APUG Conference for 2007?

gr82bart · May 8, 2006

I don't think people are getting the message.

All these locations like Santa Fe, Bavaria, Tuscany, etc... are indeed very nce. And if one paired something up with a local festival - even better right?

But is there a facitilty that has all the darkrooms that can accommodate 20 people while watching Les do his magic?

Who's going to organize the hotels, the cars, the volunteers, the food, etc...?

Does the facility have rooms, in addition to darkrooms, large enough for lectures, socia events?

Does it have a gallery to show off work? Is there staff or volunteers to recieve, mat/mount and display the prints from all over the world.

Storage? Security of camera gear? Parking? Security in general?

Are there 24/7 lab processing operations?

I will state this again and again. Just naming a place is NOT ENOUGH. There is infrastructure and organization that needs to be in place. So who in Europe or Santa Fe is going to organize this? Supply the venue? Get the volunteers, etc...?

I know lots of great places too other than Toronto to MEET AND GET TOGETHER, but so far no one is suggesting anything viable as an alternative CONFERENCE venue.

Regards, Art.

Aggie · May 8, 2006

Isn't Soren in Denmark a photography teacher? He might have access to the right kind of facilities. I know the Kro system of mini hotels is great for a cheap way to stay. It would be more accessible to the Europeans. Then there is that place in Scotlanf that has workshops I think it is in the north, a couple of apuggers have taught there before. Why not see about puting a conference on there? Terry King, who is not an apugger, is part of the Royal Photographic society in England, and I bet he could get us in contact wiht the people at Oxford where he olds his alternative processes conference, the Wuropean version of APIS. There are possibilities we just think about it. The next step would be who would take on the task of organizing it all? Toronto is a hard act to follow.

If you want something wild, I'm right here next to Las Vegas. That place is geared for conferences. Only problem would be the lab facilities, and with UNLV shutting down all of their wet room darkrooms about now I don't think we would find any permenant darkrooms.

Andy K · May 8, 2006

Art, give it more time than a couple of hours and maybe they will. Canada is NOT the only place in the world with conference facilities. :rolleyes: Do you think we're all living in the third world out here?

roteague · May 8, 2006

gr82bart said:
I will state this again and again. Just naming a place is NOT ENOUGH. There is infrastructure and organization that needs to be in place. So who in Europe or Santa Fe is going to organize this? Supply the venue? Get the volunteers, etc...?

Additionally, you need to have a resident population that could easily and cheaply afford the venue. Outside of England, which can be very expensive, there are really very few active APUG members on the continent.

Dave Parker · May 8, 2006

David Brown said:
Canada? Really? :confused:

David I travel back and forth between Canada and US all the time, I only live 50 miles from the border, what I am trying to get at, is to make the conference available to more of the membership, I think personaly, that it would allow more to be able to participate, even being this close to Canada, the drive is a long one to Toronto, and the flight would not be cost effective for 2-3 days...I can't fly anywhere for less than $500.00 round trip, unless I want to drive 6 hours to Spokane.

As far as darkrooms that can accomidate, the local community college still has darkrooms for large groups as well as Formulary is within 50 miles, so that part of it is not that difficult to accomidate.

I would be interested in seeing numbers of attendies as well as their country of orgin.

Dave

David A. Goldfarb · May 8, 2006

I think the UK would be a great choice. Flights to London from major US cities are often cheaper than domestic US flights, and flights within Europe are fairly reasonable. London is an expensive city, so the conference should probably be somewhere else, but there are many beautiful places in the UK with good conference facilities. London has many outstanding museums and galleries, so that could be part of it.

We've got well connected active members there like Les, Ailsa, and Simon Galley who might suggest venues and lend credibility to our cause. There are other active members who might be able to take on the responsibilities and logistics (if those who are speaking up for the UK might volunteer, that would advance the idea...).

