Any interest

[IndyJeff]

I was thinking, would there be enough interest in having a conference of members here? I am thinking that it would be something like this........

Registration at the hotel would be Friday night and Saturday morning
Friday night would be a cocktail party that would be very informal, kind of a get to know each other deal.
Saturday morning registration begins at 8am. At 9am the conference would begin. Guest speakers would give talks in at least 2 conference halls. Say one would be about sports photograhy and the other may be weddings or portraits. Give me some ideas on what you would like to learn about and I will see about getting people to talk about them. Maybe some of the members here could lead one of these conferences. Name someone you would like to hear speak on his/her field of photography.
Lunch at 1pm then back for a general meeting. Several things can be discussed here such as how to market your photography. What is an appropriate price for such and such type work. How to get a business off the ground.
Then a break at 3pm until 3:20pm. Then back in the conference room where maybe Canon reps can set up tables and demonstrate new equipment, actually let you hold a MK II and shoot off a few frames etc. Maybe some lighting manufacturers could be convinced to come as well as CF card companies. Maybe someone from Firehouse Color Lab, a locally owned but nationally recognized pro lab could speak about post processing and things along that line.
I think I might be able to get someone from Roberts camera here locally involved to help with getting manufactures reps there.
The conferences would end at 5pm but, we will have a portfolio critique until about 6:30 or so. This would be a limited number of people who would be able to have their stuff looked at, so you would have to sign up in advance.

I have some ideas of people who can give talks on various type photography, some famous, some semi famous, some unknown to many but well respected within their particular fields.
Then at 8pm we would have a dinner where awards would be given out for the photo contest the conference would sponsor. I would love to get Canon to sponsor this and maybe give out some prizes (hint, hint, a camera as grand prize). The photos would be preregistered and there would be a table with them displayed, 8x10's and 11x14's size restrictions. Each photo would have a number, no names and you would cast your vote for the best overall, best sports, best portrait, best landscape, best city scene, best any damn thing we want to, LOL. Each Winner would receive a plaque, second and thrid place would recieve an award in the form of a certificate.


Since I am currently setting up a class reunion, I have a pretty good idea on prices. I think with dinner, and break drinks, the cost of the banquet hall and conference rooms we would be looking at somewhere around $75 to $100 per person if enough people were interested.


So, would you consider coming to Indianapolis to attend something like this. I figure with the cost of the conference, two nights stay in a hotel, meals outside the conference you may spend around $300. Of course some of you may spend $300 in the lounge but, that is for another thread altogether LOL.
I am thinking this would take place in August or possibly Sept of 2005.
If there is enough interest, I can make this happen.

[robertwgross]

So, would you consider coming to Indianapolis to attend something like this.

To get photographers to come to Indianapolis, I think you have to have an auto race or something.

---Bob Gross---

[Mills]

Worth Looking Into.

[cmM]

I'm deffinitely interested, and under normal circumstances I'd come.

[CoolToolGuy]

To get photographers to come to Indianapolis, I think you have to have an auto race or something.

---Bob Gross---
Why, Bob? - After all, they do have the Colts (snicker, snicker - I'm from Baltimore)

Have Fun,

[IndyJeff]

Yeah Bob we have races, 3 of them to be exact. In fact of the top 5 sporting events which bring revenue to a city, nationwide, the Indy 500, the Brickyard 400, and the SAP Grand Prix are all in the top 5. Pretty impressive huh? LOL Yeah I know you just said "big deal".

One of the guest speakers I have in mind is Ron McQueeney, director of photography for the IRL and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. I want to get an idea of how many would really be interested in coming before I approach him or any of the others about this.

[RinkRat]

I'm interested.

[JAZZ D.P.G.]

IndyJeff,

Yeah, I'm interested

Having been to Indianapolis a few times (NCAA Final Four and 2 Brickyard 400's) I know this would be a fun event.

Even know a Good Steakhouse! Best table is in the wine cellar! Killer shrimp cocktail!

commitment as date is confirmed and my schedule firms up.

