Volunteers for Conference committee

McGlory has already said she is not comfortable heading it up, but will help Mitch 100%. And she is good.
LouC has already said the same thing and she has connections.
Many others have said the same but they have many talents they want to contribute.

But Mitch said he's ready to get started now and he knows everybody's skills and who to contact to help with what.

I really think we need to ask MitchF to head this up. If you read the post above from the beginning,especially the one made by Mitch a 2:53 pm , I think you will agree.

Two notes:

1) What season are we thinking? I hate to leave my garden in the summer & like to go to warm places with other people's gardens in the winter.

2) What cities in our radius have the most to offer in terms of arboretums & other public garden spaces or, alternatively, great beauty? That would be a huge draw for me. For instance, I'd attend almost any event in Santa Fe.

I think it's a great idea. As everyone has stated, it WILL require a lot of planning and logistics, not to metion an agreeable consensus of those that would be able to attend/and or assist in getting it to happen.

I wouldn't have a clue how to go about doing it, and have never participated in anything like this, but would be willing to help out with anything from where I am.

So is this market you all talk about in Dallas a flower show? I miss Philly's ... Chicago's is terrible.

I would volunteer to do SOMETHING -- I'm trained to teach yoga. I'm best with concrete, well-defined tasks. The less paperwork the better. Very ill-equipped to deal with wackos -- they bring out my snarky side.

drapelady- thank you but no I have no idea how to get this going - just and eager beaver willing to help and nothing more. Really I am trying to get Lori to help us lead this at least for now - she knows a lot of the steps and what needs to heppen I hve no idea the right steps to take in order so we can get this off the ground perfect.

Don't think I have ever seen a plant germinate and flower quite as fast as this one has. "Build it and they will come". This is the brainstorming place to be. Now just consider that it was *only* yesterday morning, that Dave gave his approval. At this pace we may be meeting someplace by New Years. hahahah
Just a joke. It is evident that we as a group of very diverse people are anxious to be together in one place. Hey guys, we may be on to something. Think we could be a model for World Peace? My heart is full this morning.

LouC

With these many specialists all the "header upper" would need to do is coordinate the various committees. And though that's not an easy task, whoever does it has a lot of willing hands to delegate to.

Anne

P.S., and no I'm not volunteering. lol

aawww, Anne. We need all we can get.

Sounds so very interesting..Judy (Seedtosser) encouraged our Best/Worse and What did I learn today thread participants to come over and participate in the excitement...from Canada so might not be a suitable candidate for a Committee but would certainly help up where able...

Betty, Canada is a very busy part of Dave's. No one has less or more clout than the other. I believe the term is...One man, one vote. Thank you for your willingness to participate. We are still a long way from having this happen. But if *want to* counts, we are closer than we think. To quote Bob Barker: Come On Down! hahaha

I'm taking on the roll of LouC "Barker". Now that's a good corny one for ya'.

Christi

There are a lot of good ideas floating around, but I think some things need to be established first.

As wonderful as this whole thing is, there aren't going to be 500 people show up, especially the first year. With that mind, exactly what do you want to accomplish this first year? Venders aren't going to want to show up without a large audience. Shows grow slowly over the years, and all of them have small beginnings.

Of course, I could be wrong :) But you are talking to the lady who was told by numerous people that ordering a couple of hundred cookbooks was wayyyyy too few, and that they would sell out in a day, but I had to look at them for 4 years before we actually got rid of them :)

If there are 100-200 people that do want to attend, I would think that that changes the entire scale of things.

I think a voting booth question addressing both who would come as well as the stipulations of them coming based on cost is the way to go, then we can go from there with planning with venders and accommodations, plus planning the actual event.

We'll be more than happy to set up the poll booth, as well as make a "red letter announcement" for more visibility once we can decide on some firm wording for the poll.

