG has broadened my world. No possible way to explain how it has taught me about how we are so much more alike than different. What a blessing! Our common interest is The Garden. Man was created in a Garden and his heart is still there.

Awesome Lou.:)

Debbie

Hi - I don't post much but lurk alot. I submit that the weather vane is predictable in Anaheim and Vegas - not so in Dallas.
Just a thought.

Jo, you can fly into Houston and drive up to Dallas with me!

Just food for thought: Especially in large cities like Dallas, you need to plan your convention, sometimes up to 3 years in advance. Especially with the numbers you are talking about. It's a lot more than just setting up tables...if you want speakers, product displayers, etc. it will take a very long time to coordinate. Then you've got the block of rooms and the food nightmare. :( Most conventions are held in the winter months.

Just food for thought....it would be awesome to pull off.

:) Kathy

What might work is for NameMedia to co-sponsor a home and garden show or have a DG pavilion in one. Word could then be spread about there being opportunities for DG folks to get together for special events. That way the whole thing isn't dependent on getting numbers from DG to show up, but those who do will have some activities planned in advance.

Thank everyone for your input. Hopefully, Dave will get a minute to weigh in with his thoughts today. This was just and idea from "DrapeLady" and we have taken it and just tried to get a straw vote about the possibilities. Obviously, many are interested. The time, place, logistics are all way out in the future. If we never take the first step, there will never be a second. The thought of seeing and meeting so many good friends all at once thrills my soul.

Christi

I wish I could attend but I am retiring so money will be tight, but I can live it thru the pictures you all take and share with me.

Lavina

Yes, I am interested. but like a lot of you don't know if possible for me. IN the past I attended many DayLily Conventions, and I know they are scheduled 6 or more years in advance. with lots of planning.

Donna

LouC, I have just run into this and I admit only skimming through it? Would you be doing the organizing? You might want to check how far out you need to book the convention center before you get to far into this. When I organized a large group convention/meeting I had a hard time finding a place two years out and this sounds like it could be more people than that.

I am afraid that my pocketbook wouldn't allow me to attend.

zen, Just about every question has been covered. This is strictly a straw vote to see who would be interested were it to materialize. The are no plans whatever. Dave has been out of town and has not yet given his opinion which is first and foremost. When,where,how is way out there. Yes, it would take a long time to bring this to fruition. The first question on my mind was : Do others desire this or just DraperyLady and I. We just started talking about it last Thursday evening and I took it everyone else. The possibilities are endless for all different variations of a "convention". Perhaps I used the wrong nomenclature but it was the one thing that I expected most readers would connect. If all requirements could be met to fit your circumstances, are you interested? There are no commitments from anyone on either side of the question. Guess one might call it a rhetorical question.

Lou, I wouldn't be able to go :(

A couple thoughts:

I've discussed this with others on the team earlier this year, and I really liked the idea at the time. Doing a national DG convention really seems like it would be very successful.

On the other hand, though, there's no way at all that I or anyone else on our staff can head up this project. So it would have to be a 100% member driven event.

Having said that, if ya'll decide to proceed, you have my full support, and if it's close enough to my location (meaning within say 500 miles) I would love to attend and play whatever role you'd like me to play. I can also provide limited support regarding contacting vendors and trying to line up sponsors if needed.

Dave

Well I haven't been to a round up yet so I guess I should start there. LOL

My thoughts:

In addition to the common factors cited in this thread about whether I would attend, I'd like say that in addition to price, location, dates etc, the primary consideration for me would be the content of the convention. What types of programs would be available? Who would the speakers be? How extensive would the lectures be? And of course: would the subject matter be of use to me in my gardening efforts? The answers to these questions would play a strong part in my decision to attend. Dave's has a very extensive listing of forums covering a wide variety of subjects and marshaling them into a program that would have the broad based appeal needed to attract attendees to a national convention would be quite a challenge.


I think the idea of regional gatherings would be a good first start towards organizing one large annual gathering. A possible second step if those gatherings are successful would be to hook the regional gatherings together via the Internet. The technology is there and I'm sure with the large population at Daves, we could scare up enough techies to make it happen.

In keeping with the content aspect of the discussion, I would also like to know what reference materials would be available. When I go to conventions and even training events, my decision is on whether to attend is often swayed by the material I'll be bringing home. I would expect to see a good mix of free materials and materials that will be available for sale. I probably wouldn't want to attend a convention or seminar if I had to pay to bring home the bulk of knowledge that was presented there.

SO to answer your original question, yes I would attend an event like this provided it had compelling information in a cost effective manner.

Thanks
BB

Ladies and Gentlemen.

Let the Games Begin.

This type of convention or expo would have to be powered from the organization that is being represented. None of us individually could nor would want to try to take on such a large task. It would be like individuals trying to hold a Microsoft Expo without Microsoft being at the helm. But it is an excellant idea. Maybe later down the road. For now, we have our wonderful local RU's. For those of us who were looking forward to a Texas trip, check out Chamblee Rose Website. They are having a Rose Tour 2008 in April with much of the same things we were hoping to experience at Daves. Prices are great as well. Thanks everyone for your input. You never know. Maybe one day...... Until then , enjoy your gardening.

Might I suggest we ask our Daves Garden writers to present sessions - it would be good regional inforamtion. We have some breeders and growers on here too - they might also want to get up there and talk a little about something..

3 days 3 BIG events and 6 sessions over two of the days? Each of those 6 sessions needs to have 8 to 12 options for places to go, but some of them can overlap exaple John Doe Breeder or rare dodo fruit might present three times his presentation.


That said I will help ANYWAY I CAN!! Sign me up!!

Mitch you are so kind and always helpful for us here!!!!

I try - and Christi I will be what ever help you need me to be, what ever job you need me to be, what ever task you need me to do.

the quote is Dave's and was supposed to be in a blue box...well just pretend it is.

Go to the new thread to post as a volunteer.

Remember, I AM NOT THE LEADER!

That post has yet to be filled.

Christihttp://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/791952/

This message was edited Nov 20, 2007 12:14 PM

I have lots of experience but not a lot of time. I'd be willing to help with getting organized and maybe some less intense behind-the-scenes stuff. I still maintain before we ever talk to facilities we need a rough idea of how many people we're talking. I am afraid, too, that we may need some startup money. EEEEKKK!!! Maybe not though. This is the only group I've been involved with that was completely web-based, so things like postage and printing costs won't be there like there usually is.