Isn't the Royal Photographic Society based in Bath? Bath is a beautiful place, close to Wells Cathedral and its famous "sea of steps," the artistic town of Glastonbury, the Wiltshire Horses, Stonehenge not too far away, and such. When I was there a few years ago they were building a new spa around the historic Roman baths--not sure if that's open yet.

Tom Kershaw · May 8, 2006

I'm in the UK but it strikes me from reading the conversation here that Toronto is probably the best place for the APUG Conference.

Hope to be a visitor to a future conference,

Tom.

Andy K · May 8, 2006

Well to be honest Art, I found your attitude towards holding a conference outside Canada to be condescending and bordering on the insulting. You seem to think we APUG members elsewhere in the world do not merit consideration.

argus · May 8, 2006

I am in favor of holding the conference on a different continent every year.
Reasons:

- with the same team organizing the conference every year in the same spot, people will stop visiting it because they have seen it x times before;
- the effort asked from the organising team is huge. I bet there will be a time that they would like to enjoy the conference rather than bearing the responsability of it;
- when someone of the organising team decides to quit, there will be an empty space that's very difficult to fill;
- different organising teams each year will make thing more interesting rather than copying the previous event.
- APUG is worldwide. Only a fraction of the members have the possibilities to travel to Canada.

I don't want to suggest any location for a future conference. I am not a pro ;-)

My greatest respect to the organisers of this years' conference. I have read and seen that it was great!

G

Craig · May 8, 2006

argus said:
I have read and seen that it was great!

It was. I wish I'd had a video camera at the opening reception when I was talking to Simon Galley. I think every second sentance from him was "this is fabulous, utterly fabulous!"

Travis Nunn · May 8, 2006

I would love for someone in the UK to step to the plate and spearhead the effort to hold it there or somewhere else in Europe (although to me, the UK seems to be the best option). I would make every effort to attend it no matter where it is. It was a great event, but I don't think Toronto is the only place where it could be great. I'm sure there are a few places in Europe and the US that would be a viable option.

Andy K · May 8, 2006

How about New Zealand? The place is so damn photogenic you can drop a camera in the dark, have it fire accidentally and still get a great shot! And it would be worth booking a fortnight there and combining the Conference with a holiday. (and I haven't been to New Zealand... yet!)

david b · May 8, 2006

Well, if there is an interest to have it in Santa Fe, I am willing to do the work to set it up here. The Santa Fe Community College has amazing darkroom facilities as well as classrooms and a gallery.

Photography is very well respected and shows here are often packed with people.

Plus, APUG sponsors, Bostick & Sullivan teach at the Community college so we might be able to get their assistance.

Just say the word and I will start to look into it.

jeffneedham · May 8, 2006

why not narrow it down first to the region with the most members. are there more members in the states? (i would ASSUME that we make up at least 50%- and you know what happens when assumptions are made) for those of you in the rest of the world, you'll have to excuse us americans. let me be stereotypical and tell you that most of us don't realize that there is anywhere else. didn't you hear? after you get a few miles off the coast, the world just ceases to exist. most americans don't have passports, since we haven't really had any need for them (that has/is changing).

i would love to have a reason to go to new zealand, but if the majority of APUGers are residing in this hemisphere, a 20 something hour flight is probably going to cut down on the number of attendees.

so, sean, if you're out there...what are the numbers? i'm guessing that the US of A or the Brits take the cake when it comes to sheer numbers.

jd callow · May 8, 2006

I just returned from Toronto to my more than wonderful wife.

As a matter of closure on 2006 I will be sending out a feedback questionnaire, finish the accounting, have a post mortem with bob, kevin and michele and finally we'll share out thoughts with all of you.

Our initial thoughts are that it was a great conference, but there were things we need to improve upon and that we'd probably like at least another go at it to get it closer to perfect.

FWIW We watch air fare to and from the UK daily. It is consistently cheaper to fly in from or out of europe to toronto than it is for the US.

