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Kaukauna, Wisconsin

With the Big Show only a couple of weeks away. Were would the best place to hold the convention in 2015.

2/3/2014 7:56:59 PM

Torrance, Ca.

Vegas ;)

2/3/2014 10:10:05 PM

Vernal, Ut

I agree Vegas

2/3/2014 10:40:13 PM

British Columbia, Canada

Vancouver

2/3/2014 10:58:16 PM

Parker, Co

Napa?

2/3/2014 11:41:48 PM

Sioux Falls Sd

Vegas

2/4/2014 12:25:52 AM

Muddy Waters

Cincinnati Ohio! Definitely 401 oak street next to K-Mart.Definitely Cincinnati.Dad used to let me grow pumpkins next to the driveway.We watered them every Saturday.Definitely Cincinnati!lol

2/4/2014 6:45:29 AM

Upa Creek, MO

Branson, Mo - Tablerock Lake

I promised my liver I would never do Vegas again.

2/4/2014 7:24:25 AM

Muddy Waters

Branson would be a great place (Central location)

2/4/2014 7:45:41 AM

Kaukauna, Wisconsin

This is my opinion: 99% of the growers are hard working middle class, not afraid to get dirty.
The sites we go to have to be affordable and drive able. If we did a three year rotation with a sites on the
East Coast, West Coast and Midwest.
Scranton, Pennsylvania
Eugene, Oregon
Joliet, Illinois
We car polled and drove to the convention several times. Bring new growers with us. A car ride is cheaper than a airline ticket This sites are within 6 hour drive of the growers in this areas.

2/4/2014 8:17:34 AM

Western NY

Well said Glen.

We have been looking into options, and you're spot on. Hopefully we will have something to announce soon.

2/4/2014 8:53:53 AM

sevierville, Tn

Atlanta when it snows ! LOL
nashville !

2/4/2014 10:33:38 AM

New England

casino's in CT?

2/4/2014 10:55:02 AM

Corbin, KY

Gaylord Opryland Hotel. Great convention site!

2/4/2014 11:16:19 AM

Ontario

Don't forget the North.... Niagara was a close drive for many folks and the convention was always well attended!! If the convention rotates to drivable destinations, which is a good idea, I think Niagara is a still a viable location.

2/4/2014 11:31:14 AM

Deer Park, WI

I agree with Glen's sentiments regarding our demographic. If maximizing attendance is the goal, then sites should be chosen that are #1 reasonably affordable, #2 in a geographic region where growers are concentrated, #3 relatively close to a major airport. Rotating through West, Midwest, East, and International provides access to highest number of potential participants.

Vegas obviously met two of the 3 criteria above, but one has to wonder how much more attendance could have been achieved by west coast participants if the event was held in Northern CA, OR, or WA.

Ideas like these are a dime a dozen, and there's no pleasing everyone, so I appreciate the GPC's willingness to consider our collective thoughts. I also appreciate the incredible job the GPC committee does in organizing/hosting this event. Lots of work for no pay.

2/4/2014 11:33:01 AM

bliss,n.y.- heart of Wyoming County

niagara!

2/4/2014 11:37:59 AM

Ct

I think the UK would be a awesome site to hold the Convention.

2/4/2014 12:25:14 PM

Knopp, Germany

Glen has a great idea for those growers living and growing in the USA.

No one questions that the GPC committee has a no thanks job that is financed by all the growers that go to the GPC weigh offs. They all knew what they were getting into.

If an event outside of the USA is not spot on, then be honest and tell everyone that, don't get their hopes up. That is the minimum that the GPC should do.

And if the GPC stops being the 800 pound gorilla then maybe Niagra will be an option agsin, I personally am all for that.

2/4/2014 12:33:38 PM

Buffalo, MN ([email protected])

I agree with what has been said before me, but here is another thought. Take all the states, providences, countries where the GPC has a weigh-off site and put them in a hat and draw the location for the next four years the clubs in that location will assist the GPC with the convention. Every fifth year the GPC will host the convention in any location of its choice. This will be then be repeated.

2/4/2014 12:46:26 PM

Knopp, Germany

BTW, it was not origianlly a GPC convention, unless I am wrong it was always the International Giant Vegetable Grower's Convention until 2008 when per the "Today" show it was called the "The Great Pumpkin Commonwealth Convention, held each March in Niagara Falls, Ontario."

I am sure the GVGO has more history then I do.

2/4/2014 12:52:23 PM

Little-TON - Colorado

Yes looking ahead to UK 2016....for the BIG SHOW...and in 2015..still TBD. But in two weeks is ORLANDO.... Are U registered? Hope to see you all there.....

