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Author
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Topic: Spacefest VII, June 2016, Starr Pass (Tucson, AZ)
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Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 09-05-2014 03:45 PM
   
Novaspace Galleries is planning its next convention: Spacefest VII tentatively Jun 8-12 2016, Starr Pass, Tucson. That's right, 2016. Follow @Spacefest on Twitter, and just Spacefest on Facebook for the latest news.  |
4allmankind
Member Posts: 1043
From: Dallas
Registered: Jan 2004
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posted 09-05-2014 08:08 PM
Welp, they say patience is a virtue, right?Novaspace will as usual put on an A+ event. The waiting is the tough part! |
Spacefest
Member Posts: 1168
From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009
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posted 09-23-2014 03:23 PM
Contract signed. Definitely June 8-12, 2016. |
JasonIUP
Member Posts: 282
From: PA
Registered: Apr 2004
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posted 09-23-2014 04:41 PM
Does this rule out any chance of a Spacefest in 2015? I assume so, but it's worth asking. |
Grounded!
Member Posts: 367
From: Bennington, Vermont, USA
Registered: Feb 2011
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posted 09-24-2014 10:31 AM
Great news! Starr Pass is a great place to spend a few days.  |
albatron
Member Posts: 2732
From: Stuart, Florida
Registered: Jun 2000
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posted 09-24-2014 10:59 AM
quote:
Originally posted by JasonIUP:
Does this rule out any chance of a Spacefest in 2015?
Yes - there needs to be more time in between for several reasons. |
Blackarrow
Member Posts: 3120
From: Belfast, United Kingdom
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 09-24-2014 05:47 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Grounded!:
Starr Pass is a great place to spend a few days.
Is it not a bit isolated? The thing I appreciated most about Pasadena was its proximity to many iconic locations: JPL, the California Science Center with Endeavour; Hollywood; and even San Francisco. |
jiffyq58
Member Posts: 218
From: Durham, NC, USA
Registered: Jun 2011
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posted 09-24-2014 08:49 PM
I loved Tucson and Starr Pass both times I attended Spacefest (III and IV). I would love to go back there, and I hope I get to go in 2016! |
albatron
Member Posts: 2732
From: Stuart, Florida
Registered: Jun 2000
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posted 09-24-2014 10:01 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Blackarrow:
Is it not a bit isolated?
Depends on your viewpoint, there's still a lot of stuff in the Tucson area that's space related.The logistics involved in moving the show from Tucson (Kim's home base) to Pasadena is unimaginable and expensive. |
ColinBurgess
Member Posts: 2031
From: Sydney, Australia
Registered: Sep 2003
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posted 09-25-2014 01:29 AM
If you've never attended one of the Spacefest shows at the Starr Pass Resort, you have missed out on one of the most spectacularly beautiful and dramatic venues imaginable. And unlike LA, sensationally clear and abundant skies by night. I've been to three shows there, and it really is (visually and layout-wise) the perfect venue. I agree that you won't get the same sort of passing trade as in Pasadena, but as Al said, transportation and ancillary costs were extraordinarily high for Kim and Sally in Pasadena, and it's better to rein back a bit, skip a year, and return to 'home base' where the costs and other factors are known, rather than bow out completely. And to reinforce what Al has said, there is an abundance of space- and aviation-related sites that can be visited, and if you have a car, take the short drive out to Tombstone for a thoroughly entertaining day mixing with cowboy history. Personally, I'm delighted Spacefest is going back to Tucson, and I've already marked those dates in my 2016 file. |
NovaRob
Member Posts: 242
From: Tucson, Arizona, USA
Registered: Nov 2008
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posted 09-25-2014 02:50 AM
Here are some iconic locations in/near Tucson: - Lunar and Planetary Laboratory
- Kitt Peak, Mt. Graham, Mt. Hopkins, Mt. Lemmon Observatories
- Pima Air and Space Museum (300 aircraft with NB-52A, SR-71, Super Guppy, several one-of-a-kind aircraft)
- Titan Missile Museum (actual Titan II missile in its silo)
- AMARG aircraft storage facility (4400+ aircraft)
- Steward Observatory Mirror Lab
- Old Tucson Studios and many "westerns" filming locations.
Within 380 miles (same distance as Pasadena to San Francisco): - Meteor Crater
- Grand Canyon
- Painted Desert
- Petrified Forest
- Flagstaff and Lowell Observatory
- Sedona, Albuquerque, White Sands NM, Phoenix.
