[QCWA] Conventions experiences

[Dave Cheryl Johnson]

This is from a relatively new QCWA member, only about 10 years now.  First licensed in 1966, Radio Operator since 1960, but there was a 35 year break in there, if you can see the numbers work.  Anyhow, I read the QCWA Reflector pretty regularly and with special interest this past week.
My comments are in regard to the Rhode Island Convention.

Having organized and run a number of conventions and reunions in my short career (Statewide Toastmasters semi-annual conventions and annual reunions of a CW Operators Association) I can speak with a little authority, I think, about what has, and perhaps, should have, gone on.

As to the first, Toastmasters conventions, I first assisted in a convention, as the primary assistant to the convention chairman, who oversaw a number or sub-committee chairpersons, before I ran my own convention(s).  From experience, there was a handbook of sorts, which considered activities needed by the several subcommittees, with lessons learned, with an eye to assure success.  This handbook was updated on a regular basis.  I assume the Rhode Island convention was organized in a similar manner.

As to the second, since our reunions occur in a different state/city each year, we first looked for a member who was willing to host/run the reunion.   Since we are a small (about 250 members now) organization, I volunteered several years ago to be the Advisory Committee member who would assist the reunion host each year.  I did/do so, offering my assistance and experience just as soon as the location is decided upon.  My activities include helping determine the site, costs, activities and financial records needed to assure a no-profit end result.  Those who I have helped might say I intrude too much, but we have never, in 13 years, had a loss or profit  of any  great measure, to my knowledge. Certainly not to the tune of $21,000!   As a non-profit, we run each reunion on that basis.  Don't know about QCWA.

Hindsight tells us to clearly know the anticipated incomes and expenses.  That's where QCWA Headquarters comes into play, in my opinion.  I think I read that someone said QCWA Headquarters had nothing to do with the Convention, thus, were not liable to pay into any losses incurred.

 That does not ring true to me, because I think the Convention is a sanctioned activity, widely advertised by QCWA and fully involved (meetings, training sessions, etc.)   This member wonders if QCWA Headquarters had any input whatsoever into the organization, planning and execution of the Convention?   To what extent?   Any overview?

To close, this is presented free of charge, and the reader may do with it as he/she pleases.  Put a grain of salt upon it, and file in bin #13.  
I'll stand by on frequency to see how next year's Convention turns out.    vy 73 to all.  deAD5MH



Dave & Cheryl Johnson
Bilingual in English and Morse Code

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