Topic: Spacefest 8, June 2017, Starr Pass (Tucson)
stsmithva Member
Posts: 1933 From: Fairfax, VA, USA Registered: Feb 2007
posted 06-04-2017 05:50 AM
If you go back to the top of Page 2 of this thread, you'll see a post I wrote on 1/28 showing an X-15 collage I made for Joe Engle to sign. That day I ordered two 16x20 prints of it and two 16x20's of other "X-15 in flight" photos. Then two days later came the word that Engle would not be signing items for anyone not present at Spacefest.
I've been wondering what to do with these prints, and now with the event just days away I've decided to give them to anyone who is attending the event and would want one. I would like for people to get the best use from them and they will make wonderful signed display pieces.
I will mail them directly to Starr Pass, c/o whoever e-mails me about this today or tomorrow. Then that person can give them out however he or she thinks best. I would like General Engle to get a print of the collage with him.
Michael Davis Member
Posts: 528 From: Houston, Texas Registered: Aug 2002
posted 06-04-2017 02:02 PM
I'll be bringing the following to Tucson:
NASA Lithos: Apollo 9 composite, Apollo 14 crew, Apollo 1 crew, Gemini IX mission composite, Gemini missions highlights composite, Gemini XI mission composite, Gemini VIII mission composite, Lunar samples composite, Third Skylab crew, First Skylab crew, Skylab prime crews, Apollo 12 crew, Alan Bean, Richard Gordon (signed), Vance Brand (signed personalized), Walt Cunningham (signed personalized), Irwin at rover (Dave Scott signed personalized)
Photos: Scott at Hadley B&W, Scott salute, Duke salute, Young salute, Scott Apollo 9 EVA, Apollo 13 launch, Apollo 13 crew on carrier, Apollo 12 LM descent, Apollo 11 CM in lunar orbit, Skylab second crew, Conrad at Surveyor, Scott with LM and Rover, McCandles EVA, Bean at MESA (signed personalized)
Let me know if something is needed for a signature or to fill a gap in a collection.
Steve Zarelli Member
Posts: 731 From: Upstate New York, USA Registered: Mar 2001
posted 06-05-2017 04:16 PM
quote:Originally posted by stsmithva: ... with the event just days away I've decided to give them to anyone who is attending the event and would want one. I would like for people to get the best use from them and they will make wonderful signed display pieces.
This is very kind and generous of you, Steve. Nice to see some positivity out of an otherwise inexplicable situation.
Buel Member
Posts: 649 From: UK Registered: Mar 2012
posted 06-09-2017 02:32 AM
Give us an update, guys (and girls) on what the 'feel' is this year for those of us that couldn't make it...
milkit1 Member
Posts: 271 From: Springfield Illinois USA Registered: Sep 2015
posted 06-09-2017 08:06 AM
I got in last night. Seems busier than it was on Thursday last year.
I haven't taken part in anything yet but have already ran into Jack Lousma twice and shared an elevator with Rhea Seddon. The show starts on about two hours.
Buel Member
Posts: 649 From: UK Registered: Mar 2012
posted 06-09-2017 12:32 PM
Great update and sounds like you've had a good start.
Blackarrow Member
Posts: 3120 From: Belfast, United Kingdom Registered: Feb 2002
posted 06-09-2017 08:23 PM
I can't help remembering exactly 10 years ago when I was at the Saturn V Center at Kennedy Space Center for the Sims-Hankow astronaut dinner, having witnessed the launch of STS-117 the day before. (The organisers were praying the launch wouldn't be delayed!) I wish everyone at Starr Pass a great event. I'm not jealous. Honestly.
astrobar1 Member
Posts: 112 From: Mishawaka, IN, USA Registered: Apr 2005
posted 06-11-2017 01:44 AM
Another great Spacefest. It is a wonderfully entertaining three-ring circus of acts including technical talks, artist displays, book signings and astronaut booths. Always great to see the old friends and make new ones. And of course, the stories from our icons are priceless (excluding the cost of admission). The only blemish was a few inappropriate remarks by the banquet emcee. Novaspace pulled off another great event!
