AlumniGuy in another thread in March commented how great it would be to have a convention for Class Creator Admins.

I'm starting this thread to collect comments -- we're not taking a poll; just asking for comments about this idea.

Brad's plate is full enough -- and he's incorporating a long 'workation' into his schedule.

If there's enough comments, maybe an online survey will happen next month; for this month, let's hear the ideas admins have on a future convention or workshop for admins.

1. How far would you travel to attend this event?
2. How long should it last?
3. What should be on the agenda? (ie. just about CC or include presentations on other reunion issues.)
4. Assuming there would be educational events, what would you like to learn?
5. How much would you pay to attend? (not including your lodging, travel, etc.)
6. Where should it be? (Ann Arbor is logical, but maybe another spot would be more central for everyone.)
7. What time of year should it be?
8. What mix of social vs. education/information would you want?

Answer one or more -- or ask and answer your own question.

Brad - you stay out of this for now; you're on workation!

If you're NOT interested in this idea you're free to comment on why you're not interested.

Everyone, please stay on topic. (Me included )

John,
I would certainly attend depending on when and where.
2-3 days..like say a weekend Fri, Sat, Sun. or maybe a Tues, Weds, Thurs.
I would like to see some focus groups.
Seminars on CC.
Presentation by Brad and his Bunch.
I will think of more and answer more of your questions on Tues..I have to get ready for a very looooong Reunion Committee mtg at my house tomorrow.
I luv the idea.

I think this is a great idea!!!

1. How far would you travel to attend this event? Well, as a Michigan girl, I'm loving the Ann Arbor suggestion! If not A2 I vote a warm place on a winter day. If there is enough interest, could there be regional meetings?

2. How long should it last? Depends on location. A weekend would be nice!

3. What should be on the agenda? Possibly invite vendors that make products intended for reunions and computer products for people who are working on website administration.

4. Assuming there would be educational events, what would you like to learn? 1. I want to see what the computer whiz kids are doing with CC. 2. Seminars on reunion planning, how to get people involved on the site, ideas to keep classmates excited about visiting the site, etc.

7. What time of year should it be? Winter

8. What mix of social vs. education/information would you want? Friday, Mixer. Saturday - Seminars and meet with Vendors. Saturday evening dinner etc.

A BIG project, but look at all the experienced planners you could call on! Woo Hoo!! Pick a date John!

Hello
Thanks for posting.
I would love to see a lot of vendors there. We have annual reunions for about 1000 people and I have had a hard time finding dealers/suppliers for things to make my life easier such as name tag organizers etc.

I would love to have it over a weekend anytime after October.

Presentations from Brad and the gang about the future of Class Creator.

Tips and tricks presentations from other admistrators.

Success stories, etc

Although the idea of a CC Convention sounds like a good idea I don't think many folks would be able to attend (unless they are making a very good living).

We, a Class of 1954, have a pretty basic site which we are striving to improve with the help of CC. CC has given us a basic set of tools and it is up to us to take it from there.

I worked for a major (blue) computer company for many years and attended 8 User Group conventions a year. They were great for my company and me. BUT my company sponsored my attendance. Big bucks!

I feel that CC, when and if they feel the time is right, should sponsor (and pay for) such an affair and invite those among us who, in CC's opinion, could add value to the CC effort. Something like a focus group.

An alternative might be for CC to craft, structure and sponsor such an event online.

Another alternative might be for CC to take a convention on the road (perhaps a 1 day affair) in major cities to minimize attendee expense and maximize the PR and input benefit to all.

I may be wrong about all of this and I admit to being a bit older than most other Admins but I and others struggle a bit just to attend our very important and rewarding reunions.

Having said all this I encourage you to go forward with your idea of a CC convention but do survey all of us for potential attendance.

Good Luck ... Jerry DePass ... www.ihs1954.com

What, I have to stay out of our own forums? Just throwing this out there, a year from now there may be around 5 Creators running. While we're of course open to any CC event if there's enough interest, when there are multiple Creators a combined Creator event may make such a venture more probable. And FYI, when my workation starts I promise I'll stay out of things. Well, maybe. Don't forget smartphones work from pontoon boats.

