Meant to send this to the group but my computer was not co-operating so I am sending it again: ? I thing what everyone is ignoring here is that for those of us in the US, or others near by, is the distance issue. As travel becomes more expensive it is just not easy for someone to pick up and travel long distances. For me to go to the convention this year would mean traveling almost two thousand miles with all of its expenses before I even figure in the hotel and convention costs. Maybe what we need here is to split the convention into two conventions. With one for the eastern side and one for the western side you could rotate classes and vendors every other year so everyone has a chance to attend more often. They would end up being smaller conventions maybe but that might make it easier also.
My other problem with the convention is the timing. For those of us (admittedly not many) with children still in school it does present a problem of timing. As our schools begin earlier and earlier, with the sports teams starting even earlier, it makes it impossible to attend. Younger lacemakers do have to take such things into consideration when planning to attend a lace event. If you want to attact new, younger lacemakers you need to consider this. Any high school/college age lacemaker would most likely not be able to attend if they could afford it due to timing restrains from school. Everyone wants to attract the new lacemakers so they can carry on the art but most of your accomidations are centered on the older lace makers. How about we do both when planning the next convention? Both groups could learn from each other. Amber Forest, VA - To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [email protected]. For help, write to [email protected]. Photo site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
