P3D NSA Conventions Whys & Hows

[Mary Ann & Wolfgang Sell <vmmasell@xxxxxxxxx>]

I couldn't help but notice today's thread on Sell-3D
and Photo-3D regarding our national NSA convention.

Some people worry about the "big" dealers not coming
this year and the reason for this.  Yes, I agree,
on-line trading does account for part of this but
not all.  Dalia told us at Richmond last year it was
doubtful that she would make Green Bay -- not because
of a lack of inventory or customers at NSA -- just
due to scheduling and other considerations.  I know
that she and Andrew would love to share in the convention
fun that we all enjoy.  As for Harry Poster, he did
not come to Bellevue either and I didn't see that 
mentioned by anyone.  I guess there were enough dealers there
to overlook the fact he was missing.  Other "East"
coast dealers do not always make it to the Midwestern
or Western shows but others make up for it that can
frequent that part of the country easier.  

I, for one, think that the Internet is exposing more
people to the 3-D medium and offer more potential for
NSA.  New members, new collectors and possibly dealers
(we all have to dispose of our duplicates somewhere 
don't we) and just folks who would enjoy the friendships
and fellowship of fellow 3-D enthusiasts.  Personally,
I have referred over 30 people in the past 3 months
to the NSA web site for information on joining.  All
of this as a result of some stereo views I've posted
for sale on ebay -- views that would be practically
"give always" at our convention.  I still intend to bring
a large inventory of View-Master items for sale, as always.  

In regards to the dates for the conventions -- last year's
event was held in August (Bob Weir you must have it confused
with Bellevue in '97 that was on the 4th of July).  I have
been busy working on contracts for the next 4 years with
my main focus on 2001 and 2002.  Independence day week is
a very favorable time for our convention because we can
get very good rates.  I'm sure some folks won't be happy
with next year's dates in Mesa since the convention starts
on Thursday, July 6.  However, others get an extra day's
vacation by taking 4 days off work and getting the other
day off as a paid holiday.  I am trying to avoid this week
altogether for future years and shooting for the second
or third week in the month of July (still best time for
rates).

Scheduling of events is difficult.  There is a lot of stuff
to pack into just a few days of convention.  We will probably
start having workshops on Thursday before much longer (yes, I
know, not everyone can get there that early) and we will try
to keep the theater "dark" on Sat. and Sun. mornings to give
folks a chance to visit the trade fair.  However, there will
still be some who do not make one event or the other. For
years, the NSA auction has been on Friday night and the SSA
dinner as well -- so you must choose.  Same with the trade
fair vs projections.  It all depends on where your focus is
concentrated -- collecting, stereo images or learning something
new in the hobby.  You just have to pick your niche and settle
in.  

As for the trade fair -- ISU and PSA have successful conventions
without this event.  It's an added bonus for NSA to have this
wonderful gathering of dealers.  I think the emphasis of NSA
will continue to focus on the collector and consider their
needs as well as opening up more avenues for the stereo
photographer through workshops, stereo presentations, digital
demonstrations, etc.

After all we are a blended group all trying to share our love
of 3-D!

If any of you have questions related to future conventions and
how they need to be addressed, please let me know...I would be
happy to try to find an answer for you.

Mary Ann Sell
VP, NSA



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