Brad Switzer wrote:

What, I have to stay out of our own forums? Just throwing this out there, a year from now there may be around 5 Creators running... ..Don't forget smartphones work from pontoon boats.

Just don't forget how this "Creature" your envisioning got started!

What's Dave's number? I'm gonna tell him to lock your smartphone in his tackle box.

I'd love to see a CC admin workshop/convention and of course I'd like to see it more in the center of the US, like maybe Wichita Kansas ?? or after October, Texas would be nice, just drop a little further south. I have time because of retirement, but that also would limit my costs to a minimum. I say we'd need at least 2-3 days to learn, socialize and brainstorm. A definite, Q & A to Brad ...

Just having finished my 20 year reunion and wondering whatever I'm going to do with my "extra" time now, I absolutely love this idea. Here are the answers to your questions! Please tell me how to keep involved, especially if the decision on location includes my suggestion.

1. How far would you travel to attend this event? Depneds on location/time of year (I work for a school) but I'd like to throw the suggestion for Tulsa, Oklahoma out there, not just because I live here (lol) but it is centrally located in the states and we have a Hard Rock Hotel/Casino (we used for our reunion) and they have excellent accomodations for conventions, hotel rooms, restaraunts, a pool, Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill, dance club, casino fun and so much more.

Or also in Tulsa, we have the award winning UMAC (Union Multipurpose Activity Center) and excellent venue and it's part of the school where I work so I could really help organize it for a location/paperwork, etc. standpoint.

Also, it is on Route 66 so you travelers might enjoying stopping by the Blue Whale on your way in/out of town.

http://www.hardrock.com/

http://umac.unionps.org/events.htm#

http://www.theroadwanderer.net/66Oklahoma/catoosa.htm

2. How long should it last? Friday(arrival and happy hour), Saturday(convention with classes & dinner or hors d' oeuvers), Sunday (breakfast & checkout)

3. What should be on the agenda? (ie. just about CC or include presentations on other reunion issues.)
- Vendor fair as mentioned by someone else...we could probably cover a lot of the costs of the event by charging them a fee just to be there. Just think of how many people they'd be able to show their products all in one spot, plus I'm sure it's a tax write-off for their business.
- Breakout sessions based on different topics (such as technical issues and plug ins), classes for beginners/intermediate/power users so everyone's own level of understanding is met, large/small/multiple year schools to address those questions, how to get people excited/paid/etc. just as a few off the top of my head.

4. Assuming there would be educational events, what would you like to learn? Oops, I think I answered that in #3.

5. How much would you pay to attend? (not including your lodging, travel, etc.) $50-$100, depending on what we could get vendors to pay to cover our costs for the venue. Perhaps, it could be free if we got enough interest

6. Where should it be? Answered in #1.

7. What time of year should it be? Next Spring?

8. What mix of social vs. education/information would you want? More education/information but a few mixers to meet all the friends we're making on here. Plus, I know we all need some "therapy" after taking on this task of being a planner/admin

Whatever is decided, I think it's an excellent idea and I volunteer to help in whatever capacity that I can no matter where it is held. Looking forward to it!

Andrea Patterson Holcomb
Catoosa Class of 1990

I'm not on my workation yet so I'm still allowed to talk here, na na na. By the way my mother will confirm I've always been this way, so I guess you're all stuck with it. That includes you John Christman.

Just a thought, if/when such a gathering is arranged, it could be in Chicago. I have some connections there and could possibly get a bunch of discounted rooms, meeting facilities, etc. Having it somewhere a little more central like Chicago may allow more people to participate.

Stop biasing the responses, Brad.

Chicago works. Cheaper airfares in and out (Southwest to Midway.)

I also have a classmate who owns a couple of hotels there in the loop area -- and they are business hotels, so the weekend rates are cheap (compared to others.)

(Note to self: Stop biasing the responses, John)

I just want to say that one of the most wonderful professional experiences I've ever had was a convention just like you are proposing; for a database product that church secretaries use. It was a great time of getting to know people who DO what you do! I think this would be an amazing idea!

