2012 Frisco Convention Location?

Discussion in '2012 Frisco Convention' started by friscomike, Sep 18, 2011.

?

What location is best for the 2012 Frisco Convention?

  1. Fort Smith, AR

    20.7%
  2. Fort Worth, TX

    13.8%
  3. Springdale, AR

    25.9%
  4. Tulsa, OK

    31.0%
  5. Wichita, KS

    8.6%
  1. Iantha_Branch

    Iantha_Branch Member

    Here is what I think we should do. Find what locations have volunteers to run the convention. Make a list of the cities then have a new poll with the choices being those that have volunteers to run the convention.

    Ethan
     
  2. friscomike

    friscomike Administrator Staff Member Administrator Frisco.org Supporter


    Howdy Ethan,

    That is the purpose of this thread. We're just refining the field of whom to approach first. I suspect that query will remove several of the contenders.

    Best,
    mike
     
  3. diesel shop

    diesel shop Member

    I vote Tulsa if we can talk Watco's Stillwater Central Railroad into a train ride. Sapulpa to Stroud and back or Stillwater to Pawnee. #2. Springdale with a ride on the A&M.
     
  4. mvtelegrapher

    mvtelegrapher Member

    I doubt we will be able to do a train ride from Sapulpa to Stroud and Stillwater to Pawnee is not possible. There is too much traffic now at all hours of the day and night on the Sapulpa to OKC segment and the Stillwater to Pawnee line is isolated and the only way to get the coaches there is for someone to pay the BNSF to move them from Tulsa to Pawnee. It would be more likely that a ride could be worked out over the SKOL from Owasso to Collinsville if there are not other rides scheduled for the same time frame on other parts of the system.

    John Chambers
    Watco Companies
    2009 Frisco Convention Chairman
     
  5. Joe Lovett

    Joe Lovett Member

    Hi,

    How many volunteers would be needed to put on a good convention?

    Maybe we could collect names from the listed sites to determine the 2012 Frisco Convention Location.

    Joe
     
  6. klrwhizkid

    klrwhizkid Administrator Staff Member Administrator Frisco.org Supporter

    Joe, and everyone else for that matter, the number of volunteers is dependent on the capabilities of the individuals, but there are a number of things that need to happen.
    1) Someone will need to act as a coordinator for the group of volunteers that will track planning activities and verify things are set up - occasional meetings/discussion amongst the group is essential.
    2) Next, a location for meeting has to be found that can handle 50 - 100 people, and allow some space for exhibits/swap tables. A-V equipment (video & slide projectors, screens) are necessary. Some of us have access to these items.
    a. Oftimes, a hotel may have the meeting space and with negotiations, if a minimum number of room-nights are guaranteed, the hotel may make the space available for free, or for a lesser charge.
    b. Some locations/cities may have a large meeting space available to non-profit organizations
    c. Lodging locations should be relatively near the meeting location.
    d. Maps help attendees find the locations.
    3) Someone will need to get volunteers to conduct informational or how-to clinics
    4) Someone will have to handle registration and collect money to cover expenses.
    5) Someone will need to contact (or send letters to) hobby manufacturers or other vendors in order to get door prizes.
    6) Name badges of some sort will need to be produced.
    7) An enterprising individual may even be able to arrange the ordering/purchase of some type of item as an additional fundraiser, e.g. caps, shirts, etc.

    The group of volunteers will not be on their own, the past organizers can be called upon for suggestions, guidance, contacts, and ideas.

    It sounds like it could be a lot of work, but if the task is spread out, other than the day/weekend of the event it really is not that hard. It just takes someone that cares enough to do it.

    The time to start planning will be in the spring. Is there anyone out there in a new location that fits the bill? I believe so.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 11, 2011
  7. Rick McClellan

    Rick McClellan 2009 Engineer of the Year

    Re: 2012 Frisco Convention Location ??

    So is Wichita out of the running?
     
  8. FriscoFriend (Bob Hoover RIP 4/12/2018)

    FriscoFriend (Bob Hoover RIP 4/12/2018) Passed Away April 12, 2018 Frisco.org Supporter

    Re: 2012 Frisco Convention Location ??

    By Keith's detailed criteria, Wichita is currently lacking items #1,3,4,5,6,&7! As the Grinch would say, "Bah Humbug"!

    The issue was discussed and the above rationale was agreed upon. That of course is always subject to change.

    There are two Frisco layouts under construction here and hopefully by 2013 will be at the stage where they can host operating sessions. This depends partially on when Santa comes to town!
     
  9. friscomike

    friscomike Administrator Staff Member Administrator Frisco.org Supporter

    Folks,

    We've had a good run at getting the member's preference for the 2012 Frisco Convention. It appears we have some favorites. Now we need to have volunteers who will run the convention in their locale come forward and make the commitment. These volunteers will be the determining factor for location. For past convention sponsors, am I on track? Best, mike
     
  10. mvtelegrapher

    mvtelegrapher Member

    You nailed it on the head Mike, the determining location factor will be someone or some group stepping up to be in charge of hosting it. I'm sure those that have hosted in the past are willing to lend support and help if asked. Let's don't let the momentum end now, how about it, is anyone in Tulsa or Springdale willing to take this task on? I am willing to do what I can to help.

    John Chambers
     
  11. FriscoFriend (Bob Hoover RIP 4/12/2018)

    FriscoFriend (Bob Hoover RIP 4/12/2018) Passed Away April 12, 2018 Frisco.org Supporter

    Re: 2012 Frisco Convention Location ??