Blackarrow Member
Posts: 3120 From: Belfast, United Kingdom Registered: Feb 2002
posted 06-11-2017 02:13 PM
quote:Originally posted by astrobar1: The only blemish was a few inappropriate remarks by the banquet emcee.
You can't say that without providing more details!
astrobar1 Member
Posts: 112 From: Mishawaka, IN, USA Registered: Apr 2005
posted 06-11-2017 02:47 PM
Let's just say that there were some remarks made about some of the special guests that seemed more rude than funny. I do not wish to elaborate.
Wehaveliftoff Member
Posts: 2343 From: Registered: Aug 2001
posted 06-11-2017 06:42 PM
Surprised there hasn't been any photos posted during the event...
Greggy_D Member
Posts: 977 From: Michigan Registered: Jul 2006
posted 06-11-2017 06:59 PM
Tons of photos on Facebook from the attendees. Looks like it was a fantastic time. All smiles.
David C Member
Posts: 1015 From: Lausanne Registered: Apr 2012
posted 06-11-2017 07:29 PM
I had a great time. Managed to have some good conversations with Joe Engle, Al Worden, Milt Heflin and Hoot Gibson in particular. Particularly enjoyed the X-15 panel.
capoetc Member
Posts: 2169 From: McKinney TX (USA) Registered: Aug 2005
posted 06-11-2017 08:59 PM
If anyone recorded the X-15 panel, I'd love to see it.
David C Member
Posts: 1015 From: Lausanne Registered: Apr 2012
posted 06-12-2017 09:29 AM
Several people appeared to be filming it (not me unfortunately).
nasamad Member
Posts: 2121 From: Essex, UK Registered: Jul 2001
posted 06-12-2017 11:56 AM
I follow quite a few of the attendees on Facebook and Instagram, many of whom posted some nice pics of the event. Best shot I've seen though has to go to Ryan Nagata, he made an Apollo spacesuit for his daughter and posted a great shot of her with Al Worden. Check out his Instagram feed if your interested in building suits, seems he has got the process licked!
Steve Zarelli Member
Posts: 731 From: Upstate New York, USA Registered: Mar 2001
posted 06-13-2017 09:55 AM
I'm really surprised there wasn't live streaming, more tweeting, posting, etc. from an official Spacefest social media channel or from collectSPACE. There was a total of three tweets/Facebook posts from SF during the event.
This should be the Super Bowl of the space collecting community, but it's like a tree falling in a forest in Arizona. A handful of posts here and having to hunt and peck through attendees' personal social media.
A big missed opportunity.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 06-13-2017 10:28 AM
Had I been able to attend (and not sick at home), there would have been more on collectSPACE — at least in the form of two planned (but now sadly, scrubbed) articles featuring attendees at Spacefest.
There were a good deal of posts in the Space Hipsters group on Facebook, but one can chalk up the lack of active posting to the social nature of the event. Even with plans to write (and deliver a talk) during the weekend, I was most looking forward to taking time off and just enjoying the convention and Starr Pass resort.
JasonIUP Member
Posts: 282 From: PA Registered: Apr 2004
posted 06-13-2017 10:59 AM
Steve Zarelli is right.
As easy as it is to post something to Facebook or Twitter, very little is done by Novaspace, and not all that much is done by attendees. There's no way I would have known about Spacefest if I wasn't seeking out autograph events years ago. Curious about how the guys are looking this year, I ended up finding a fairly-well-done half-hour video on YouTube that was linked on Twitter.
As far as I can see, the Novaspace people, who are good at running shows and signings and selling art, under-utilize the internet and appear to have hired no one to fix that. But, this is something to have been corrected ten years ago, not now.
To add to that, the people that attended have posted very little (if any) substance on this board. "Everyone was happy" and "It was fun catching up with old friends" doesn't tell anyone anything. Personally, my interest lies with the signing interactions. Did someone write a great inscription for you? Did someone try to charge a completion fee for a non-completion item? Did someone say that this is their last autograph show? Perhaps I'm alone, and I feel like I am after reading these fluffy posts, but these are the types of things I'm curious about.
