I'm reposting this info for anyone who isn't already aware of the discussion in this thread:
Paper Model Convention in the Spring? Northern?
I'm hoping to reach as many forum members as possible.
I am trying to organize a Spring Paper Modelers Meet for 2017.
(To be honest, if it doesn't happen in 2017, I'll keep trying for 2018)
Actual details are still up in the air since I have yet to confirm many things
including how many people will actually be interested in attending.
The tentative date for the Convention is Saturday March 25, 2017
and the location is Dayton Ohio...home of the amazing USAF Museum.
I have a rough plan for the event (detailed below) but please keep in mind its all brainstorming at this point.
I'm in the middle of choosing a Hotel venue for the event and sorting out other related costs, such as a Banquet for all attendees.
..........
Paper-Con...Dayton Ohio March 25 2017
The event, held at (TBA) Hotel, will be a public event.
It will be advertised locally on online.
The public is invited to tour the event, see paper models on display, learn about the hobby, and take part in judging.
Door prizes will also be offered.
The event will take place on the Saturday from 10am- 4pm.
There will be an earlier display setup period and a short Opening Ceremony/Lecture.
(If possible, display setup on the Friday night will be arranged)
Registered Participants are invited to take part by setting up a display table showcasing paper models and crafts,
and/or offering demonstration and paper modeling related resources.
Vendors are also invited to participate.
Participants can sell stuff!
We can try to invite some local Hobby related vendors too.
However, Paid Registered Participants are not required to do the table thing.
You can just show up, enter a model in the competition, enjoy the banquet, etc.
You don't have to set up an entire display table, but a table is reserved for you if you want it.
A model competition will also be conducted.
Any and all displayed models will be eligible for varied judging and awards.
There will also be publicly voted awards.
An additional table will be available for competition entries not associated with registered participants.
Rules will be more casual than at other model events, since our focus is more on the social.
Like the IPMC, the awards and judging will reflect comraderie, fun and sportmanship,
as well as model quality and expertise.
I plan on offering some sort of event Award(s) and physical prizes.
After the event, there will be a tear down and cleanup period (maybe 2 hours?)
and then a catered Banquet meal and Awards ceremony.
(Possibly a cash Bar, if the hotel can arrange this)
Obviously I have to think about many other related issues and costs,
as there is still much to sort out...
using the IPMC as an example, I've decide to set a participants cost of $125 as the maximum.
If we can find ways to reduce this cost, we will.
If I get three dozen registrants, I can guaranty a reduced cost!
$125 gets you registration for the event...a single 8ft. display table (and chairs).
This also includes participation in any pre-event activities
and after event activities.
It also covers your cost for the Banquet Meal.
Additional Display tables will be available at additional costs (maybe $30 per table?)
I'm going to try to offer some other special perks for participants,
I have a few ideas in mind, more on that later.
There will be an additional cost for Guests at the Banquet ($35-$40)
This will only apply to Guests of a Registered Participant.
Hotel accommodation costs will be the responsibility of the participant,
but we will try to arrange some reduced rates and package rates.
If anyone wishes to bring and enter a model, but not take part as a registered participant, they can.
I will set up an additonal table(s) for those models.
Unfortunately the Awards ceremony will be part of the evening Banquet,
so only Registered Participants and their Guests will be able to attend.
Any awards for competition-only participants can be picked up on Sunday at the hotel or I will arrange delivery at a later time.
...
So thats basically it...
I need to know how many people will seriously commit to taking part.
How many will pay the Participants fee and show up.
I also need a general head count to make arrangements with a Hotel.
Let me know...post it here...
or email me and tell me cutandfold.info (@) rogers.com
Please don't say yes if you are unsure.
I seriously have to determine if enough people WILL commit
to decide if I fight to make this event happen.
If there just isn't enough participation, then... maybe 2018.
Those that have already committed (to me) don't need to post again.
We are about 7 definites...and 3 maybes, so far.
Realistically, that number needs to be tripled to make this event a reality.
And, I'm running out of time to organize things
...I may not even be able to book with a Hotel at this point (but I can try).
So, this goes until the end of the month, roughly one more week.