    After sleeping on the above post that I made yesterday, I hope no one misunderstood by bluntness, which looking back I probably should have tempered some. Having said that, here is why I think Wichita wouldn't be a good choice for next years meet. First and foremost, we currently have no Frisco layouts ready to operate on. Mine is progressing somewhat slower than I had hoped and may or may not be far enough along by next September. With my health concerns I don't want to self-impose that degree of pressure. Also, there is very little left of the Frisco here and one would need to travel 50 miles east to Beaumont to see the water tower and nearby concrete overpass which are both neat. That would leave clinics which I am sure plenty of people would step up and we would have quality ones.

    I have given thought to planning and hosting a mini symposium of sorts for people within driving distance which would include a drive to Beaumont for lunch and meetings and an operating session or two when the layout gets past the "Plywood Central" stage.
     
  12. Rick McClellan

    Rick McClellan 2009 Engineer of the Year

    The volunteers are the critical part of this whole equation. In KC, I assembled a team of about eight local Frisco guys and gals, held meetings at my house, etc. We have a rather large Frisco population here in KC so I was very fortunate to have a good group of volunteers.

    Aside from Springfield, I am not aware of any other Frisco sites where there would be enough Frisco people to create a good team. If I am correct, some of us will need to step up and help out.

    In my opinion, many positions on a team do not need to reside at the convention site. Door prizes, clinics, swap tables, registration, etc could be done at another location as long as there is good communication between the Meet Chairman and the committee chairmen/women. The other positions like Meet Chairman, tours (maybe), ladies activities (maybe), local train rides, etc. will probably need to reside close to the convention site. My thought is that the Meet Chairperson will take care of the venue and will probably need to be local to locate, negotiate and reserve convention space.

    If we get a Meet Chairman with a few local volunteers, there are probably others who would help albeit from a distance and we could make this work. I would certainly help and could do any of the functions like clinics, door prizes, etc.

    So maybe we need to put a poll together and see who would be willing to help and maybe that will help us get a Meet Chairperson in one of the preferred locations (Wichita, sigh).

    Thanks for reading along.
     
  13. friscobob

    friscobob Staff Member Staff Member Frisco.org Supporter

    Well, I do attend the Indian Nations Division meetings (NMRA), plus operate on various layouts in the area (especially the Claremore & Southern in Claremore, OK). I could put a bug in the ear, so to speak, in some of the membership. I know for sure I'm not the only Frisco modeler in northeastern Oklahoma, and sure not the only one affiliated with Indian NAtions, so besides myself (which may me a wee bit tough, as I work weekday evenings, but I can do what I can), we can get volunteers. Muskogee is only 40 miles SE of Tulsa, so a few runs up & down the turnpike would not be an issue.

    And yes, I am volunteering. :)

    This is, of course, if Tulsa is settled upon as the location. If not, no problem:)
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 18, 2011
  14. friscomike

    friscomike Administrator Staff Member Administrator Frisco.org Supporter

    Howdy Bob,

    I think at this point, the location will be based on who will host the convention. The poll was more for drumming up interest in different areas and convincing the locals to host the convention.

    Best,
    mike
     
  15. friscomike

    friscomike Administrator Staff Member Administrator Frisco.org Supporter

    Howdy,

    Any takers out there?

    Best,
    mike
     
  16. Joe Lovett

    Joe Lovett Member

    Re: 2012 Frisco Convention Location ??

    Hello Frisco members,

    From the poll it seem Tulsa is the preferred site for the 2012 Frisco Historical Society Convention. I went thru the entire members list and found 73 people that live in the Tulsa area.

    I am in process of setting up a meeting room at the Martin Regional Library,2601 S. Garnett Rd.,in Tulsa. 12:30pm on May 5 or May12 has been requested and will take the earliest date accepted for the meeting. The other date will be canceled. I will post the exact date as soon as possible.

    The meeting is to disuss the proposal of having the 2012 Convention in Tulsa this year.

    If you would like to help setup and/or work the event please come to the meeting because your input is vital organizing a great convention in in a short amountof time.

    For Tulsa or other frisco.org members who would like to help and unable to attend please contact me.

    Joe Lovett frisco.org
    joeblovett@yahoo.com
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 29, 2012
  17. Bruce Adams

    Bruce Adams Member

    Re: 2012 Frisco Convention Location ??

    This is exciting, and I look forward to hearing how the planning goes. I'd love to attend - Tulsa is a good location, too.

    - Bruce
     
  18. Joe Lovett

    Joe Lovett Member

    Re: 2012 Frisco Convention Location ??

    Hello,

    The meeting for a proposal for Tulsa hosting the 2012 Frisco Historical Society Convention will be 12:30pm May 05,2012 at the Martin Regional Library at 2601 S. Garnett in Tulsa. Tulsa area members Please come to the meeting if at all possiable and who ever lives out of town are welcome too because everyones input is very important.

    For members unable to attend that would like to help contact me.

    Joe Lovett frisco.org
    joeblovett@yahoo.com

    Thank You,
    Joe
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 1, 2012
  19. friscobob

    friscobob Staff Member Staff Member Frisco.org Supporter

    Re: 2012 Frisco Convention Location ??

    Saturday afternoon? I don't see a problem with being there. Count me in!
     
  20. train61

    train61 Member

    Re: 2012 Frisco Convention Location ??

    How About putting Birmingham AL on the List for 2013?
     

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