posted 08-22-2007 01:06 PM            

Nevertheless we could have used more time for a final polish. The staff, family, and friends as well as many, many selfless volunteers made what was an overwhelming job look easy, but it was controlled chaos in our minds. We learned many lessons, what to watch out for, questions to ask, etc. We promise a better one next time.

It seems Kim just tooled around effortlessly on his rented scooter (his foot was broken in a fall), and collected compliments, while Sally put about 50 miles a day on her sore dogs.

The walkie-talkies were essential in such a huge place (designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, BTW.)

Friday was the busiest day. I think Saturday's crowds were in the "talks" areas most of the time. Every talk was well-attended, which we worried about.

The astronauts and wives were pampered, from limo pick-up and dropoff, to catered daily lunches and free breakfasts, cushy hotel rooms; and for signing, credit card machines, helpers (if they wanted) and large graphics identifying them and their missions, published fees, guest and attendee name-tags, with country or state of origin ("You came all the way from THERE?")

We were particularly proud of our program book, with maps, bios, and timelines for better planning, and the free Spacefest tote bags, which made carrying things so much easier.

We had heavy advertising in the area. Bus wraps; radio contests; newspaper ads, and many magazine and newspaper write-ups; nevertheless no TV (I returned to Tucson to find several last-minute TV requests, though. Typical.)

All the vendors were happy with sales and crowds, which almost never occurs. Some, like Spacecraft Films, were no-shows. What happened, Mark?

The space art show was spectacular. Many of the 'old masters' came. We were once young artists, fighting to be recognized as a legitimate art form.

They (artists) threw us a surprise party in the restaurant, where we reminisced,
sang some 1980s workshop songs, and toasted endlessly. So good to see everyone again.

The banquet was perhaps the weakest point. The food was first-rate as expected, but service was spotty. I assumed it was because we had such a huge room-filling crowd, but they told us they had handled larger; so you can figure the blame.

The same was true for the restaurant and the small coffee shop inside the hotel. No excuse in our minds.Gene Cernan and party were patiently waiting to be served when Kim drove up on his scooter. "Kim, Kim", he said,
"Go tell them the Last Man on the Moon is HUNGRY!"

One astronaut was seen behind the counter of an unmanned coffee shop making his own cup.

We're certain we lost money (we're still paying bills, and just got a call from the taxman who got wind of the successful 'fest, and wants to tax everything we even contemplated) but we gained a lot of new customers and goodwill.

The weather was not a factor. The convention floor was even somewhat chilly, and I think some of our more waterlogged guests
(like the large UK contingent) actually enjoyed the dry heat.

Yes, we'll do it again, much better next time.

posted 08-22-2007 02:09 PM               

quote:

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Originally posted by Novaspace:
I think some of our more waterlogged guests (like the large UK contingent) actually enjoyed the dry heat.

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posted 08-22-2007 03:37 PM               

The autograph show is fun, but this was a great event because of the film and lectures.

posted 08-22-2007 06:31 PM               

Thanks to all of you for the full and detailed reports of your Spacefest weekend. Even tho' there was no way in the world I was going to be able to be there, I truly appreciate the time you all have taken and will take to report on your events and the pictures when they show up.

That new look on "Buzz" has got to go, however. Sorry, Dr. Aldrin ! I like the suit and tie look on you MUCH better !

Cheers !

And sincere thanks again !

posted 08-22-2007 10:39 PM            

This was one of the best shows I have attended to date. Much credit is deserved by Kim and the team for putting so many notables from so many different sectors of the space business together in one room.

My wife and I arrived late on Friday, but caught the last screening of "The Wonder of it All", which Buzz attended. I estimated beforehand that it might be a 1:30 movie, and even being tired from a trip from the east, she was OK with that.

Over two hours later, the movie wrapped up and she was just as wide-eyed as I was. Funny that they credited a narrator at the end when I could not recall anything but the astros speaking throughout...you truly came away feeling like you had just spent an evening with these legendary pilots telling their story at a late stage in life which allowed true reflection on their accomplishments.

A film that is well worth owning, save for some poor editing...Roth did a great job getting the story, but some of the interviews looked "chopped up" IMHO.

Saturday was definitely the day to be there...no long lines except for Scott early on. I can't say anything bad about him as my experience was great. I had ran out of money so I had him sign a copy of his book for free, and he happily stood and had his photo taken with me. He has always been very gracious and I was sorry to hear that someone had a bad encounter.

Gene Cernan was fantastic...joking about our name and referring to us as Mr. & Mrs. Jones every time he saw us.

The Beans are an amazingly friendly couple to talk with every time we get to meet. His artwork will become one of the enduring legacies of the Apollo program. Al joked that while much of his art was on display at the show, there wasn't much there that I didn't already have! Having their wives attend was a great idea.

