Re: GWAPA Proposal rough draft2 (fwd)

[Kathy Olson <kathy@thekrib.com>]

Hi,  (Scott...Edit this email, if forwarded, I was pretty frank in places)

I just did a quick look.  Things that jump out at me...I like the speaker 
line-up.  Not sure on the inner bay one though...pretty localized, and 
they have great workshop ideas...not sure they can fit them all in.  In 
fact hate to say it but that sounds more like a local speaker topic to 
me...now I may be a party pooper, but how would I apply this to MY TANKS.  
I would much rather see some of the things below.  Perhaps this is 
something that was discussed on the lists.  Perhaps this could be a 
workshop vs a main talk.

I would REALLY LOVE to see AMANO set up a TANK.  DO A TANK AQUASCAPING AS 
he did in Tennessee....that was just awesome.  Then I would like to see 
the tank he sets up AUCTIONED!!!  Owning an amano tank would just be too 
cool.  I think that would be a big thing.  If Ganzafar hasn't seen the 
TENN workshop where Amano did this, it is well worth it.  Watching him set 
up a tank, brought home those techniques much more than a talk would.  
PLEASE, PLEASE, ask them to do this if they get amano.

If they do get AMANO, TOMOKO SCHUM is a MUST!!!  She really does a better 
job interpreting, and carry's the humor as well.  His translator still has 
to be there.  It means paying for her room etc, and if necessary airfare 
it is WELL WORTH it.  I can't remember if she shared a room with Karen or 
not, but if willing to do that, it can cut costs. 

Not sure on the cash bar, don't you have to guarantee so much in sales for 
that...seems like a way to loose money.

Not sure you have to have a silent auction too....I would leave that to 
people that went this year, not sure how that worked.

Hotel costs more, but I think it is a good price for Baltimore.  I can't 
remember the ACA's cap, but I think it was 89 or so.  That being said, I 
wouldn't hesitate to pay it to have a hotel with a shuttle!

The banquet numbers look OPTIMISTIC, how many went to the banquet in TX, 
what fraction of the total.  Amano would be a big banquet draw, but not 
sure he could do a main talk/workshop and banquet.  So perhaps Jan, or 
perhaps Amano, who knows, more thoughts.  But still, the numbers look high 
to me.

Also need a budget for speaker gifts, I know Karen jumped in and helped a 
lot on this one.  But something nice for Amano if here.

Registration costs look REALLY good, I like those numbers.  

On the field trip at $20, I wouldn't expect a free lunch, so if they have 
to turn people loose for lunch that is okay, but if they get someone to 
cover it that is great.  

Make sure they know EVERY DONATION HAS TO GET A THANK YOU, or else of 
course the donor may not ever do it again!  

Perhaps is AMANO did a tank KIM BRYANT would donate lights, then we would 
need to give him program credit.  He usually runs things pretty close and 
can't afford to advertise, but supports the AGA in lots of ways.  I would 
like to see that rewarded.

Otherwise, like the topics, like the workshop ideas (which maybe shifed 
around with speaker ideas).  Looks aggressive, but I would like to see a 
conference within driving range for folks and thing this is a good bet.  

Really curious what Larry and Scott have to say.

Kathy





On Sun, 28 Dec 2003, Erik Olson wrote:

> OK, so my first impressions are that this is a good start.  It sounds 
> doable.  And if Larry's really on board to help with hotels (and you Scott 
> with budget in general), there's a certain amount of checks and balances.
> 
>       * I like that they have "themes" in mind already, as opposed to it
> being "just a convention".
> 
>       * Interesting dual-pronged approach of "The Crypt" and 
> "Aquascaping".  Not sure if that's good (choice) or bad (too much).
> 
>       * I guess I'd like to see some worse-case scenarios (notice I 
> didn't say "worst"... I just want to see something a little less 
> optimistic than this year's baseline!).
> 
>       * Guess we'll have to talk on the aquascaping contest stuff.  I
> like the idea of integrating it better with the convention -- follows what
> I've been gradually building on the last 3 years.  And if there's someone
> in particular who's got the interest, then I should bring them in as we
> start opening the contest for business next year.  But if the entries are
> like previous years, most of the entries would positively SUCK if enlarged
> to 8x10.  A few would look nice, but most probably wouldn't.  Maybe
> instead there could be some computer displays rotating or per-category?  
> Inkjet-printed prints?  5x7's? Foam-core mounted? 
> 
>       * Didn't see anything on A/V expenses, but I suppose that would be 
> getting ahead of ourselves... (did I mention I bought a mixing console for 
> Christmas?  My last pre-dadhood stupid purchase.)
> 
> Scott, do these numbers look good to you so far?
> 
>   - Erik
> 
> On Sun, 28 Dec 2003, Erik Olson wrote:
> 
> > Find the attached draft Scott refers to, at
> > 
> > http://test.thekrib.com/GWAPA-Proposal-rough-draft2.doc
> > 
> > (it's too big to attach)
> > 
> >   - Erik
> > 
> > 
> 
> 

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