Matt,

if we do WCW at all it most likely will have to be on the weekend of May 5. The Clarion does not have the rooms available during April. They are holding May 5 weekend for me until the end of this month.

Incidentally, I understand the appeal of going to the 50th anniversary convention. I probably will not go for a couple of reasons, the main one being what I know so far of the speakers. I understand that so far Holger might be speaking, as well as someone on frogs and another on Rainbowfish. Personally I think the latter two are not suitable topics for a killifish convention, especially the 50th anniversary. I don't think I am willing to spend $1000+ to listen to non-killie talks. There will be a few people whose company I will miss, but a few that I won't, too. Just my personal thoughts on that matter.

The Red Lion is willing to waive the charge for using the meeting rooms if we commit to two meals, a dinner and any other, say breakfast, or two dinners. They haven't said anything about a food and beverage minimum but might do so it we show any interest in that. They have dropped the guest room rate to $92 per night, or $102 with breakfast included. I suspect most of you will think $92 is too much.

I am not sure about having the meeting on 12/18. My sense is that not too many can attend. Please help me out by telling me if you would attend. I don't think we can have a real discussion if we are not well represented.

I will post a form today that I hope you'll all respond to so that we can make some decisions. The form might be sufficient until our meeting in January.

Barry

Folks,

Please go here to fill out the form, which is intended to give us information about who will help. I have appended below my own response, which will show you my opinions and give you an idea of what I receive (by email). I will prepare a report based on the replies I receive.

Barry

Your name
bcooper

Email
barry.cooper@mac.com

Location (State)
Oregon

Do you think we should organize WCW 2012?
Yes

If so, do you plan to attend?
Yes

Are you willing to help organize WCW 2012?
Yes

Tasks
Identify & organize a hotel
Help with registration
Identify & invite speakers
Organize schedule of events

More Tasks
Identify & acquire equipment needed

Addtional tasks
Jessica has offered to help with procurement of donations.

Hotel/date combo preference
Red Lion, April 13 weekend

Agree to meals or not?
Yes

Attend meeting?
I don't think we need to meet
If we do meet on 12/18, I will attend

Additional comments
I don't think we need to meet on December 18 if we can get a good response to this form. It appears that due to the proximity to Xmas, not many could attend, making it of questionable value.

I prefer the Red Lion because it's a much nicer hotel and location and it's easily accessible off I5.

Submitted by: bcooper

Folks,

it appears too few members can attend a meeting on December 18 to make it useful. That's understandable that close to Xmas. I have been told by Kit Stowell that he can host our traditional January meeting as early as Jan. 14. So, I suggest we cancel the December meeting and have a meeting at Kit's on Jan. 14.

In the meantime, I will continue work on the two most urgent aspects of organizing WCW, namely identifying a hotel and identifying speakers.

I have received about a dozen replies to the form I posted. Of those about 10 want to see WCW go forward. I am therefore working on the assumption that we are going to do it. If you haven't responded to that form, please do so. You'll see the link in my earlier message.

Barry