And as Colin mentioned - Dark, Open, Clear Skies! |
gliderpilotuk
Member Posts: 3398
From: London, UK
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 09-25-2014 04:54 AM
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a must. It opens your eyes to the flora and fauna that exists out there. |
jiffyq58
Member Posts: 218
From: Durham, NC, USA
Registered: Jun 2011
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posted 09-25-2014 11:37 AM
Let's not forget that Tucson has a great national park, Saguaro. I did some great hiking there both times I went to Spacefest.And they have a very good brewery there, Nimbus, for those who like good beer (which I do). |
Blackarrow
Member Posts: 3120
From: Belfast, United Kingdom
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 09-25-2014 06:20 PM
Food for thought, from people whose opinions I respect. |
albatron
Member Posts: 2732
From: Stuart, Florida
Registered: Jun 2000
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posted 09-27-2014 05:32 PM
quote:
Originally posted by ColinBurgess:
I've already marked those dates in my 2016 file.
Best thing I heard was you coming back Colin! Can't wait to see you! |
Blackarrow
Member Posts: 3120
From: Belfast, United Kingdom
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 09-28-2014 03:06 PM
quote:
Originally posted by gliderpilotuk:
It opens your eyes to the flora and fauna that exists out there.
I suspect the wise visitor would want to keep well away from some of the local fauna! |
Grounded!
Member Posts: 367
From: Bennington, Vermont, USA
Registered: Feb 2011
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posted 09-29-2014 10:36 AM
I remember seeing wild pigs walking along the fence while my wife and I were floating in the lazy river. There are also plenty of deer, rabbits, quail, and coyotes to be seen right on the resort property. There must be rattlesnakes around also. Did anyone see one of those? |
jtheoret
Member Posts: 344
From: Albuquerque, NM USA
Registered: Jul 2003
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posted 09-29-2014 12:36 PM
No, but my girlfriend and I got attacked by wasps living in a saguaro cactus on a nearby trail!Besides that, I agree that Star Pass is a perfect venue, everything in one location and you can't help but run into astronauts and scientists in the bar or Starbucks... |
Mike_The_First
Member Posts: 436
From: USA
Registered: Jun 2014
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posted 10-01-2014 11:47 AM
Anyone know of a site currently selling flights to Tucson this far in advance? The ones I've checked today only go as far as August-October 2015. |
alanh_7
Member Posts: 1252
From: Ajax, Ontario, Canada
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 10-01-2014 02:42 PM
With few exceptions most airlines do not sell more than 350 days in advance. |
Mike_The_First
Member Posts: 436
From: USA
Registered: Jun 2014
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posted 10-01-2014 03:12 PM
quote:
Originally posted by alanh_7:
With few exceptions most airlines do not sell more than 350 days in advance.
Yeah, I figured I'd ask to see if anyone knows of any of those exceptions that might be selling THIS far in advance. I know it's a long shot, but no harm in asking.
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Spacefest
Member Posts: 1168
From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009
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posted 10-02-2014 02:51 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Mike_The_First:
Anyone know of a site currently selling flights to Tucson this far in advance?
The easiest way to get to Tucson is fly to Phoenix, LAX or San Diego, then fly Southwest (Southwest.com) to Tucson. Lots of choices. |
ColinBurgess
Member Posts: 2031
From: Sydney, Australia
Registered: Sep 2003
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posted 01-29-2015 12:29 AM
Just noticed on the Spacefest website that the dates for Spacefest VII in Tucson are now 9-14 June 2016. Just for working out a travel itinerary next year, are those dates now locked in? |
Spacefest
Member Posts: 1168
From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009
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posted 01-29-2015 02:58 PM
Current plans call for starting Thursday, June 9th, with set-up June 8th. If you're going to help with the book signings Colin, we'll have you fly in on the 8th or 7th. |
NovaRob
Member Posts: 242
From: Tucson, Arizona, USA
Registered: Nov 2008
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posted 01-29-2015 03:30 PM
And to clarify, it will only run through Sunday, June 12. We are correcting the website now. |
Grounded!