I found the dealers to be superb...a nice addition. I managed to walk away with signature of Jack Swigert for a very reasonable price. A totally unexpected prize from Spacefest!

Paul and Chris Calle were amazing. I look forward to their upcoming projects with Novaspace.

Dinner at Jack Lousma's table was very enjoyable not only due to the guest of honor, but the folks from around the world that we got to dine with (photos have been sent, as promised). Jack had some great stories, my favorite being how Bob McCall ran behind on the artwork for his STS-3 patch, so he flew up and grabbed what he had and took it back to Houston, where Al Bean picked up and finished the final design in time for the patch to be made.

John Young was a welcome addition and gave a fine talk, if in typical John Young form. I noted him heading for the exit pretty quick both following the talk and dinner. I was fortunate enough to get a photo with him, but I think that if you agree to attend such a large gathering, certain expectations come along with that. Has anyone from his table commented on the conversation?

Kim & Sally...for a first try at this you really hit one out of the park, and I'd pay alot more for that ball than Barry Bonds'!

Al H. ...nice job and it was good to run into you. Thanks for the funny story about Buzz.

posted 08-23-2007 01:27 AM               

quote:

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Originally posted by Whizzospace:
I finally have a few pictures posted. Please enjoy.
http://whizzospace.com/spacefest/spacefest.htm

John W

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A very comprehensive and interesting photographic record of your visit. Really appreciate this photoalbum, John W. Very many thanks.

posted 08-23-2007 07:09 PM            

quote:

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Originally posted by Moonpaws:
The setting looks a bit surgical to me however, not very warm. My personal preference is to see them almost elbow to elbow in the signing area.

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posted 08-23-2007 08:47 PM            

I attended part of his talk, and he slipped into a Jerry Doyle-type persona sometimes (he's also a motivational speaker.)

He gave me a long pep-talk on Sunday over a snack-bar hot dog (the girl behind the counter was in love) and really convinced me to do it (Spacefest) again, and to elicit his help in promotion, as well as other ideas. He suggested some other venues, too. Both in the West, but closer to you.

posted 08-24-2007 05:25 AM               

I was suprised at how friendly Dave Scott was... IMHO he was one of the stars of the show. When he arrived on Saturday morning there was a LONG line and my friend Yvan had 13 or so items for him to sign... when Yvan dipped into his case to bring up yet another model Scott looked up at us in the line with eyes as wide as saucers and had a "jeez... you have MORE" kind of expression. Gene Cernan and Alan Bean too were great to meet for the first time (for me) and I thought Joe Kerwin was terrific.

My only regret was not getting something signed by Charlie Walker as by all accounts he was a wonderful guest and had even made some very nice remarks to the test pilots saying "its because of you guys that we are here"... and ain't that the truth!

The only negative I have is about Buzz Aldrin. When I approached him after the banquet to ask if it was possible for a photograph he said in the most gruff/angry voice one could imagine "HURRY UP"... you know, that made me wish I hadn't bothered.

Apart from that "blip" I'd like to say once again it was an amazing show... Kim, Sally, Al and the gang did a wonderful job and if that is how your first show goes... then I can't wait to see how the future ones turn out.

It was a pleasure too to meet Mark Janovec, Doug Henry, Bruce Rogalska, Scott Cornish, Rob Sumowski, John Whisehunt, Gerry Montague, Craig from NZ, Gerhard Daum, Lothar Brombacher and all the other collectors that were kind enough to say hello.

posted 08-24-2007 08:36 AM               

I stayed with my Aussie buddy Peter and we soon met up with other good friends Paul (finally! ) and Tahir. The familiar names (the name-tags came in very handy!) and faces just kept coming all weekend: Mark, Derek, Dave Sixsmith, Bruce, Kim, Sally, Rob, Lisa (and the rest of Novaspace - you have some great people working for you, Kim), Doug Henry, John Whisenhunt, Gerry, Al, Jim Rowan, Paul Cox, Mike Constantine (I had Duke sign one of his beautiful Moonpans), Rob Sumowski, Gilbert, Dave Chudwin, Gerhard, Wim, Ivan, Mike Joner, Richard W, Greg Hancock, the gentlemen from Heritage, A Man on the Moon author Andrew Chaikin (very approachable and friendly – at one point I sought him out and he assisted me in making sure my Borman inscription quote was accurate), and last but not least... Big Wave Dave!

I know I’ve forgotten someone - if it is you, feel free to send me some well-deserved hate email and I’ll edit this post!

I and some friends went to the movie, which was excellent. Very well done, Mr. Roth. I sat in front of one of the stars of the film and overheard some really interesting comments as they viewed it. Wish I could share more, but as they say, "What happens in Phoenix, stays in Phoenix."

