posted 06-13-2002 04:31 PM               

Would collectSPACE members / readers be interested in a yearly convention?

I imagine the two-day (weekend) convention would include:

• VIP tour of a space center or museum
  
• Astronaut guests
  
• Collecting workshops (i.e. how to identify autopens, how to archive / display your collection, restoration for beginners, etc.)
  
• Dealers room and swap shop (organized trading)
  
• mini live auction
  

This would be priced as a package, including one night stay at a local hotel, ground transporation, at least one dinner with keynote presentation, autographs (limited to a set number per guest), and admission (airfare to convention location would not be included).

posted 06-13-2002 04:48 PM            

Consider Hawaii for the first annual, then you can work your way Eastward young man.

We have the Onizuka Space Center, some fine observatories (clear skies away from light pollution) lava flows & active volcanoes to simulate other worldly terrain(not too many of those on the mainland) beautiful weather and some real nice places to stay, and I'd love to help make any arrangements to accommodate those who would like to come out here, and also help with logistics and activities.

You can find CHEAP flights to get out here from just about anywhere.

Save your pennies!

Aloha

posted 06-13-2002 05:09 PM               

From The Last Frontier............

posted 06-13-2002 05:21 PM               

If it's on the continental USA - preferably a hub city (not essential though! *g*) I'd definitely consider coming from the UK for it.

I normally visit my dad's in Florida about twice a year, normally timing the trip to coincide with a special event, and if any event is special this sounds like it!

Thumbs up from the UK.

posted 06-13-2002 05:25 PM               

But great idea.

posted 06-13-2002 07:28 PM               

Locations would be places with great museums etc... The Cape, Houston, Washington DC, Tucson ;-) ... They are all relatively easy to get to by air... Just boils down to timing. (Not the same weekend as any other major events such as Aurora Auctions, Gathering of Eagles, Novaspace events, AHOF events etc.)

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Warm Regards

Douglas Henry

posted 06-14-2002 07:59 AM               

I would encourage you to make it as good as you can. Try to put together enough "goodies" that the event becomes a "once in a lifetime" gathering. If you do that, I'm sure you will find more than enough participants regardless of where it is or how much it costs... within limits of course!

posted 06-14-2002 09:08 AM               

Sounds great to me! Could be one hell of a Swap meet as well. Count me in!

posted 06-14-2002 09:14 AM               

It's a great idea either way, I think you're on to a winner.

posted 06-14-2002 01:37 PM               

My only other suggestion would be to have it in Lebanon, Ohio on a well-known farm owned by a very nice, but reclusive astronaut whose last name begins with the letter "A". Hmm ... "SpaceStock" anyone?

posted 06-14-2002 08:29 PM               

Count me in Robert. Sounds like a blast.

posted 06-15-2002 01:13 AM            

I'd go to DC.

posted 06-15-2002 10:32 AM            

It's basically where the NASM stores all their excess crap that's not in the museum or on loan - the Japanese 1/2 scale mock up of their license-build Me262; Eisenhower's presidential helicopter; an Il-2 Sturmvorik in need of some restoration; the only remaining Dornier 355; the parts of the Enola Gay which aren't in the NASM (it may be all there these days, although in parts); and a bunch of other stuff. It is also where they do their restoration work.

posted 06-15-2002 11:18 AM               

As for how much I would be willing to pay that would depend on the astronauts attending, location of the activities, such as signings, lunch, workshops etc (NBL, JSC function suite or backroom of a bar !)

Sounds good though !

posted 06-15-2002 02:50 PM               

I would think that cost could vary a LOT, depending on the hotel, the dinner, etc.

posted 06-15-2002 03:51 PM               

I think this is a wonderful idea. It is a shame there is no where suitable in England. I suspect that my finances would not run to attend personally but I can dream and enjoy everyone else's experiences.

Good luck with the project.

Best wishes

posted 08-03-2002 01:36 PM               

Say it isn't so!!!! Another wife that is not happy with their Husband collecting space. My wife is always giving me a hard time over my collecting.

Charles

posted 08-03-2002 02:42 PM               

As for buying space stuff? I just make sure I buy her nice stuff equal to or greater than the value of the space stuff.

Now, back on topic... what about a convention in Tucson at the next public astro event for Novaspace? It would be a great excuse to go out there and visit Kim's shop. Talk about the ultimate toy store! Wow!

Or another suggestion, the Aurora Auction? They tend to have astros there, and it is a great time to bid on some unique items. Plus, they also have the annual Gathering of Eagles Friday night about 2 hours up the road in Lancaster. They have a lot of test pilots and an astro or two.

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Warm Regards

Douglas Henry