SpaceyInMN Member
Posts: 355 From: Andover, MN Registered: Dec 2013
posted 06-13-2017 11:43 AM
I was lucky enough to have a neighbor that was there and kept me informed on the goings-on of Spacefest, but other than that, I'd have to agree with the general sentiment here that there was a distinct lack of information coming from this event. I'd go so far as to say that I'd be willing to pay for a live stream of some of the talks. Attending is out of my budget, but purchasing a couple talks to watch would likely have been feasible. It's unfortunate, because I feel this was a real missed opportunity.
Perhaps something to consider if there is a future Spacefest.
SkyMan1958 Member
Posts: 867 From: CA. Registered: Jan 2011
posted 06-13-2017 02:37 PM
I've been going to these since Spacefest III. At this point in time it's NOT about the signatures, it's about meeting friends that come there from around the world. Given that, and given that I assume that many of the attendees are like myself in that regard, I can't imagine many people who can talk to a real live friend would bother to go on a "social network" at the same time. That might be something to bring up with the organizers, but given the health issues that they are dealing with, they are already scrambling to produce the event as it is.
With regards to the astronauts, one thing that always gets me is that, aside from the most famous of the Apollo astronauts, all the other astronauts invariably have "dead" time where they are twiddling their thumbs in their booths. This makes it great for striking up impromptu conversations with them about the topic of your choice.
I did get a couple of pictures signed at the show, and have attached one to the, "What's new in your autograph collection?" thread.
mjanovec Member
Posts: 3811 From: Midwest, USA Registered: Jul 2005
posted 06-13-2017 02:38 PM
Unfortunately, the promotional efforts for Spacefest need some younger blood, with fresh ideas, to really get the word out about this convention. Otherwise, they will only continually reach the same limited audience from year-to-year.
Amy Shira Teitel (from the Vintage Space blog) posted a nice 30-minute live stream from Spacefest that is exactly the kind of thing that needs to be done on an official basis. While Amy was invited as a speaker and was there to promote her book, she showed how the event could be promoted with just a camera and a little initiative.
David C Member
Posts: 1015 From: Lausanne Registered: Apr 2012
posted 06-13-2017 03:45 PM
quote:Originally posted by SkyMan1958: At this point in time it's NOT about the signatures . . .
Completely agree.
quote:Originally posted by mjanovec: Unfortunately, the promotional efforts for Spacefest need some younger blood, with fresh ideas, to really get the word out about this convention. Otherwise, they will only continually reach the same limited audience from year-to-year.
I'm not sure it's that simple. Most young people really aren't interested in spending time with what they would think of (wrongly) as "living fossils" (if they thought about them at all). Time for another movie I think. How's "First Man", or whatever they're going to call it going?
On signatures. I got a free "bonus" signature from Milt Heflin. Joe Engle didn't charge me for any inscriptions and hinted at doing another show in the future.
mjanovec Member
Posts: 3811 From: Midwest, USA Registered: Jul 2005
posted 06-13-2017 05:20 PM
I wasn't suggesting that they necessarily target a younger audience. Instead I was suggesting that they adopt promotional approaches that are more in line with the media capabilities of 2017. Despite their best intentions, Spacefest seems to be operated under a mentality that might have worked in 2007, but seems out-of-date now. That's why maybe some younger blood can help think of new ways to promote the event.
Also, Spacefest needs to move away from an astronaut-based convention to a more overall space-themed convention. They have already tried to do that to a certain extent. But they should keep moving that direction. That way they can attract a wider (and younger) audience who might have an interest in astronomy and space exploration, even if they aren't necessarily interested in buying $200 autographs.
albatron Member
Posts: 2732 From: Stuart, Florida Registered: Jun 2000
posted 06-13-2017 08:09 PM
Great ideas — however — who's going to volunteer to do it? Keep in mind, this isn't a fund raising event like the ASF (no complaint about them just different - they do an excellent job).
That being said, we don't get the breaks they do (airfare sponsorships, etc). Nope, it's a business and trust me, it's NOT making a lot of money — if at all.