I was pleasantly surprised to discover upon arrival that most of the talks were free. That had been mentioned somewhere I’m sure but I just happened to miss it. I and some friends very much enjoyed the Phil Plait & Carolyn Porco talks, the latter of which (as mentioned above) was attended by Dr. Aldrin, who stood up at the end and made some very complimentary remarks to the speaker.

The parts of Spacefest I enjoyed most were meeting friends in the hobby and going to the talks, but there were some enjoyable astronaut experiences, too. I only got things signed by Cernan, Duke and (in absentia) Borman, but also talked to Kerwin (who I’d not met before - a very nice man) and Mitchell. I told Mitchell I saw the video of him with Bart Sibrel and that it appeared he’d “gotten a leg up on" Bart. A grin began to grow on Dr. Mitchell’s face and, ever the one for technical accuracy, he responded, “Well, actually it was my knee.” He seemed to be revisiting a particularly fond memory.
(See ~ 1:00 minute mark here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fx012tHJ6JA )
(CAUTION: Clip contains some provoked @#!!# words.)

I got a couple of things signed by Cernan (who was most generous with the inscription I requested, just charging a modest extra amount for 15 words) before I leaned down, shook his hand and mentioned to him that many of us believe he has the best assistant (Claire Johnson, who’s been with him for 31 years) of all the astronauts. They both thanked me and I stood up and there was Lisa Cannon (Buzz’s assistant) standing right there! She’d come over the talk to Claire. Whoops! Oh well.

I got a Moonpan signed by Duke, a gracious gentleman. We talked about the large % of left-handers amongst the early (M-G-A) astronauts. I didn’t stand in Bean’s line, but Duke’s table was next to Bean’s and so I got to witness some of his exceptional friendliness to fans once again. I did briefly say hi to his wife Lesley, a real sweetheart who I’d met at a previous show.

Sorry to hear of some of the bad Dave Scott and Buzz experiences people had. They seem to have their good and bad moments.

I look forward to the next one. If at all possible, perhaps an early Summer one which includes an optional add-on field trip with Drs. Schmitt and Lee Silver and/or Bill Meuhlberger to view the adjacent Estrella Mountain Valley? That would be a once-in-a-lifetime thing for many of us.

posted 08-24-2007 12:55 PM            

Phoenix and area is fine in the brief winter and early spring, but hotel and convention rates are much higher.

Perhaps a side trip to cool Flagstaff and Meteor Crater, where the astronauts trained. Lots of geology there, too.

posted 08-24-2007 02:11 PM               

quote:

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Originally posted by Novaspace:
Perhaps a side trip to cool Flagstaff and Meteor Crater, where the astronauts trained. Lots of geology there, too.

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That reminds me...on my flight home on Sunday, our aircraft passed right over Meteor Crater. While everyone else aboard the plane could barely be bothered to open their window shades to even look outside, I found the site to be fascinating. It gives an idea of what it might have been like to pass over the craters while in lunar orbit. For me, it was the final exclamation point of the whole weekend.

posted 08-24-2007 03:18 PM            

You have to sign a release to walk the Meteor Crater, and wear boots, because it is a haven for rattlers.

posted 08-25-2007 09:22 AM               

Someone however, took a picture of me with Jerry Doyle - and I can't recall who it was. Would whoever that was please contact me direct?

I cannot say enough about Kims staff: Rob, Randy (I'm thankful no one shot you too), Lisa, Aline and I cannot recall the names of everyone else. If you've ever dealt with Novaspace in the past, this is why you got such excellent service. These guys are top notch and I know Sally and Kim appreciate you as much as I do.

posted 08-25-2007 01:25 PM            

quote:

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Originally posted by divemaster:
He's a motivational speaker? Who'da thunk?

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http://www.richardhatchcruise.com/pages/home.htm

posted 08-25-2007 09:32 PM               

quote:

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Originally posted by Novaspace:
We have to take care of the bad food service (hotel) and try for an even hotter month, as is becoming tradition.

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As long as you can pick a month when Jack Schmitt can attend, I will be a happy man.

posted 08-25-2007 10:56 PM            

We had a very strong European group this year, and they tradionally take their holidays in August. I wonder how it would affect them?

posted 08-26-2007 12:47 AM            

Before we left Maui, we had been shaken by an earthquake, followed shortly by a hurricane and then as we were taxiing down the runway, we were issued a tsunami warning.

Believe me; we were certainly looking forward to the ‘dry heat’ of Arizona.

We arrived in Phoenix about 6 am on Thursday, got our car and checked in at the hotel. Later that day were promptly greeted by a dust storm in downtown Mesa with temperatures hovering around 114 degrees. Gotta love it!

The Spacefest was absolutely magnificent.

The amount of effort that went into this event was incredible. I stopped by the convention center early Thursday, and offered to help unpack some of the truck load of artwork.