2/4/2014 2:16:13 PM

Lymington UK

Don’t worry Owen we are on the case.

2/4/2014 3:21:07 PM

Omaha, Ne.

How about smack dab in the middle of the country. Omaha Nebraska. Riverboats and cornfields.

2/4/2014 4:12:16 PM

Enumclaw, Wa

vegas

2/4/2014 5:10:31 PM

Pocatello ([email protected])

Omaha! Omaha! (Sorry, not the location, just doing my Peyton Manning impression...)

I think the best you can do is rotate it.

2/4/2014 5:29:57 PM

Pocatello ([email protected])

The more I ponder this, the more I like the idea mentioned by Glen, three regions, in cities where at least some of the growers could drive or otherwise get there at minimal expense. I would think this would come down to northwest, upper-midwest, and northeast. A "resort" location isn't necessary, but it might be possible to find a spot that is quiet during the winter and get good rates. Just rotate to a city in each of those regions. (As a western based "also-ran", I'd budget to attend every three years when it is in Oregon, Washington or California. Well, maybe not California, but ok...)

At the same time, there could be a europe "satellite" show each year where one member of the executive board of the GPC attends, (maybe also add a europe based member to the GPC). So for example, the entire GPC executive committee can't attend a North American show AND a Europe show each year... just send one. Maybe the GPC picks up some of the bill... then you repeat all of the slides... get some local speakers, etc.

Aren't you glad I'm planning the whole thing for you? You're welcome. ;-)

2/4/2014 5:45:52 PM

Pocatello ([email protected])

On the other hand, Honolulu is nice...

2/4/2014 5:54:11 PM

British Columbia, Canada

^ agreed :)

2/4/2014 6:51:59 PM

Muddy Waters

I dont think most folks can afford the trip to Europe.Maybe there should be 2 conventions? just a thought.

2/4/2014 7:00:37 PM

East Jordan, MI

Glen has a good plan, but there are a couple of things to consider.

The first of which is the time of year and the weather. It would be very hard to prepay for a convention that could be snowed out, or that you could either not get to, or not be able to get home because of weather.

The second is if someone that is outside the "normal driving distances", plane tickets to those locations are easily twice as expensive or more, than flying across the entire US to a tourist type location.

Third, total price is definitely going to be the deciding factor for attendance.

2/4/2014 7:02:42 PM

North Smithfield, RI

ri

2/4/2014 7:08:14 PM

Torrance, Ca.

It would be interesting to see the number of people attending this year in Florida, verses last year in Vegas.

2/4/2014 8:10:22 PM

Sourthern Utah

i think scranton, PA would be do-able fer us,, lol, curt and sue

2/4/2014 8:30:44 PM

Partlow,Va

Where ever it is in the future, my wife and I hope to attend. I hope you all have a great time in Orlando. We've been there a few times because of baseball tourneys and always enjoyed it.

We'll be there one year; but it will have to be the year that my baby girl didn't get married and furnace didn't break (last year) or the year that my son finishes college(this year)lol

One thing is for sure...the convention ain't gonna be in Va. anytime soon; which ain't all bad if you know what I mean.
I will get a GPC Event in Virginia someday.

2/4/2014 11:46:53 PM

Griffith, In

Chicago, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Denver, Nashville, and St. Louis are all worth consideration. For those interested in Branson, MO,,,flights can come into Branson and Springfield, MO and prices for rooms are reasonable there.

2/5/2014 3:46:00 AM

Webster, NY

Long trips are always a financial issue. Of coures there's always Rochester, NY (just kidding).

2/5/2014 6:12:54 AM

Upa Creek, MO

If Branson "was" ever selected down the road, Bass Pro Shop is based out of and run by a Missouri guy in that area. He also owns a huge lodge with thousands of acres and cabins on Tablerock lake. If you like the inside of Bass Pro Shops, you'll like Big Cedar Lodge. Fishing is great, but Big Cedar can be pricy.

2/5/2014 7:59:01 AM

Elk County, PA

Erie PA, Close to our friends up north as well.

2/5/2014 8:16:05 AM

Muddy Waters

One guy owns Bass Pro Shop Luke?

2/5/2014 8:43:11 AM

Kaukauna, Wisconsin

Keep those Ideas and Opinions coming.

2/5/2014 8:45:09 AM

NILES , CALIF

My thought to this is to have it where it is affordable
for everyone; a place you can take your family and have
a good time,without goin broke,its gettin to be just
for rich pumpkin growers to attend.
Las Vegas is the place; you might even go and play
a slot machine there and win a million bucks!!!
Las vegas

2/5/2014 8:47:24 AM

Hinckley MN

Niagra has history, so it should definately be included in any rotation. Vegas is the convention capital of the world with cheap flights and rooms keeping total cost down. Add in a NW (portland, seattle, vancouver), a mid-West, and a SE location and we have North America covered. Overseas travel will always be cost prohibitive.