Would we like a bigger presence off (and on) the social media sites? You darn betcha. Last year I was interviewed by a local TV station, the classic rock station I listen to out there had ads, we had a full page ad in Air & Space magazine.
I would love to see streaming, more live things, but again — who's going to volunteer?
By the graciousness of his heart, Mark Usiack, the premier photographer and his brother Tom volunteer time to photograph. For someone to do live video and streaming is just out of our budget.
I was on a panel to kick off the event on Thursday, I would love to see video of that, simply to critique myself.
I've been involved since the very first Spacefest, I never get to see any talks, movies, etc. I barely get to check out the art and it's in the same room of my area of responsibility.
Archived video would be fabulous.
So if anyone has any ideas how we can do it, we're open to suggestions.
As indicated, there's tons of info on FB, and if Rob had been there you can be assured he would have reported as well, but being ill he was unable. Doesn't preclude others attending reporting in here either.
Hart Sastrowardoyo Member
Posts: 3445 From: Toms River, NJ Registered: Aug 2000
posted 06-13-2017 09:51 PM
Substance takes time.
I have both Facebook and Twitter, but I never live-FB or live-Tweet an event (outside of a Social) because those things take time. I consider myself lucky if I can post a photo with just a "So-and-so astronaut at this event."
And quite honestly, live-FBing or live-Tweeting is the last thing on my mind unless I'm working it in some capacity. I'm there to get signatures, meet astronauts, meet friends. At the AHOF induction signings on Saturday I was going nonstop all day - one group of signers, lunch, the second group, the Hall of Fame itself and then the Astronaut Encounter. No time for social media until later. Again, unless it was my job to do so.
Substance has to wait for my blog. (And which I'm behind on.)
jtheoret Member
Posts: 344 From: Albuquerque, NM USA Registered: Jul 2003
posted 06-14-2017 12:33 AM
Spacefest is a social event — people are real-life interacting with each other. Non-stop conversations, friends around every turn, astronauts, artists, authors everywhere. I hardly even took any photos, let alone took time to post things on FB (though I posted some and am waiting to get photos from friends). Sorry, there's generally way too much going on to take precious time to post something about it.
I'm sure as people get home and reflect there will be much more said about all that happened and people will be happy to share their experiences. But sometimes its nice to just enjoy an experience an event without having to immediately share it.
Some experiences are meant to be savored, and this is one of them. It was my sixth, and I don't know anyone who was there that wasn't exhausted by it all.
If there's another one, I suggest you make every effort to go, but trying to share it live (unless that's your job) simply isn't easy or realistic. It's like getting sprayed with an astronomical firehose - just too much going on in the moment.
mjanovec Member
Posts: 3811 From: Midwest, USA Registered: Jul 2005
posted 06-14-2017 01:23 AM
Since Spacefest is a for-profit venture, I'm not sure why people should necessarily have to volunteer to do the promotional work. They should probably be hired to do that work. If making a profit has been a concern in recent years, that only points to a greater need to promote the event. Generating greater interest in the community could go a long way to help boost attendance. Sometimes a little investment on the front end can pay off more on the back end.
For example, local universities in the Phoenix and Tucson areas may have students in marketing and journalism programs (not to mention astronomy programs) who might be willing to intern for Spacefest for reasonably low compensation (plus experience). They could work to promote the show in the months leading up to it, then work during the show to live stream and record it, providing a wealth of material to use for promoting subsequent years.
OLDIE Member
Posts: 268 From: Portsmouth, England Registered: Sep 2004
posted 06-14-2017 11:44 AM
It's been interesting reading the various comments. Remembering that the moon landings occurred nearly 50 years ago, and the shuttle programme is now finished, what is there to get younger people interested in spaceflight? It's all history to them. Besides which, most are far too interested in talking to their "friends" on Facebook, Twitter etc. to want to meet real live people.
