AGA Convention

The Steering Committee has asked my to contact you concerning the convention in November. I'm so glad to hear that you are coming! I look forward to finally meeting you in person.

I'm sorry if we sounded suspicious at first, but unfortunately, a few people have tried to take advantage in the past, and it leaves some of us a little gun shy. When Charlene first told us about your E-mail, we didn't know WHO was making the request. We very much appreciate all the work you have done promoting the hobby of aquatic gardening in your neck of the woods. You've done a great job!

Charlene has told us that it is a very easy matter for the TN Aquarium staff to tape through the mike during presentations. The Steering Committee has agreed that they will audio tape the talks of any speakers who agree to it. These tapes will be held in the AGA archives. The Steering Committee has voted to give you a copy of the tapes with the understanding that they are for your use, and the use of your local club _only_. We have not decided what, if anything we will do with the tapes beyond that, but it is unlikely that they will be made widely available, as we want people to COME to the conferences.

If, on the basis of this, you would like to donate toward the convention, your contribution would be happily and gratefully accepted. We really want this convention to be a success, and have made the commitment to it whether it breaks even or not. Based on the current number of registrations, we will have enough attendees to have a wonderful weekend, and we will certainly have a respectable turn-out for a first-time venture such as this. But we will not have enough people that AGA won't have to pitch in to defray the total costs. In fact, all the speakers are paying their own costs to participate in the convention. Anything that you or others would be willing to contribute to this even would definitely help.

I hope that this is what you had in mind. Again, we all appreciate your efforts toward promoting this hobby, and whatever you decide will be fine with us. Thank you again!