I'm not familiar with how IOLI rotates the annual conference. In the science fiction fan community, Worldcon rotates between East Coast/Midwest/West Coast, with bids from elsewhere in the world acceptable at any time; Canada being considered part and parcel for the standard rotation. Anyway, every three years Worldcon will be at least theoretically close by, for certain values of close by [West Coast tends to be in southern California, or so it seems, definitely not in OR/WA/BC]. Next level down, at least for my part of the country, is Westercon, which perambulates around the West Coast, and has made it to Seattle, Portland, and other parts North, as well as Reno, Las Vegas, and Phoenix. I've been to one worldcon, I was working in Chicago when it was last held there, I've been to several Westercons, because they happened in Portland while I was living there.
I guess what I'm wondering is if IOLI has any type of regional rotation on where the convention occurs? I gather it's happened in Portland, OR, so it can be hosted by upper mid-sized cities. Are there areas that just will never have a chance to see IOLI unless they travel mega miles? I'd guess the upper mountain states are on their own, but is Minneapolis possible? Calgary? Of course, this presumes a lace presence in the area, unless a group formed which was willing to organize from afar, which has happened in the science fiction community. How bad is it, in regard to certain areas never being within daytrip range of IOLI? What is the average attendance? I'm hearing the figures of 12 and 24 hours for classes, which I'm presuming are spread out over several days, because I'm not up to 12 hour days any longer, and I'm only 52, so how many hours/day are we looking at? Do people sign up for multiple classes, or just one? And are there smaller, regional conventions? What's the break even point, in regard to attendance staying at the venue? And the accessibility needs? I guess, what are the differences from the SF fan conventions I attended for many years, and also the SCA things I've been involved with, although the latter aren't good comparisons, although more of them are happening in hotels these days as certain events just get so big. Yours, John Mead Tacoma, WA, but formerly Portland, OR, and Chicago, IL - 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/