Thank you, Trish. As you can see we are like children that has heard the word "Party" and we are all ready. Have sent an email to Grapevine Convention Bureau sales dept. They are in the business of putting these things together for their benefit. No matter where in the country we may decide, thought this might be a good model. You are more than correct about the number. Lots of people may want to come but the variables are too many to count as to getting their commitment along with a check. Since we are on the eve of a holiday, don't expect an answer before next week.

Pray that tomorrow is a pleasant and enjoyable day for the Whitinger family.

Christi

Hey LouC Baker...hahahaha..crack me up
good thing you sent off an email already I was just going to suggest we find someplace that deals wtih this kind of thing and see what they could tell us for an idea.

Summerkid..have to ask how long you have lived where you are..my dad's family is from Kankakee/Bradley/Ashkum

And Mitch I am here to help if ya need it of course :).......and not just for making pie LOL

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone that celebrates it and Happy whatever the holiday is you do instead of Turkey day

Summer, we will pray that you are less snarky.


hahahaha I love that word. May have to adopt it.

Mibus, that's the thing to do -- be FROM this area but not in it.

i've lived here almost 2 years too long.

Well Summer if ya run across or know anyone with the last name of Schafroth you can say well hey I know Dean's Daughter Phyllis....hehehehe that will get them....dont' thik nay of them know I moved to Texas yet.

I like the idea of yoga wanna teach me I could use new ways to de-stress and so can LouC

oh you guys should check out www.masteryoga.org and see if there is a teacher by you. with svaroopa hatha yoga, you hardly ever even get off the floor. we just melt into little puddles. after studying this style, every other kind of yoga seems like faddish stretch-aerobics.

With everyone cooperating, McGlory could do the master mind stuff. How about everyone meet in a central location to "brainstorm".
That would show you who will comit to take this on.

Keep it simple first time out. It will grow on it's own.

2008 is too soon; target 2009.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my DG friends. Relax and enjoy!

Debbie

I agree Twin Lakes, if we can pick a locale and it's not too far away, I'm in.

Anne

http://new.grapevinetexasusa.com/MeetingProfessionals/MeetingFacilities/tabid/359/Default.aspx

Grapvine is very near DFW Airport. I have contacted the sales division of conventions but expect no answer until next week. This is NOT THE DESTINATION. It could be. Their model will be of assistance to know just how to begin regardless of the region of the country that is later determined. It is a mix of quaint little town come to be big city. Check out all the various offers.
Also that it is equi-distance from Dallas and Ft. Worth. The proximity to DFW has made it explode. Gaylord's OpryLand Hotel is located in Grapevine. DFW airport is the 3rd busiest in the nation because it is centered between both coasts and Mexico to Canada. THIS HAS NOT BEEN CHOSEN. I emphasize because when a place is mentioned some take it as that's where it is to be. If one reads the entire threads, you will see, it has been stated over and over that there are many,many criterior to be met before when and where is announced...and by whom. Keep those cards and letters coming. Christi

I recently posted this on http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/790716/#new and was asked to repost it here on this thread.
=============================
Remember that Dave also said:

I agree with Drapelady who said that "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. "

There would be upfront costs and legal issues. Signage and handouts for the actual event would be needed. Hotels, convention centers, airlines, etc. may require deposits and signed contracts for group packages. Someone would have to be legally responsible for signing these things. If you would be charging vendors for display space, someone would have to collect that money and be accountable for it in a separate bank account. This is not a DG-sponsored event, but a private DG member-sponsored event and I'd urge you to cover all issues carefully as you proceed. It's what you don't think of in the beginning that comes back to bite you in the end.

This is all driven by gleeful enthusiasm right now which is great, but it is rather like herding cats unless there is structure and official leadership. Planning this event for 2009 would be sensible and allow enough time for things to fall into place.