1. How far would you travel to attend this event?
200-250 miles
2. How long should it last?
Two days should do it.
3. What should be on the agenda? (ie. just about CC or include presentations on other reunion issues.)
CC issues and maybe a forum on general reunion issues.
4. Assuming there would be educational events, what would you like to learn?
I need to know more about digital video stuff. I don't know if it's appropriate to waste our time with that and how many people are in my boat, but that's what I need.
5. How much would you pay to attend? (not including your lodging, travel, etc.)
No more than $200. I work part time which is why I do this, but I really cut it close every week. Maybe classmates would help me, but at this point I don't know. None of us work with large budgets and we don't want to. We want to keep costs down and reasonable events.
6. Where should it be? (Ann Arbor is logical, but maybe another spot would be more central for everyone.) Of course, living close to Columbus, Ohio I would be crossing over into hell by going to Ann Arbor, but really, I would go there, but also would like a larger city, not b/c I like big cities, but b/c I am more likely to have a classmate to stay with!
7. What time of year should it be?
Depending on the weather issues of the location, March would be nice.
8. What mix of social vs. education/information would you want?
More educational. I think social will take care of itself. We would have a blast!

Denise Derge

Chicago is a good suggestion too. Plus, maybe we could all get on the Oprah show as a reunion topic...I'll send her producers an email, maybe we can all do that and bombard them so they'll "want" to do something. Then, maybe her Angel Network can all give us some money for our reunion budgets and thank us all for doing what we do. Oh, by the way...I do tend to think "pie in the sky" but some times it works out

We could even invite some of our alumni that are semi-famous (we have a comedy writer that lives in California that we all knew would "make it"...link to his info posted below) and some of the old-lost-love stories, some of the "I wish I wouldn't have done that" stories, and sentimental tribute stories that always come out of reunions. If you want to see my In Memorium video...let me know and I'll email you my Smilebox version. It isn't the best but it evoked wonderful feelings for my classmates and the families of the deceased that we invited to come to our reunion.

Anyhow...just my 2 dollars worth of input (because you know 2 cents won't get you anything these days)!

Some links to our semi-famous classmates accomplishments...
http://www.absolutewrite.com/novels/chris_mann.htm

http://retroality.tv/

http://www.facebook.com/RetroalityTV?v=info#!/RetroalityTV

http://retroalitytv.blogspot.com/

1. How far would you travel to attend this event?
Depends on the air fares.
2. How long should it last?
2-3 days
3. What should be on the agenda? (ie. just about CC or include presentations on other reunion issues.)
CC issues including what' needed and what's new Breakout groups on specifics in CC Breakout groups on reunion issues.
4. Assuming there would be educational events, what would you like to learn?
That might be a little ambitious for the first year.
Perhaps the breakout groups would suffice.
5. How much would you pay to attend? (not including your lodging, travel, etc.)
I'd like to see it stay under $200.
6. Where should it be? (Ann Arbor is logical, but maybe another spot would be more central for everyone.)
Ann Arbor would be nice; however, it could cause some logistic problems for travelers. A more central location would probably be more affordable, also. Chicago, Denver, Topeka, Nashville
7. What time of year should it be?
If Chicago, not winter, please. I would say fall in most locations.
8. What mix of social vs. education/information would you want?
At a minimum - Daytime forums, work groups, etc. Nighttime for socializing. Friday night - casual mixer. All day Saturday for meetings and forums. Saturday night dinner. Sunday morning wrap-up.

1. How far would you travel to attend this event?
About 200 - 300 miles or so...but I love the idea of a warmer location in the winter.
2. How long should it last?
If you are going to fly somewhere for a convention it needs to be at least 3 days.
3. What should be on the agenda? (ie. just about CC or include presentations on other reunion issues.)
I think there should be workshops so each Admin can chosse which shop to take that best fits his/her needs.
4. Assuming there would be educational events, what would you like to learn?
How to utilize CC to the highest level and of course lots of reunion ideas, Keeping Interest on our sites, etc.
5. How much would you pay to attend? (not including your lodging, travel, etc.)
Oh...it's not free? I am not sure since I have never done anything like this before. Not too expensive please.
6. Where should it be? (Ann Arbor is logical, but maybe another spot would be more central for everyone.)
I really don't travel much but am excited for this possibility and to meet other Admin and the CC crew!
7. What time of year should it be?
Winter if we are having it in a warmer climate.
8. What mix of social vs. education/information would you want?
A nice combination of both please.