Talks on sports shooting, lighting and how not to look like a newbie at an event woudl be good

God idea

[CyberDyneSystems]

I'd love to go.. and would be interested.. but I can tell you my work schedule won't allow it this time (aug sept 2005)

Great Idea though.. I wish you all good luck. :)

[Tom W]

To get photographers to come to Indianapolis, I think you have to have an auto race or something.

---Bob Gross---
So let's do it in May -- late May. ;)

[IndyJeff]

I thought about May but, I am so busy during that month anyway I couldn't possibly do it. As well as some of the guest speakers I would be having wouldn't be able to attend due to that little race we have here every May.
Now June, July both I will be busy with youth sports stuff and first of Aug the Brickyard so I wouldn't be able to devote the attention that this will need.
I thought Sept would be a good month because it is not dreadfully hot and humid here then.

Jazz I think I know the place. That Elmo is a saint LOL.

Indy is within an 8 hour drive from Chicago, St. Louis, Philly (or close to 8 hours) Cleveland, Pittsburg, Nashville, Atlanta, Des Moines, Memphis.

I think it would be benefical to anyone attending. If I can get at least 50 people to commit I will proceed with lining up guest speakers. I have already sent an email about possible Canon participation, we will see if that comes thru but, I think they would be very interested in laying out their wares for you to paw thru. I don't think we would stand a chance of getting this done with less than 50 tho.

Lets keep our fingers crossed. The more that come, the cheaper it will be for everyone. The dinner cost will be fixed and the remaining amounts will be evenly divided by the number who are coming.

[Tom W]

If its a weekend when I'm not working, I'm very willing to go. Even if I'm scheduled to work, I'm still interested.

A bonus might be a day of photography around Indy either before or after the conference. Yes, I know it's not New York or Paris, but I'm certain that there are a few photogenic things around town.

[IndyJeff]

There is a lot of interesting things to shoot here in Indy...the Scottish Rite cathedral, the City Market, the War Memorial Plaza, the Circle Monument, the Canal and walk along it, the Zoo a world class zoo at that.

Maybe if there was enough interest in shooting models in a studio type setting, I could go around to bars and pick up, errrr line up some good looking models LOL No, my wife wouldn't go for that. Maybe Belmondo would show up and we can dress him in a Toga and pose him. Whats say Belmondo, you game?

[MazerRakhm]

I think you can put me on the interested list.

I think a day of shooting in IN would be neat as well. The only place I've been to in IN to shoot is the Wolf Park in Battleground near Purdue.

[mikesd]

Count me in, Im only 2.5 hrs. from you Jeff.

[IndyJeff]

LOL Mike, I know your hometown well. I am originally from Lawrenceville.

[mikesd]

Thats cool Jeff, were you around for the basketball glory days?

[pyterps]

You can count me in.

[Belmondo]

Every time someone proposes one of these get-togethers, I find myself wishing I lived almost anywhere other than here. Then I see the news footage of the snow storms in Indiana and the chaos on the roads, and this place starts to look pretty good.

Obviously I would be there if I was anywhere in the area at the time. (a decided longshot).

[IndyJeff]

Well I wouldn't get my hopes up too much at this point. To put this thing on I estimate that the cost would be somewhere in the neighborhood of $4,000 to $6,000, and that is not including the banquet. It may be cheaper if I can get guest speakers who were going to be in the area anyway instead of having to pay their expenses.
Maybe if I had some names of people who would be willing to hold a clinic people would be more inclined to attend to hear an experienced pro address their questions and give a lecture/demonstration.

I envisioned a couple of banquet rooms to do this. In one room would be guest speakers who would give a 10-30 minute lecture and then take questions. Each speaker would be allowed 1 hour. Now if a guy is talking about sports and that is not what your here for, go to the other room. This room would have manufacturer reps with tables set up demonstrating their products. I would imagine they would have free items to give away, bags, pens, key rings etc, etc. You would also be able to purchase equipment and I would see about getting a special price for the show.
Another idea I had would be in the rep room, to have a small studio set up with maybe 3 different sets. Have models who could pose. You could practice and be taught techniques by a portrait pro.
At some point after the speakers were all done I would set up in that room the tables for portfolio reviews.

The thing is if enough people were to show interest, I could have a number to tell manufacturers about how many they could expect to be there. I guess the old "you build it an they will come" phrase may work on this project. I would like to keep it for this boards members only.