2/5/2014 9:14:49 AM

Parker, Co

Laughlin, nv....stillcheap flights to get to lv, cleaner town and i think they have convention facilities and i would think at a better price than lv. Lv was great it was just that dog of a hotel that people didnt like.

2/5/2014 10:23:19 AM

Pocatello ([email protected])

Way back when we first started talking about this, years ago, the idea was Niagra one year, Vegas the next. There is a lot of sense in that.

At least, I think the best compromises would either the "three regions" concept, or, rotate between Niagra and Vegas each year.

2/5/2014 10:25:59 AM

Massachusetts

I think the best attendance could be achieved with a meeting in the US simulcast with a meeting in Europe. Think about it. Saturday morning presentations begin at 8AM Eastern (2PM Central Europe). Alternate presentations. One from US. One from Europe. Questions and discussion from both sides of the Atlantic. There are many organizations that do this. Maybe need a sponsor to cover the satellite time.

For me, I would like to get out of the airplane and feel warm. Warm in February is good. Nice break from winter.

2/5/2014 10:45:17 AM

Parker, Co

Niagara is cold, snowy and now you need a passport...hotel is expensive.it was beautiful but i think just too hard to get to. Vegas had good weather and cheaper flights ....just the cost of convention at a nice hotel hurt us there. Denver is pretty central but we could all get snowed in at the airport at that time of year. I think we need a good location, fair weather, good convention facility, good price,.....moving it around sounds good on paper but what alot of work for gpc committee to organize all that every year. ONE site would make it so much more affordable and planable. Laughlin, NV???? Cg

2/5/2014 10:46:23 AM

Muddy Waters

Tom K that would be a great way to go Vegas & Paris!! or Miami & Paris Uk & Orlando?

2/5/2014 11:06:39 AM

Winston Salem, NC

Vegas, Niagra, and Orlando are all great. Especially the warmth of Vegas and Orlando. What about a place like Myrtle Beach, SC? Its off season so rates will be really good. They have plenty of convention center space and plenty to do. They have an airport there with some cheap getaway airfares from several of the larger cities. Any other beach like locations that have off-seasons might be nice too.

2/5/2014 11:31:47 AM

Cameron

LOL. Half the World is cold & snowy in Feb, Cindy. Your spoiled with the great weather you get in Napa. Niagara Falls or somewhere in Ontario should be considered in the rotation. Not all hotels in Niagara & surrounding area are as expensive as the ones we stayed in. Lot's of choices too. If all future seminars are in the US, then you'll only get a handful of support from Canadian growers. Look back on the past 2 years. How many Canadian's attended the GPC seminar last year "that wasn't on the GPC executive?" My guess would be @ 4. How many attended when it was in Niagara? I'd say close to 40. What a huge difference. Remember, all these seminars originally started in Ontario, so taking it out of the rotation could be a big mistake. There is over 150 growers in Ontario alone that are registered GVGO members. That's not including the growers from Quebec & the East Coast that usually come to the Niagara seminar.
Other sites could be in the Wisconsin area & somewhere in Oregon & the UK.
Just my opinion.
Jane & Phil

2/5/2014 11:48:06 AM

Pocatello ([email protected])

The simulcast is a great idea. The only problem is that the time difference to the west coast of North America would be difficult.

2/5/2014 12:59:20 PM

France

Vegas&Paris Great idéa!

2/5/2014 1:02:43 PM

Knopp, Germany

This has turned into a fantastic thread.

Everyone has their own personal reason wht we should have a convention in their area,

Being that this is a true democratic worldwide hobby why don't we let the GPC members vote on a site?

That takes the pressure off the GPC Executive Committee.

2/5/2014 1:16:14 PM

Upa Creek, MO

Handy, yes. John Morris started it here in 70's down in the Ozarks - his is still the majority owner and its not a publicly held company.

2/5/2014 3:02:58 PM

Western NY

So, where is everybody*? I threw a quick map together based on the weighoff entries of the last 2 years:

https://www.zeemaps.com/map?group=837403

* The map program is based off the city entered into the BP weighoff data, so there are some entries that were dropped. This seemed to be more noticeable in a couple European countries.

Overall the map should give you an idea of where the growers are, I hope you find it interesting.

