[Nfbmo] Feedback wanted but not about the Meat

[Gene Coulter]

*(Gary please send to leaders list)*
Hello everyone,
I hope all  of you are recouperating from our 49th annual state convention. 
I really appreciate the effort all the chapters and members made in helping 
St. Joe put on the convention. It really felt like family. Of course, a 
great big thanks to the small but mighty St. Joseph chapter which already 
seems to be making a comeback; way to go.
I would like some feedback from a convention coordinators perspective on the 
convention. But, please don’t bother telling me how horrible the meat was as 
I already have been told that   and wish it had not happened.
Here are some questions helpful folks might answer.
Registration was open  from 5:00 to 8:00 on Friday evening. Was that long 
enough or too long? Should we have done different hours?
Registration hours were reduced on Saturday as it ran from 8:00 to 9:30 
instead of until 10:00. Did this cause problems for anyone? And, would folks 
have a problem if  it it ended at 9:00 instead?
The planned lunch seems to be getting more popular. Should we have a program 
or leave it as it is giving you an opportunity to get lunch quickly so you 
have a chance to do other things before session starts back up? I ask 
because if we  don’t have a program there is no point in a head table.
How did those of you attending the prayer breakfast ffeel about it being a 
buffet? Should other meals like either lunch or banquet be buffets? The 
reason I ask is that we can always get buffets cheaper but it would require 
some volunteers from our group even if we persuade the hotels to man extra 
people there.
Would you all rather that I try for the weekend of March 21-23 or April 5-7 
for the 2013 convention? March 30 is Easter. Whichever weekend is chosen by 
us the other weekend would be the alternate to get best rates.
Some states are automatically packaging banquet and registration together. 
Instead of charging $30 for banquet and $12.00 for registration we would 
just charge $42.00 for the set. There are pros and cons to this idea.
A couple of people have suggested paying more for banquet if you wait until 
you get to convention. Anyone like this idea? I have reservations but said I 
would bring it up. What do you think?
Finally, any other thoughts on convention logistics. This is not making any 
changes but merely asking questions as any major changes would come before 
the board of directors as I only have the power to implement what our 
President, board and members decide. Just thought that convention is fresh 
on  everyone’s mind that it would be a good opportunity to brain storm.
Gene Coulter, Convention Coordinator
Still tired