I haven't completly given up on the idea yet. I'll keep ya posted.

[JAZZ D.P.G.]

St Elmo's is the place, thanks for reminding me of the name!

I'm more than just interested at this point, and August is OK (for now).

Any chance this will firm up any time in the near future? Better chance to use up some of those airmiles.

Next step is the big question;

How can we help?
Do you need some phone help for pestering suppliers and such for attendance or sponsorship?

Let us know what would help.

[IndyJeff]

Jaz thanks for the offer but right now there is not much to do. I will begin next week soliciting some pro's who can be guest speakers. If I can get about 4 speakers then I will start working on the manufacturers. I have one lighting guy in mind who sells online and I think may jump at the chance to display his goods.

Chances are this will take place the weekend of Sept 17th & 18th. I am going to try and do it at a downtown location. That may be a little more expensive than something in the burbs but, there is a lot to do in downtown Indy and it is very safe as big city streets after dark go so you can walk around if you desire. Plus a lot of nightlife activity and shopping during the day for the wife. A world class zoo is about 1/4 mile west of the downtown area right next to White River State Park.

Friday night will be check in and an area will be established for you to go to and get to know each other. Maybe some wives can hit it off and be buddies for the weekend while your busy at the show. Of course the wives are welcome to attend the show as well. I just know mine would have absolutley no interest. She would be shopping, of course LOL.

Once I announce a lineup of speakers and manufacturers I will ask for a $50 deposit for your reservation. On or about July 1st a final price will be determined on the actual cost vs the number of reservations and you will have until Aug 1 to pay for your reservation. At no time will any of your money be spent until it is determined that this thing will take place. If I have your money and the show won't happen, due to a low number of attendees, I will refund everyones money, well not really, I will just tear up the checks, I won't deposit them until I have a complete green light.

I may ask for some help in ideas of who you would like to see there as manufactures, Canon will be first on the list.
Now at the actual event, I will need some assitants in runnning things. I won't be able to handle that alone so I will recruit some for help then.


So now this is what I need from you the members here who would seriously like to attend.
1. What types of pros would you most like to hear speak, i.e. PJ's, Sports, Portraits, Landscapes, Weddings, the business end of photography, copyrights etc, etc.
2. What knid of manufacturers would you like to see there, i.e. Canon, a muslin manufacturer, lighting guy, a photo agent, online photo store, what else?
3. If need be would there be objections to me opening it up to the general puclic? I would like to keep it as a member only thing.

[cmM]

1. I'd love to hear about the legal end (copyrights).
2. Doesn't really matter, I doubt I'd buy anything.
3. Member only would be better, so if you walk around introducing yourself at least you're not introducing yourself to total strangers :)

[IndyJeff]

ccM

1.I think a speaker about the legal ends is almost a have to have really. There is such a basic lack of knowledge in the general public about that. I think rather than address it myself, I would get an attorney to attend and give this talk.

2. I would hope that if someone was thinking of buying some lighting or other equipment, they would hold off if possible and maybe make a purchase at the show. However, like the lighting guy, I would hope that in the future attendees would consider the companies who were gracious enough to attend this convention when making their purchases. I would rather that they didn't bring a stock of inventory for sale at the event, however if you did want to purchase something you could and it would be shipped to you upon their return home.

3. I would like to keep it at a member only convention. I think at least 100 people would have to attend in order to keep the cost down. I would pay $100 to attend something like this but, if the cost rose above that or even doubled it, I would pass. What I am trying to do is to put on a show which will be benificial in someway to justify the money people would spend to attend. The last convention I attended I spent close to $1000 and when it was over, I realized I had wasted my money. I just didn't take anything home which really made me feel like I had learned something. I want to avoid that here.

[Kinger]

Overall I think that this is a wonderful idea, and would most likely attend this event. But one thought that keeps crossing my mind is that this forum is international, and we are excluding so many others by having it here in the US. If there is a way that similar conferences could be held in other parts of the world around the same time, it would have the potential to become a wonderful tradition.

[Hogster]

I would be interested and I'm already there. Not in August as I'll be on a chartered yacht in Alaska for 1 1/2 weeks, using the 20D.

