It is hard to believe that there are 282 days remaining until our conference in January! At the moment, we are tying up some loose ends to ensure there are no last-minute problems. Some of the things we are doing are as follows:
- We’re working with Indian River State College to make sure that the venue will accommodate at least 100 people with classroom seating. There appears to be no problem with this. They can likely accommodate over 100 people.
- Getting the Vero Beach Heritage Center lined up for our Reception on January 11. This is largely accomplished.
- Obtaining a caterer to provide a continental breakfast for the three days of the conference (January 12 – 14; this is in its final stages). Waiting for the agreements.
- Lining up speakers. This is mostly complete. We have arranged for some very entertaining speakers who will talk on subjects that we believe will be of interest to those attending. REMEMBER, the first two days of the conference, January 12 and 13, will focus on all things Fleet-related. On the 14th, our subjects will cover other shipwrecks, hoards, and finds, whatever we can come up with. More about our speakers and their topics will be provided later. NOTE: Like most conferences, the possibility exists that a speaker may cancel at the last minute. In that event, other speakers are on standby to fill in should someone cancel.
- Determining ticket prices. We are working on this.
- Planning for a dinner meeting on Tuesday night. As it stands, this will be like the dinners we have had in the past, where everyone pays their own way. If we manage to take in enough money, the Society will foot the bill.
- Obtaining sponsors. This is a crucial item of business. We hope to expand our sponsorship base, as that can determine the success of our conference. We will have many incidental expenses that come along, and paying for them on time is, of course, critical. Although we have a credit card, I don’t like to use it as all that does is defer debt to a later day. So, I will be reaching out to our past sponsors to hopefully get them to sponsor again.
The last thing we need to get a handle on is how many people are planning to go. I know it’s 9 months away, but I would at least like to have some idea. So, can those of you who plan to attend, or think you may go, please let us know so we have some idea. Plans change, but for now, let us know.
Thank you,
Ben Costello
President, 1715 Fleet Society
