Event in Fall 2000 at Tenn Aquarium

[Neil Frank <nfrank@mindspring.com>]

Hi 
One of the many interesting discussions at the NEC was a proposal devised
by Charlene Nash (of the Tenn Aquarium in Chattanooga TN) and a few other
AGA people about a co-sponsored AGA/Tenn Aq "AQUARIUM PLANT
MEETING/WORKSHOP". (Charlene, Karen, Neil, Mary, Jack, Merrill and Eric
participated in different parts of the off-and-on discussion.)
The possibility of Oct 2000 was mentioned because it is a nice time of year
and can offer possibility of a collecting trip. I agreed to summarize for
all and to report to Bob and Dorothy who were not present.

Regardless of the best time, the general details are presented below.
 To me, the beauty and biggest advantage of the idea was that 
Charlene Nash is VERY enthusiastic and she volunteered to provide the
meeting place (Tenn Aq), to print brochures and programs, investigate
hotels, arrange for a catered banquet....and essentially ALL the other
necessary things normally provided by the sponsoring organization.
-The TN Aquarium would be listed as a co-sponsor
**Also, it would be located in a new Region of the county that can draw far
and wide from the South Eastern US which has 40% of the total US population. 

The basic BIG PICTURE plan:
*Arrive Fri
*Sat - Use TN Aq auditorium; all day speakers (multiple speakers on
aquarium plants - both beginnner and more advanced topics; no pond talks)
Banquet in TN AQ lobby Sat pm; private aquarium viewing 
Hotel social gathering room Sat pm
Possible Venders room
*Sun-bkfast together; OPTIONAL field trip or leave for airport

The 1st such AGA meeting would be kept relatively SIMPLE: 
NO bidding auction (instead plants/and donated items could be raffled,
offered as continual door prizes or as silent auction, etc.) 
NO PAID speakers. (paid speakers, incl. International speakers put off
until 2nd event!!)
NO complicated side trips (more involved suppl. activities for 2nd event)

A second meeting can be more involved; include intl speakers (AMANO,
Kasper Horst in addition to Claus Christensen are definitely
possibilities). It could be at TN AQ again, or at another sponsoring venue.

ESSENTIALLY, one of the purposes of first event would be a "dry run." to
see what works, doesnn't work and to make plans for larger future event.
Expected no of participants for 1st meeting (50-125). Future events (100-200).

Charlene agreed to check w/hotels; check for possible dates, based on avail
of facilities and competing events in Chattanooga and at AQ.

If AGA agreed and an acceptable date could be QUICKLY selected by TN AQ and
by AGA, then flyers could be mailed to AGA members in April; announcements
could be sent electronically thru APD and other internet lists; sent to
magazines (FAMA, TFH, PAM) for July printing.

Although we still have 6 months for Oct 2000, there may be scheduling
conflicts. For example, I cannot participate during the first 2 weekends of
Oct (Oct 1, 8) due to Jewish Holidays and Karen said she will/might have
problem with Oct 15. However, if the majority agrees, then the event can
still go forward. There should be plenty of speakers who would volunteer.

Neil

ACTION ITEMS: 
1. Does AGA agree in principle with the concept?
2. Do we want to have the first event in Oct 2000, another time in 2000
   or have more time for planning/advertisement and put it off until 2001?
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