What a special treat that was. I was opening up Michael Collins paintings, Alan Beans work, and a slew of others. After unpacking about 50 pieces, I gracefully bowed out, as I didn’t want to disappoint the volunteers. There were at least another 500 pieces to go…

Kim & Sally and the entire Novaspace crew did a fantastic job, and they did it first class, just like everything else they do.

5 stars all the way!

The guests were all very friendly, and it appeared that they were all really happy to be there. The hotel lobby was a good place to bump into people and have light conversation.

There were some pretty incredible people at this event.

Smiles everywhere.

Edgar Mitchell was a pleasure to meet and chat with, as was Rusty Schweickart.

I kept bumping into Scott Carpenter throughout the weekend, what a kind soul he is, and he has a great sense of humor too.

“The Wonder of it All” was well done; Jeffrey Roth did a great job.

The Alan Bean DVD was a treat, I was so inspired by it, I decided to by one of Alan’s pieces.

We were grateful to have Rusty Schweickart & Dave Scott, re-sign Blake’s Saturn V rocket, as their signatures mysteriously vanished after the Burbank show.

Edgar Mitchell’s was added, and that completed our task.

We had no problems with food service, considering the amount of people who needed to be served, and noticed that the women serving us dinner at the banquet was the same woman who served us breakfast 12 hours earlier.

Conversation at the table passed the time. When dinner arrived, it was well worth the wait.

Overall, it was as magical an event as the Burbank show was to us.

Being around space explorers and cS members is always a treat.

We took advantage of being in Arizona, spent time in Sedona, did some hiking, visited Meteor Crater, and took a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon.

What a great way to end the summer.

Blake didn’t want to leave.

He too is waiting for the next Spacefest, rumor has it it’ll be in 2009.

Thanks Novaspace.

Rizz

PS

posted 08-26-2007 02:41 AM               

It's the mingling with the guests I like reading about.

Well done all (especially the satff at Novaspace)

posted 08-26-2007 05:17 PM               

First, my thanks and congratulations to Kim, Sally, and the entire Novaspace crew for an incredible experience. The guest list alone was an impressive achievement. The chance to meet six moonwalkers and a host of other astronaut pioneers was mind-blowing.

Adding the other exhibitors, the speakers, the movie, etc. was icing on the cake.

All the astronauts seemed to be in great spirits. As a DC resident, I am a political animal -- and to my delight, many of the astronauts were more than willing to talk politics. I had a chance to have a brief conversation with Buzz Aldrin about Newt Gingrich (a former boss of mine) and their upcoming work together on health care issues. I spoke at length with Jack Lousma about Michigan politics (where I got my start in politics. just after his run for office in Michigan). Walt Cunningham was also great to speak with about some political folks we both knew. And I had a brief conversation with Jerry Doyle after the banquet about his take on politics.

At the banquet, I had the good fortune to be seated with Charlie Walker. As others have already noted on this thread, he is a great guy and it was a special treat to have an entire dinner to talk with him.

I really had to wrack my brain to think of any suggestions for the next Spacefest -- perhaps a few more bars at the pre-banquest reception. Also, with all the pioneers in the room at the banquet, it would have been great to hear from one or two of them as speakers as well.

posted 08-27-2007 12:57 PM               

Linda: Thanks so much for your help in getting us those banquet tickets; my wife was speechless when she found out she was sitting next to Charlie Duke, who posed for pictures with her.

Lisa: It goes without saying that it was a pleasure to finally meet the person who did such a tremendous job in matting and framing my poster!

posted 08-31-2007 07:42 AM               

Spacefest was fantastic! I would like to thank everyone at Novaspace for all the help they gave us in getting our Moonpan prints to the show, and for giving us such a good booth right amoung the astronauts. We were overwhelmed with the response to our Moonpans from the visitors, so much so, that by the end of friday we had sold out of many panoramas, and were kicking ourselves for not printing more!

It was great to meet so many cSers, the name tags made that part much easier! And a few familiar faces from the UK, and Europe. Some very interesting late night sessions at the bar. And of course, great to meet so many Astronauts in one place.

Here are a few photos of mine:

The Moonpans table

Dave Scott signing my 7 Moonwalker Moonpan

Alan Bean pointing out 'Good Rocks' and 'Bad Rocks' which would be helpful in his paintings.

3 Brits and One canadian, The Bar, 2am..

Dave Sixsmith, asking who's round is it?

All in all a great weekend, and such a friendly atmosphere, I do hope there will be a Spacefest II.

Thanks

posted 08-31-2007 06:27 PM            

Evidently it was on twice a couple weeks ago, and then again today (Aug 31)

He went on for twenty minutes about his nervousness, nausea, the inspirational audience, bidding on the silent auction....