I would like to say thank you to everyone who came -- you are great! I'll let you know later after some much need sleep how.

Sean · May 8, 2006

The stats are hard to guage because there is a high percentage of unknown connections, as for known connections north america would account for over 30% of activity vs. less than 5% from the UK. I'll try to find out how to make this more accurate but the activity pie chart for north america is massive compared to elsewhere. Stay tuned..

Aggie · May 8, 2006

Sean said:
The stats are hard to guage because there is a high percentage of unknown connections, as for known connections north america would account for over 30% of activity vs. less than 5% from the UK. I'll try to find out how to make this more accurate but the activity pie chart for north america is massive compared to elsewhere. Stay tuned..

But what is the activity of the Europeans? Together they make up a bigger group than just 5%.

bill schwab · May 8, 2006

I'm wondering how many people from APUG actually went to the conference other than those that have posted?

Peter Schrager · May 8, 2006

Conference part two

I'm all for having the Conference back in Toronto next year. Having been to the View Camera Conference last year in Sringfield I can tell you that there is nothing like hands on Workshops to sharpen ones skills. Fine to go to lots of lectures but the opportunity to actually bring back knowledge ranks much higher in my opinion. I believe the price for the workshops was on a giveaway basis this year. But that's OK because they were well attended and more will come next time. Prices should be raised somewhat next year. Later in the month might be welcome. It was so darn cold on Saturday I felt it detracted from the overall mood. Would have liked to see some sort of synergy between Contact and APUG
If these guys do it again it will be better and even more organized. For most of us getting to Toronto is about the same as going to Santa Fe or the West Coast.
Before people start hollering about having it in their backyards they ought to contemplate just exactly what it takes to pull this off...
Best, Peter

Dave Parker · May 8, 2006

Peter Schrager said:
Before people start hollering about having it in their backyards they ought to contemplate just exactly what it takes to pull this off...
Best, Peter

Well I guess, if you consider the whole of the US, to us in the west, "Our Back Yard", then I guess I have no more to say!

As far as the organization of an event of this nature, you don't know what the capbibilites of the rest of us are do you?

As far as Toronto, it is a great town, I have nothing against it, but I would like to not see it limited to one location, hence giving other members and sponsors to participate.

And I do have to ask, out of over 12,300 World Wide members, who is "Most" of us?

Dave

John McCallum · May 8, 2006

Andy K said:
How about New Zealand? The place is so damn photogenic you can drop a camera in the dark, have it fire accidentally and still get a great shot! And it would be worth booking a fortnight there and combining the Conference with a holiday. (and I haven't been to New Zealand... yet!)

C'mon down!

Can understand to logic of having it closest to the largest mass of APUG'ers. And seems to me just plain nuts to not let the extraordinary exec committee do their thing again if they wish too.

I just wish it didn't cost more than a round-world ticket to get to Toronto from NZ.

Both Sydney and Melbourne are wonderful towns in Australia. And it's only a short, cheap flight to Seans darkroom and some cool scenery from there. Just a silly suggestion .

btw unfortunately it's not quite true about the dropping-camera-in-the-dark-get-a-good-picture thing, Andy. You do have to be outside.

Peter Schrager · May 8, 2006

Conference

David-it cost $400 to get to the conference by air. I imagine it is about the same from any destination in the US. While there might be over 12000 members here we know that the majority if them reside in the US or is that not correct?
I have no objection to having the Conference in Zimbabwe but I probably won't make and neither will many others. Why are you immediately taking it personally that I said it takes a lot to pull it off? It's just fact. It's not about YOU. I do remember Bob Carnie and myself being among the first people to propose the Conference. He actually went ahead and pulled it off. I don't remember anyone else stepping up to the plate and wanting it in their backyard or is it because now that it IS a success that someone else wants the thunder?
Look there is NO good reason to have the Conference year after year in the same location; but maybe just for the sake of continuity for the next one Toronto would be great.
Go in peace buddy,
Peter

photomc · May 8, 2006

Congratulations to everyone that worked so hard on this...understand that those that were there will find the possiblity that it could be as good anywhere else hard to believe...but it can be done. Also, would add a warning to those who want an annual event. Most events like this die over time, because the everyone is excited after the first and ready to hold the next one, and the next one...but over a period of time it becomes 'old' because the majority of the people attending are the same. This is in no way a bad thing, it's just those closest to the event will go, those that can afford to go will...the rest will not.

