[SCCC] Visalia Survey

[Bill Kendrick]

No Problem Glenn. 
 
I was taken in by it. I thought someone up north was sponsoring to obtain
input for next years convention. I realized that something was wrong when I
got to the section that gave the following choices Really Distracting,
Distracting, Neutral, Aggravating, Really Aggravating! How do you answer
when someone asks do you feel better after you stopped beating your wife? It
is obvious that at least he is not happy with the venue or the content. You
and I know that this convention is California centric. Visalia is the venue
because it is central to both Northern and Southern California. We have had
it in Fresno. That convention center is in a bad location. One attendee was
mugged there! Access for distance travelers to Visalia is not so bad. You
can fly into Fresno and it is a 40 minute drive. You know if you are
travelling anywhere it is not a great situation. I wish there was a 5 star
convention center with a teleporter to instantly transport us to it but
there is none to be found. This venue has survived the test of time. My
opinion is if we flipped between further north and further south we would
loose about 30% - 40% of the attendees. I do not want to drive 6 hours to a
convention nor would I want to fly in. This location is just far enough away
to distance me from the distractions here and not too far to be a hardship
to drive to. As far as content well that has been the job of the committee.
You know that either committee will not turn away someone willing to pitch
in. If it is a content change then bring it! Do not stand on the sidelines
and cry entertain us. We are us!
 
That said I have really enjoyed the past few conventions. Great camaraderie!
I am even talking to Rick again! We have to great emcees, Chip and John.
They are both gentlemen and have the best interests of the convention at
heart. The committee is composed of many volunteers who are doing there best
to make it the best. The presentations have only gotten better! It is
because there are hams in the community willing to put in the effort only
receiving the satisfaction of a job well done in return. People attending
are really congenial. You meet them in a low stress environment. You talk
and hang out. It is great. 
 
Last year I ate lunch with Fred, K3ZO, on Saturday. He said he really likes
the facility collocated with the hotel. He also liked nature of the event
and its content that is DX and contesting in particular DX contesting. I
asked about the CW Pile Up Competition that we used to have. He said he
would participate if we had one. I have been trying to get some support for
it from KCDXC and have been unsuccessful. We do have the room that we do QSL
checking in and there are time slots open where we could use it. I would do
the leg work. All I need is the input and some of the resources (like the
actual recording. I have computers and I could build up the amplifier and
headset distribution box. I thought it was one of the neatest things at the
convention!
 
Bill
 

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sdg