Member Posts: 367
From: Bennington, Vermont, USA
Registered: Feb 2011
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posted 03-07-2015 12:27 AM
It would be great if Spacefest could be held a few weeks later... when kids are on summer vacation. I would like to see more young people coming to the event. |
JasonB
Member Posts: 1091
From:
Registered: Sep 2003
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posted 03-18-2015 12:30 PM
I just noticed several astronauts listed for this show on the Sightings page. Are they all confirmed as attendees? If so I may have to make this my first trip to Spacefest as Aldrin and Scott have sadly taken to skipping the ASF show lately. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 03-18-2015 01:02 PM
I don't think any of them can be considered as solidly confirmed this far in advance (only because life takes precedence), but Spacefest has noted on Facebook: Spacefest are proud to announce that with still over a year to go, our line up for Spacefest 7 is already coming together and looking immense.For speakers, we're delighted to confirm both Geoff Notkin, and Andrew Chaikin will be here, and taking a pivotal role in the event... watch this space! For astronauts already we have Al Worden, Fred Haise, Walt Cunningham, Ed Mitchell , Rusty Schweickart, Jack Lousma, Paul Weitz... and are thrilled to announce the return of one of Spacefest 6's most loved attendees, Commander Eileen Collins.. Panels, we're looking at a Hubble, New Horizons and James Webb panels to augment our already hugely popular set of Comet, Mars, Apollo, Asteroids and more.. More to come soon... |
JasonB
Member Posts: 1091
From:
Registered: Sep 2003
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posted 03-18-2015 02:37 PM
Cool thanks! |
ColinBurgess
Member Posts: 2031
From: Sydney, Australia
Registered: Sep 2003
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posted 03-18-2015 03:45 PM
Charlie Walker has told me he'll be there as well. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 05-19-2015 02:58 PM
Novaspace Galleries is crowdfunding to bring an A-list guest to Spacefest VII: Crowds are increasing each year, but it's mainly through word-of-mouth. Too slow, until it reaches critical mass. Years ago, Comic Con was a few tables set up in a mall. With your help we can bring in a major talent, to give us a leg up and to make Spacefest a profitable, self-sustaining event. Specifically, with proper financing we can bring in Morgan Freeman, or Neil DeGrasse Tyson, or Bill Nye, Tom Hanks... Elon Musk. Celebrities like these would boost attendance, but they have five-figure appearance fees. |
FullThrottle
Member Posts: 93
From: Seattle, WA, USA
Registered: Sep 2010
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posted 05-19-2015 06:55 PM
What about Alexei Leonov? If I recall, cost and first class transportation was an issue... |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 05-19-2015 07:12 PM
I'm not sure Leonov would draw the type of audience Novaspace is looking for to make Spacefest a self-sustaining event. At this point, it is probably less important who the person is than raising the funds needed to make any choice possible. |
moonnut
Member Posts: 248
From: Andover, MN
Registered: Apr 2013
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posted 05-19-2015 10:11 PM
Out of curiosity, what are the autograph fees going to look like? Trying to figure out how much I would need to bring. I'm looking at Haise, Schweickart and McDivitt. Would love to see Novaspace get Lovell, Mattingly and Borman. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 05-19-2015 10:37 PM
Keep in mind, we're still more than a year out. It's probably too soon for details like fees. |
moonnut
Member Posts: 248
From: Andover, MN
Registered: Apr 2013
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posted 05-20-2015 11:42 PM
HA! I know, but I'm excited, LOL!!  Man, it's gonna be a long year of waiting... Thanks for reminding me, Robert. Kinda jumped the gun, didn't i? |
mjanovec
Member Posts: 3811
From: Midwest, USA
Registered: Jul 2005
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posted 05-21-2015 10:54 AM
I have mixed feelings on the idea of using crowdfunding to bring a guest to Spacefest. When a for-profit venture uses crowdfunding, they usually offer various reward levels for donors, so there is something that the donor gets in return, even if it's just a token sign of appreciation.Examples of possible reward levels could include tickets to the speaker's talk, priority seating at the talk, the guest's autograph, photos with the guest, a meal or "backstage" meeting with the guest (for top level donors), VIP treatment, etc. All of these would be fairly inexpensive rewards to offer, but they would be a significant incentive for people to donate. That way, this crowdfunding effort would look less like charity and more like a legitimate business trying to raise capital for an event. With a little more thought and effort put into this, I think crowdfunding could be a successful way to secure a high profile guest. I just don't see it happening with the current campaign. |
ColinBurgess
Member Posts: 2031
From: Sydney, Australia
Registered: Sep 2003
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posted 05-21-2015 04:07 PM
If anyone has not read the background to the Spacefest saga and Kim Poor's struggles to keep it going despite a truly debilitating illness, I urge you to read the inspiring story through the 'crowdfunding' link in Robert Pearlman's report a few posts above this one. It is an amazing story of Kim and his team battling the odds and illness every year to bring us this outstanding event. |
albatron
Member Posts: 2732
From: Stuart, Florida
Registered: Jun 2000
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posted 05-21-2015 05:24 PM
We would love to bring Leonov to Spacefest, I've been in touch with his agent but it doesn't look promising. A trip like that at his age is terribly difficult for him.Still, never say never, and there are others we're working on. Colin is absolutely correct about Kim and his saga. A finer person than Kim you won't find. |
NovaRob
Member Posts: 242
From: Tucson, Arizona, USA
Registered: Nov 2008
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posted 05-21-2015 05:51 PM
As Robert mentioned, it's too early to pin down autograph fees, but here are some data from 2014 that will give you a rough estimate. Keep in mind that fees may change by next June.From Spacefest VI (2014), base fees were:
Haise - $125, Schweickart - $95, McDivitt - $125 From 2014 mail-in signings, base fees were:
Borman - $175, Lovell - $195 Each year, we ask Borman and Lovell to attend. At one time, Lovell said he would not do any more large shows, as they were too tiring. Mattingly has been very resistant to large shows for at least a decade. But as Al so rightly said, "never say never." |
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