Is there any new news from vendors about advantages/disadvantages in coming to the NW?
I ask because if we know where their concerns are at, we can do some leg work in our local areas/clubs and get them the answers to help in their decision making process!
And then report/post them here.
Please let me know if this is needed.
I am willing to help as much as I can to make this happen!
Thus far, the only complaints (er, reservations would be the more appropriate term) are the a) relatively light demographics and b) small window of opportunity weather-wise. I guess July through September are the only trust-worthy months for fair weather....not a problem says I, as these are the months people are most likely to travel anyway.
As far as demographic, I havn't had the chance to dig into the links provided earlier in this thread, but I shall....soon. I don't think comparing to Des Moines, Iowa is going to impress anyone, so I don't think I want to use that argument. MACNA has already been in most large cities over it's 20 or so year life so I'm sure the choice of Iowa was made to give our Central states a chance for once. There is little/no coorelation between MAX and MACNA so I can't really use that angle in persuading vendors to come to Washington.
On the contrary, I'd like to use its strengths instead.
Here are a few things that would help: (The reality is not lost on us that most if this work is OUR burden/responsibility....I am only throwing out a few things for discussion)
1)
Local Venue:
Need to pick proposed location, date, etc. for obvious reasons. Location would need to be a professional Exhibit hall (hotel), Convention Center, or Expo Center. 25,000 sq. ft. minimum building is needed.
2)
Local Clubs:
A listing and contact information of all local clubs who would/can participate in a Seattle MAX. We would need to know who could volunteer to help staff the show, Help with marketing/promotions, etc. Does anyone have a specialty skill they could provide (audio/visuals would be a HUGE help)
3)
Local Attendees:
A list or database of hobbyists who proclaim they would definitely attend a Seattle MAX (names and e-mails only for privacy concerns)
If we can get over 1,000 then that would help tremendously.
4)
Local Infrastructure:
Information on Travel, Airport, Rental car, Mass Transit, Hotels, etc. available in the area.
5)
Local Attractions:
pasted below is a simple attractions page I created to use in our portfolio for the Southern California/Greater LA area. If we can put together something similar for the Seattle/Puget Sound area, that would help show that the Seattle area is a good destination city on its own merits, let alone having the MAX event there too.