The only way to reach them is to target areas where they might be (e.g. Houston, KSC, Disney World etc. Maybe advertising arrangements could be channeled to these places. The internet is only useful if people actively seek out the appropriate websites, because their interest has already been sparked. Mine was sparked years ago, at a Collectors Fair, when I saw a flier for Autographica.
rgarner Member
Posts: 1193 From: Shepperton, United Kingdom Registered: Mar 2012
posted 06-14-2017 12:37 PM
Spot on, Oldie.
I frequently get calls from customers looking for space products, socks, t-shirts and what have you, and they find the memorabilia sections of my website, i.e. flown pieces, autographs, etc. It is always the same comment ''I didn't even know you could own this stuff?!'', then of course a 15-30 minute conversation ensues.
It is indeed a case of what you don't know, you can't engage with.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 06-14-2017 01:50 PM
Today's younger generations are not as apathetic to spaceflight (or its history) as some make them out to be, but how they express that interest has changed.
They do value the chance to meet astronauts, but they are more interested in photo ops than autographs. They put more importance on sharing experiences than they do mementos (at least of the physical type).
As examples, the SpaceX fan community rivals in size any previous space enthusiast population, and Redditors flock to AMA forums with Buzz Aldrin, Chris Hadfield and the 2017 Astronaut Class.
Spacefest is already in a pretty good position to capture this audience, given its focus is more on talks and casual meetings than it is an autograph show or fan convention, but it needs more word of mouth and social media marketing to get them engaged.
(But that said, running an event like this is hard, expensive and time consuming. So nothing is ever as easy it as it may seem.)
albatron Member
Posts: 2732 From: Stuart, Florida Registered: Jun 2000
posted 06-14-2017 01:54 PM
quote:Originally posted by mjanovec: Since Spacefest is a for-profit venture, I'm not sure why people should necessarily have to volunteer to do the promotional work.
Then you're not familiar with the cost and lack of profit involved in these things. We rely heavily on volunteers, we'd not be able to function without them. Or sponsors.
If you'd wish to actually help I'll get you a pass, or you could sponsor someone.
It's for profit as far as legal status only. Ask Sims and Hankow. How they lasted as long as they did is a mystery to me.
Grounded! Member
Posts: 367 From: Bennington, Vermont, USA Registered: Feb 2011
posted 06-15-2017 01:35 AM
Amy did a great job with her YouTube video. She completely missed an opportunity to ask Walt Cunningham the "Turtle" question... and might have gotten herself a free drink.
Real-time postings will not bring in more attendees to the event however.
If they could schedule Spacefest a few weeks later, perhaps I could bring my grandsons. That would be nice.
The people who put on Spacefest are a small group. Nobody is getting rich here, and there is nothing wrong with volunteering to help make it happen in my opinion.
mode1charlie Member
Posts: 1169 From: Honolulu, HI Registered: Sep 2010
posted 06-15-2017 01:50 PM
quote:Originally posted by jtheoret: It's like getting sprayed with an astronomical firehose - just too much going on in the moment.
Ditto what Jeremy said. I couldn't attend last year, so I know the feeling of missing out - but when you're there, it really is like trying to drink from a firehose. Catching up with so many old friends, meeting new ones, getting the opportunity to chat with or get signings from those who worked on the programs...
But unless there's a dedicated team that is specifically tasked (i.e. paid) to cover it on social media, it's just not going to happen. The volunteers did an amazing job just to keep the whole thing on track, and the last thing they have time for is to tweet about it.
That said, 1. Amy's live stream was, I'm sure, appreciated by those who couldn't be there so kudos to her; 2. I think the organizers do have an opportunity to take greater advantage of social media to promote the event prior to its occurrence. Amy mentioned to me that after her live stream she got hundreds of comments to the effect of "why didn't I know about this?!?" Attendance was good this year but of course more is always better if we want to keep Spacefest going.
And 3. ideally the panel talks would all be captured on video and uploaded to YouTube or something to document what are some really interesting discussions that really should be documented for posterity - as well as those who couldn't be there. But again: that's a manpower issue.
P.S. Robert, your presence was very missed. Hope you're feeling better.
mjanovec Member
Posts: 3811 From: Midwest, USA Registered: Jul 2005
posted 06-15-2017 05:34 PM
quote:Originally posted by albatron: If you'd wish to actually help I'll get you a pass, or you could sponsor someone.
