Re: [AGA-mcm] [AGA Convention Feedback] (fwd)

[Erik Olson <erik@thekrib.com>]

On Sun, 21 Nov 2004, S. Hieber wrote:

> However, I don't think fed bldg.s, nat'l gallery, etc,
> would have been appropriate for an AGA FT.
...
> Just working within the "curriculum" is as much as we can
> handle. Besides, that stuff is all free and only a subway
> ride away. Anyone could easily have opted for those things
> on their own instead of the organized FT.

Not sure I completely agree.  There's nothing that says the field trips 
"have to" be plant-related.  The ACA is an example of that -- they have 
these totally unrelated trips on Thursday and Friday designed to let 
people socialize and sightsee.  So yes, one could have opted out of 
Friday's field trips to go tour the mall IF one was properly prepared (and 
we all know how difficult that can be now), but one would be essentially 
on their own because everyone else is on the field trip.

If we're using AGA historical precedent here, consider:
  2000 -- riverboat cruise for a couple hours Sunday after the Q&A, hosted at 
aquarium
  2001 -- nothing (though hosted at the aquarium)
  2002 -- afternoon/evening tour of stores and stuff in Houston, integrated 
with BBQ
  2003 -- full day research center/aquarium/fish store thing with integrated 
BBQ lunch
  2004 -- full day aquarium/fish store

I would say for future conventions, one could think in many different 
directions, not try to copy any particular formula.  I am one of those who 
questions the need to visit the local aquarium and fish stores... I think 
"been there, done that".  Village Tropical is an exceptionally good store 
(tied for #1 for me with The Wet Spot in Portland), but The Aquarium 
Center is just very big.  As both a visitor and worker, I will probably 
think twice before going on another tour that's an aquarium and fish 
store.

  - Erik
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