That's my 2 cents worth. Looking forward to hearing the results.

Dawn

652 Views of this thread -- only 14 replies so far. Come on, folks! Let's hear your opinions, ideas. Yes/No - doesn't matter. Everyone's opinion counts. Don't be shy.

I love the idea. It would depend on when, where, how much and if I can get off work. I would like classes on understanding the source codes. They are a problem for me, among many other things.
Esther

Love the idea, want more info. Write in YES on attending.

Count me in!

I love the ideas everyone has presented.

I am free and easy on just about eveyrthing as far as location and costs and times. I do think Ann Arbor (having just moved from that area to Texas) is a bit out of the way. Centrally located with direct flights would be better.

I want to learn tech stuff about doing things on my site as I am from the low computer tech era.

Reunion vendors would be good.

Hoow about some legal liability and legal obligation infromation? Copyrights? Privacy?

And a meeting or two where we can give input of our ideas as to what we would like to see happen through class creator?

Social/interaction aspects...what to do when...classmate opts out of emails...classmates goes ballistic...when do you block them from the site...when to put your foot down...people skills! That also could be more of a brainstorming idea sharing event.

Another brainstormer: What can we do to make our site better, more active, larger memberships?

Gee, just look at the forums here and you can assess our needs in the information area!

That's all for now!

Maargaret

John Chidester wrote:

Alright John since I deleted my three off the wall responses last week the "VIEWS" have increased by almost another 1,000 yet the replies have only increased by FOUR. So, I've decided to "respond with more useful and sensible answers."

1. Anywhere in the Continental US and prefer that it not be downtown Chicago or any city larger than 1 million population. As you already know, I would also prefer to drive my 40 foot Class A Motorcoach, but at a time of year that I'm not chasing or being chased by a Tornado or snowstorm. Unless held in the Pacific northwest,I positively cannot make it before September 20, 2011.

2. 3-5 days minimum (6-7 days maximum)

3. Fun, FuN, FUN and more FUN with a lot of "social interaction" mixed in for good measure.

4. How did we all get sucked into becoming Site Admins? Especially those who served in the Military! Didn't we learn to never volunteer for stuff we don't know what we are getting into? And most importantly, what is the name of Brad's doctor? I want that medication Brad is taking, so he can be on-line 24/7. Seriously, I would like to see some small core groups that would be created based on interest, experience and knowledge. For instance, two or three core groups (depending on the turnout for this first convention/gathering) would be created to plan an event in a different part of the country each year. Wherever, this first convention is held, perhaps a "tour of the city" or if on a large river or lake--a boat cruise could be offered--especially if there is one or more people who are quite knowledgable of an area, can act as the official "tour guide(s)." Another core group, might obtain "training" from Brad or someone on his staff (or several people) on how we as "semi-experienced" users of the system could help augment on the forums (volunteer assistance core=VAC) without making complete & total fools of ourselves when we don't have the correct answers. I got a kick out of something someone said here on the forums the other day (her name escapes me as I really prefer not to embarrass her again), but it fits what I'm talking about here perfectly "Wizards-In-Training"

5. If I'm driving my motorcoach, travel alone would far exceed all other costs combined, when fuel alone, at todays prices, diesel runs 50 cents a mile. I doubt I would scream to loud at any price charged.

6 & 7 go hand in hand. I'd love to see it held in Ann Arbor at least for one day. Maybe that could be one of those "optional tours" if program is within 100 miles or so of Ann Arbor. Time of year--Not extreme heat or cold. Other possible locations, Seattle WA (May 1-October 31); Denver CO (June 15-October 15) Phoenix AZ(January 10-March 15) San Diego CA (March 1-December 1) Yes, there are lots of other places too.

8. If only 2 days, I probably won't come unless I don't have more than 1 days drive each direction. If 5 or more days then education & one "optional" tour by day and social by night.

9. Will Brad be there, no matter where/when this event is held? I hope you know what that means people? There were numerous posts during the month of July, in which Brad stated much of his "vacation" during August (this month) he would be criss-crossing, back & forth the eastern states. However, it seems both Scott and Brad have a wee bit of a problem with their geography, because right now they are in a state WEST of Michigan. (I suppose you could say they are in a bit of a state of "confusion" -- something that us 67+ olds, seem to be getting way to familiar with. Ain't that right Coach John?