June

Once it is established that this will go forward (depending on participation), and the location decided on, financial and legal issues can and will be taken care of. We're not to that point, yet :)

I just happened upon this thread and it sounds like a great idea is brewing. Unfortunately I cannot offer much assistance at this time as I'm already over my eyeballs in a dozen other committments I never should have made. But I do want to offer a suggestion, coming from one who would love to go to an event like this: the location of this event should be given a lot of consideration. I think people will be most likely to attend if the destination is also place of interest. Consider whether the location is one that many people think of as a place they would like to visit. If I'm going to spend money on airfare/hotel to attend a gardening convention, I'd be far more likely to attend if I can extend the visit a few days and see a bit of the sights as well.

I vote for Hawaii.

I can not afford the next state over. Which ever one. Want to attend but is not possible.

Dyson, How about Smith Mountain Lake, Moneta, VA? LOL Jo

Wherever held I would recommend a natural park setting with free camping be nearby, there are many such areas in most states. Those of us that would be "hard pressed for fuel" would feel better about the tent, fire, and some companionship around said fire. Then again some of us are really just "old hippies".

Thank you for your response, Trish. Apoligize for always giving Dave all the glory. Without you, none of this would be possible. It has been my take on this that we, as membership, are to do the initial legwork, ie. is there enough interest?, where are the possibilities?, when would suit the majority of members?, all of the things that must be ironed out before there are any papers to sign. In my estimation, getting all of the *cats* herded into the corral is the hardest part. After that it is a business that is carried out all over the world every single day and the prototypes are already there. We just need to determine if we have the WANT TO. Once again there is only one question on the board?

If it could be arranged economically, are you interested in a Dave's Garden Convention/Conference or whatever it will be called? Participation by the membership is of utmost importance. Think of it as a family reunion.

No problem, LouC. I don't need any glory :) I'm just the woman behind The Man ;)

You've got it- You guys get the legwork done, and we can take care of the business end when the time comes.

Trish - did I tell you I love you, you are the bomb (bot not in a terrorist kinda way).

LOL- Not in a terrorist kinda way, huh? Well.....um...that's good to know- Thanks!

*chuckle*

Well...I think it is a great idea and would love to make it.... Someplace central in the US would be best, I think...not a tourist mecca so perhaps the costs would be lower. What about a nearby University or College??? They usually have conference or meeting facilities...may charge less....

Oh well...just my 2cents.

Hey, Carol. We want every bit of information possible. There are a lot of pieces to this puzzle. Takes everyone to make a whole. Maybe someone here is affiliated with a school and would take the ball and run.

Also...your Steering Committee might want to limit their jobs to the actual conference. I think transportation and lodging should be each participants' responsability...etc.

Hey LouC *S*
Ok we see there is interest and of course we all know there is a limit for some as to how far they can go and what they can afford...I think there are alot in that situation with the cost of gas and with the holidays upon us it makes expenses look different.
Alot of people prefer advance notice so they can plan ..... where and when are important to figure out
I think finding the options as far as transportation and lodging once the location is picked would be a great help to those wanting to attend.
Starting out it needs to be small more or less as mentioned
I know I would love to attend and I am more then willing to help in anyway I can
So other then the talking here on the forums ..which is GREAT..has any vote type thing been put up or started?

Don't have time to read all this right now, but I would definitely be willing to help. I have several ideas and will get back on when I finish with my Gardening. ;^)

Post #4217705 scroll up

This is from Trish and mentions that DG will be glad to do a banner and a vote whenever we have decided on a wording. Still think this is a good project for after the New Year. Way too many things to distract everyones attention and pocket book between now and then. Keep those card a letters coming.

Christi

This message was edited Nov 25, 2007 2:23 PM

Alrighty then I will toss words around in my head and ya know how to reach me ..giggles...and make notes of ideas on paper so I don't forget or get side tracked and send them to ya

Carol, participants will be responsible for their travel and lodging, however since these 3 things Travel, Convention and lodging are so closely linked, there are benifits and significant savings by using groups to negotiate better deals. It will be well worth the effort and designated panel members to focus on those items which may be pivotal in keeping the event affordable.