As you're already aware, I co-sponsored the test pilots and volunteered my time at the first Spacefest. Thanks for the invitation, but I probably wouldn't do it again.
quote:Originally posted by Grounded!: Amy did a great job with her YouTube video. She completely missed an opportunity to ask Walt Cunningham the "Turtle" question... and might have gotten herself a free drink.
I think she was slightly thrown off guard by Walt's criticism of the Donn Eisele book (to which she contributed). It turns out his main criticism wasn't aimed at her section of the book, but it appears she was initially affected by what he said.
Amy's video was a good illustration of what one person could do to promote the event with only 30 minutes of time investment.
Ken Havekotte Member
Posts: 2915 From: Merritt Island, Florida, Brevard Registered: Mar 2001
posted 06-15-2017 05:56 PM
Enjoyed Amy's video, but I was a little bit surprised when Walt expressed some concern over what had been portrayed in Donn Eisele's new book release. I think it took her by surprise and didn't know how to react, but I did love her video exposure of Spacefest 2017 as Amy has a great personality. Maybe I can attend a Spacefest next year (it will be my first)!
x15gal Member
Posts: 57 From: Lake Forest, CA, USA Registered: Nov 2010
posted 06-16-2017 01:36 AM
I haven't checked in on collectSPACE for a while, but wanted to talk a bit about Spacefest. I have attended four Spacefests now (I, VI, VII, and VIII). Each has been a unique experience, and I have been very excited to be able to bring my X-15 program for the last three years. Thanks to all who have come in to watch.
When I was asked to do it again this year, I wanted to do something more than simply my X-15 Rocket Plane talk. I approached Joe Engle about the idea of doing a panel discussion, and was very pleasantly surprised when he thought it would be fun to do. Then I went to Sally Poor, Colin Burgess, and Nick Howes with the idea, and they were all for it. Can't say enough about the support I got, especially from Nick, who was the one who got the sponsorships to bring in the four NASA and NAA X-15 engineers to join Gen. Engle on the panel.
It was interesting to see the guys when they first showed up as they kept wondering "Why am I here?" and "Why would anyone care about the X-15?" By the time the panel was done, and we had done my joint book signing with Joe and the engineers, these guys were just ecstatic! I now call them "The X-15 Rock Stars!"
I had a good friend do a video recording of the panel, and it looks pretty good. Unfortunately, I had to record in video mode rather than digital because my camera only does 30 minute digital files. So now I have all 1 hour and 34 minutes of the panel on my DVR and DVD, but need to figure out how to convert it to MP4 or MOV so I can upload it to my YouTube channel.
For myself, the entire weekend was simply amazing. Being able to do my X-15 talk, followed immediately by Joe doing his X-15 talk, then a joint book signing; then on Saturday doing another joint signing followed by the X-15 panel, was literally a dream come true. I've been walking on air ever since. Can't believe they sold every single copy of my book that was on hand. I know that Joe signing had a lot to do with that, and can't thank him enough for his generosity in wanting to be part of this.
I'll let you know if I can get this X-15 panel video onto YouTube. In addition, I plan to put together a web page of photos as soon as I can get this all organized, and will post that link here as well. — Michelle
mode1charlie Member
Posts: 1169 From: Honolulu, HI Registered: Sep 2010
posted 06-16-2017 03:00 PM
quote:Originally posted by x15gal: I had a good friend do a video recording of the panel, and it looks pretty good. ... I'll let you know if I can get this X-15 panel video onto YouTube.
Great! I'm so sorry I didn't make it to your panel - it was on my starred list but got completely sidetracked by something or other, so I would definitely love to see it on YouTube. Thanks in advance for doing this and I look forward to it very much.
hlbjr Member
Posts: 475 From: Delray Beach Florida USA Registered: Mar 2006
posted 11-11-2017 03:37 AM
Has the X-15 panel discussion been uploaded to YouTube yet? If so is there a link? I'm eager to see it!
posted 06-04-2017 05:50 AM
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