A convention would be great....I'd make every effort to travel

Whether I would travel would depend on when/where. I think you could have a live event with the option of attending via web (as a paralegal I attend these types of seminars frequently).

Betsy

Now at 1,900 views - only 21 posts. If just 1% are intersted at some level out of 11,000+ accounts that would be 100. A nice size group.

Thanks for those who've posted so far. All are welcome.

But not enough feedback yet. I know it's difficult to 'decide' whether you'd come to such an event when you don't know where, when or how much? But any feedback is helpful.

1. How far would you travel to attend this event?
>>> With the technology we have at our disposal, environmental concerns, and the economy, do we need to burn fossil fuels and spend $? Why not online workshops? Use Skype video conferences (free but limited to 25 callers)? Maybe a combination Skype conference/Streamed Video & Chat Room? Maybe accompanied by a Wiki or networked Blogs?

2. How long should it last?
>>> Assuming online workshops, group by topic, 30-60 minutes/topic, several topics per day/evening, spanning several days? Have the proceedings available for download?

3. What should be on the agenda? (ie. just about CC or include presentations on other reunion issues.)
>>>Separate workshops to basic CC use/operation/management, social concerns, reunion issues, online payments, refer-a-friend, etc?

4. Assuming there would be educational events, what would you like to learn?
>>>Since we didn't use the Reunion Planning module, online payments, reports, I'd personally like a session on those topics for the future.

5. How much would you pay to attend? (not including your lodging, travel, etc.)
>>>For online workshops, I'd pay a reasonable fee to offset costs for facilitator etc.

6. Where should it be? (Ann Arbor is logical, but maybe another spot would be more central for everyone.)
>>>N/A for online workshops.

7. What time of year should it be?
>>>Anytime of year for online workshops.

8. What mix of social vs. education/information would you want?
>>>No opinion on exact split/mix at this time.

When I should be walking away from the computer, I get lost in these forums. Good thing I did! I love the idea of a convention with workshops. Someone mentioned vendors - indeed. Need a "Made in the U.S.A." patch maker? I know one.

By the way, my reunion is in three weeks-plus. Air fare is much better flying into Milwaukee with rental cars less, as well. Of course, my hometown is 60 miles Northwest of The Windy City. How about a spring convention, Brad?

I second many of the suggestions already made. Wanted to be sure that during my first view of this topic, my reply was entered. (Happy, John?)

One more thing, how about a special donation button from CC to put on our sites. "Send your Site Administrator to..." Something of a 'rah rah, send your admin for a touchdown site...' I know, it is too late/early in the morn.

That is my three cents.

Have a great Monday, all!

Gwen
the Site Admin who needs more volunteers; 30 weeks, not three until the reunion and lots of sleep.

A little over a month ago, I started this thread.

As of 09-08-2010: 2500+ views - 25 posts

1% of those visiting the this thread have given some feedback to this idea. That's not bad, considering there are 11,000+ Class Creator websites.

Just floating this back into view to see if anyone else wants to contribute or comment.

I know without specific topics, a place, a price, speaker list and a date, it's impossible to make any kind of decision.

Plus there are your travel expenses and hotel expenses (assuming it's not close enough for you to return home each night.)

At this early stage, the question for all those reading this post is: "If all those things (above) worked for me, would I go or skip it?" Yes/No/Maybe? Comments always welcome, of course.

What say YOU?

Yes!

Is this a nudge to an Admin website, John? A poll, perhaps?

Gwen

This subject came up in our chat on TAP last week. After reading it in Marla's chat log (logs are sent to chat participants only), I thought it was time to search the topic and here it is.

The discussion was short, yet the cost of travel was an issue. I mentioned we could "beam in" anyone who was not able to make it. Okay... maybe not in the Star Trek sense of beaming in. We'll set up a camera to stream the event(s) via the webcam access in our chat features.

... the old type, delete, type, delete. It works so well. First, 3.0... then we'll revive the topic. By then, Publisher's Clearing House will have knocked on my door.
(Kidding.. just kidding. Hope someone had at bit of a laugh on that one.)

Have a great week!