Next Convention

[Neil Frank <nfrank@mindspring.com>]

Charlene,

The convention was perfect! Better than last year and a Giant thanks to YOU
as the consumate host. Recognition also is needed for Karen, TN-AQ staff
and all your other pre- and during-convention helpers; to Eric for
documention and I am sure to others.

We did not have much time at lunch to have this discussion, so some email
thoughts are offered.

Regarding next year, I think I mentioned my conversation with Amano (he
said he would come to an "International Summit" and to "help" with it;  he
says the 2nd intntl conference was supposed to be in Europe a few years
ago, but never materialized. He said the international gathering of plant
enthusiasts is long overdue. He never clarified "help" but I speculate this
could be interpreted as getting Asian participants, perhaps with atleast
paying his own way (did we pay for him this year?), perhaps his help with
providing financial support for others or ????
If AGA sponsors such an event next year or year after (good lead time for
announcements and planning are obviously needed), i think we can approach
this as a cooperative effort with our international collegues and probably
can get corporate help. I know that you are probably exhausted, but it
might be a good idea to get started now, before our HIGH of the convention
wears off (or did you already crash :-). I volunteer to be on your committee.

 I envision that we might only have 3 key speakers -  one each from Europe,
Asia and the US, but would ENCOURAGE other foreign biggies to participate
in organized "forums." This could hopefully allow us to get by with only
paying big expenses for 2, but still make use of other participants who
will hopefully come. For the US, we can try to get Axelrod (he normally
charges big honorarium, but might voluteer his time as a contribution to
the hobby.) Corporate support would clearly help and we dont have to limit
ourselves to the US - we can approach the nursersies, international
aquarium suppliers and publishers.  Eric's documentation  (perhaps with
snipets of web video, still pics, etc)from this year should sell itself.



Regarding venue, Mike Senske who as you know is VERY interested briefly
talked with me. I suggested that a "proposal" to AGA would be useful to
explain the advantages of Houston regarding travel, economical hotels,
nearby attractions, etc (similar to those presented at ACA conventions, but
less elaborate).An organized collecting trip could be an added attraction,
but is one that I did not discuss.  He is currently thinking that he is
competing againsts Boston. I think track record is important, and dont know
how to evaluate their local capabilities. 

Thanks again.. you outdid yourself!
Neil
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