2/5/2014 3:35:16 PM

East Jordan, MI

Very cool map Andy!
Just curious, were duplicate entries removed or do I count as 3 people in Circleville because I weighed at 3 locations?

2/5/2014 4:15:53 PM

Ontario

Very cool!! Thanks for that Andy... really gives good perspective on the hobby and where the growers are!!

2/5/2014 4:17:19 PM

Valencia Spain

spain is warm 70 f

2/5/2014 4:29:41 PM

Pocatello ([email protected])

That map is awesome! That single point of light in Pocatello would be me.

2/5/2014 4:33:51 PM

Putnam Ct.

Great job Andy That was interesting. There are a lot of growers in New England and the surrounding area . What about in CT at one of the casino's? As Farmgirl suggested earlier.

2/5/2014 7:58:26 PM

Parker, Co

Loved the map, andy!!!!
hmmmm...what about having the meeting in March? That might make the weather a bit nicer in some spots...

2/5/2014 8:29:20 PM

Parker, Co

Phil and Jane, I hear you. Niagara was beautiful. I often tell people about the the view of the rainbows going into the frozen falls from our room. We had alot of fun there. I do not envy our GPC Board trying to find a good spot to convene. Good luck!!!

2/5/2014 8:38:42 PM

Springfield, Missouri

Branson MO

2/5/2014 8:55:47 PM

Torrance, Ca.

Great map Andy! Very well done!

2/5/2014 9:19:24 PM

Georgetown, Ontario

Great map Andy. By looking at it I would say Niagara is a great place. If you drop a pin at Niagara Falls and draw a circle to include everyone within a 10-12 hour drive you are including a huge percentage of growers.

2/5/2014 9:27:44 PM

Kaukauna, Wisconsin

Thanks for the map Andy.
The map does a great job of showing were most of the growers are.

The map also shows the need to do a rotation of future sites. There is no one good place, but lots of great regional sites. So I think a four year rotation would be better.
East Coast, International, Midwest and West Coast.

Just look at how many weigh off sites there are.
Germany has 8
Ontario and Ohio each have 5
Wisconsin, California, Colorado, Italy and New York have 4 each and the list goes on.
If the weather is going to be a factor then maybe a later date is better.

2/5/2014 10:49:39 PM

Team Munson

The committee works very hard to find the best possible place which will be the best attended & affordable for the growers.

This off season extra time & effort has gone into doing what will serve the majority best. We are finalizing plans for the next 2 years & plan on having registration for the next 2 years available by the first of March.

Focus for the next 2 seminars came down to location to the growers, affordability, & spreading the love around ;-)

There will be more in depth discussion on this in Orlando & we will reveal the next 2 years with all the details for these venues in the sunshine state. If you want insider information then get to Orlando & another power packed seminar of knowledge!!!

2/6/2014 8:21:42 AM

Cameron

Looking forward to it Dave. I heard that you were giving out a 1495 to every grower that registered for the Seminar? ;o). If that's the case, Jane & I will register separately. LOL.

Jane & Phil

2/6/2014 9:04:57 AM

Hanover,Ontario,Canada

This dialog just makes me think how lucky we were in the past to have things organized for us. I do not envy the executive for having to make a decision one way or another. I just remind everyone that for the spirit of the sport we should keep in mind those NEW enthusiastic growers who are eager to learn how they can grow the big one. It reinforces the thought that the knowledge should be shared to the most local level one way or another. World wide simalcast has alot of merits. This organization has grown so fast because of the internet and all the good websites that have developed. I will be going to Orlando this year to hear your thoughts expressed by the executive. I will also be in England in early June to check out growers over there. Dave

2/6/2014 4:09:13 PM

Torrance, Ca.

I love hearing " Sunshine State " :)

2/6/2014 4:42:07 PM

Pocatello ([email protected])

Which sunshine state? I guarantee that Idaho has more sunshine than Florida every year. ;-) Like today, sunny and 10 F.

2/6/2014 6:48:22 PM

Kaukauna, Wisconsin

For cheap air fare to Orlando check out "Allegiant Air"

2/6/2014 8:10:24 PM

just a freindly reminder
its great looking ahead 1 and 2 years out were when etc we are working on that trust me

quite a few growers that have posted on this thread and more have mentioned there coming to orlando, some are even (speaking) but HAVE NOT registered
february 8 is deadline to register for the seminar
there is a link on bp home page to register

2/7/2014 11:17:33 AM

Team Munson

Phil sorry but the 1495's are gone but I will give a 1496 (17% heavy) to you & anyone attending the Orlando seminar, catch is it needs to see dirt in 2014.

See you in Orlando!!!!

2/7/2014 11:20:52 AM