If you look at some of the other photographic venues - PhotoArts Santa Fe, APIS and Fotofest..these occur every other year or are held in Europe like APIS. While it is up to others to decide, and everyone SHOULD voice their thoughts...remember NO ONE person is right or wrong...each idea is valid (even if you do not agree with that person). Let's face it, the members in down under would love to have it in their back yard, yet it might be challenge for someone living in the west to make across to the east.

I really believe there are other venues that would work as well...if Toronto is the last place on earth with the combination of all things needed for the conference....well let's just say there probably will not be any need for debate after about 5 years...there will be no need for it.

Just some different views....worth only the time it took to read.

Dave Parker · May 8, 2006

Peter Schrager said:
David-it cost $400 to get to the conference by air. I imagine it is about the same from any destination in the US. While there might be over 12000 members here we know that the majority if them reside in the US or is that not correct?
I have no objection to having the Conference in Zimbabwe but I probably won't make and neither will many others. Why are you immediately taking it personally that I said it takes a lot to pull it off? It's just fact. It's not about YOU. I do remember Bob Carnie and myself being among the first people to propose the Conference. He actually went ahead and pulled it off. I don't remember anyone else stepping up to the plate and wanting it in their backyard or is it because now that it IS a success that someone else wants the thunder?
Look there is NO good reason to have the Conference year after year in the same location; but maybe just for the sake of continuity for the next one Toronto would be great.
Go in peace buddy,
Peter

Awe Christ Peter,

Nobody else wants any thunder...that is stupid to say the least..

I am glad the event went off successfully, I wish I could have been there, not feasable at this time of year...and no, it is not personal, as long as people are getting together to talk about traditional photography, I guess I could care less, I would just like to see it travel a bit to give more an opportunity to participate...

By the way, I just checked the airfare, if I were to fly from my local international airport to Toronto, Ontario, the total fare, with a 7 day over the weekend stay would be $1,329.00 and that is booking with one of the online discount air fare companies, so your claim of $400.00 from most destinations is not true..

And again, I am not taking it personally, I would just like to see the maximum amount of members be able to attend the event each year..that is all, now if you want to keep fighting, go a head, I have said my piece, I am glad that everyone that attended had a great time.

Why in the hell would you think I would be taking it personally? Anybody around here that expresses an opinion on something that affects the community as a whole is taking it personally? That does not make sense..I was not making statements about ME at all, but it does seem to ME that I am part of this community also, and with that I have the absolute right to voice my opinion as well as anyone, or am I wrong in that belief?

Dave

John McCallum · May 8, 2006

Peter Schrager said:
David-it cost $400 to get to the conference by air. I imagine it is about the same from any destination in the US. While there might be over 12000 members here we know that the majority if them reside in the US or is that not correct?...

Just another perspective Peter.

It costs $3700 to get to Toronto from NZ.

If the convention location were decided on a purely lowest cost of transp basis, there may be other cities that cost the same or less in the States or Europe, for the great proportion of the general membership.

There's no doubt from the activity of the forums that the US are well represented APUG'rs. But how do you get to the statement above?

There may be drawcards for a location other than the lowest cost for US participants. Like; if you're going to spent a lot getting to the convention anyway, why not make it a reeeaaally desirable location. Somewhere where everyone has always wanted to go.
Not that Toronto isn't of course.

I realise my first statement may not be relevant.

APUG Conference for 2007?

gr82bart

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