[PhotosGuy]

That sounds like a great idea!
“For your consideration”, (thank's, Rod!), I’d like to purpose an addition/alternative. Meet Saturday early AM for breakfast. Go to IRP for a (any kind) race. Canon rep is there to loan out equipment. Dinner Saturday nite, for those who still have energy. Sunday optional, but maybe more of the same.

[IndyJeff]

That sounds like a great idea!
“For your consideration”, (thank's, Rod!), I’d like to purpose an addition/alternative. Meet Saturday early AM for breakfast. Go to IRP for a (any kind) race. Canon rep is there to loan out equipment. Dinner Saturday nite, for those who still have energy. Sunday optional, but maybe more of the same.


Well PhotosGuy, I will see about getting Emirl to prepare a breakfast especially for us and then it will be off the IRP where Canon will give everyone a MK II for the day along with any lens they wish to try out. At the end of the day if you wish to purchase that equipment, it will be marked down 90%. Don't we wish!!! LOL

Seriously guys, I have all but given up on this idea as it would cost something in the neighborhood of $3-$5000 in expenses for the guest speakers, depending on who and how far they have to travel.

We could still have it and maybe get some manufactures to show up with some demo equipment. I might be able to get a couple of speakers that are local to come in and speak on the cheap.

Realistically I need a firm committment from at least 100 people even before I would considered moving ahead any further.

[PhotosGuy]

expenses for the guest speakers... need a firm committment from at least 100 people even before I would considered moving ahead any further. That's why I proposed a less expensive alternative. I, for one, would have a place to stay outside Indy. Maybe others would, too. A simple "get-together" of 10-20 people just meeting for pics would be less of a PITA for you, too.

[JAZZ D.P.G.]

Seriously guys, I have all but given up on this idea as it would cost something in the neighborhood of $3-$5000 in expenses for the guest speakers, depending on who and how far they have to travel.

:cry: :~( :sad: :~( :cry:

I was looking forward to this

[Steve Parr]

Damn...

I'm going to be in Indianapolis in July, for the Summer NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) Show. This is the first year they've moved it out of Nashville. From now on (at least for the foreseeable future) the show will alternate between Indianapolis and Austin, TX.

Not sure I'd be able to get back there only a month or two later. I'd likely be out of my league, but I'd be pickin' brains the whole time, though...

Steve

[pyterps]

I would be interested either way it would be put together. I would like to just get together and meet those from the forum and you all are experienced enough to give talks.



I would like to get information on the legal side of things, work flow (from start to finish), and sports.

[IndyJeff]

Ok here is an alternative to doing it conference style in a hotel. It would be a hell of lot less in cost.


I am the caretaker of some property along a stream in central Indiana. It is a private campground out in the country. We could have a weekend gathering and campout. Have a cookout, sit around the fire at night talk and learn from eachother.

Arrive on Friday or Saturday. Plenty of stuff to shoot all around there. Electricty hook up is available but limited for laptops battery chargers etc.

The only drawback is the weather. If it rains it would be miserable.

I have had campouts there with about 40 people in attendance, half which spent the night. Hotels are about 10 miles away for the less adventurous.

Anyone interested in something like this?

[PhotosGuy]

property along a stream in central Indiana. Sounds interesting. I haven't been camping for 10 years. How far S of Indy is it?
Do you have a particular event at IRP in mind yet?

Thinking about it, there's a similar opportunity N of Detroit where you can get very close to the track for club racing pics & camp out at the track, too. Maybe I'll see if the Michigan members would like to do the same type of thing. Costs for admission & paddock passes would only be $20 for the weekend using the sites 2-for-1 coupon .
Pics:
http://photobucket.com/albums/v218/PhotosGuy/WHRRI/Sunday%20July%2004/
Track info:
http://www.waterfordhills.com/

[JAZZ D.P.G.]

I've already booked more vacation time than I have.:o

With the original idea going south, I booked 3 weeks in Hawaii early next year:D And my wife would not be happy with that schedule changing. Actually, neither would I:lol:

As time and scheduling gets going, I will try to shift some "banked" time to this event. 0 promises and commitment at this time, sorry.

I hope this does work out.

Thanks for everything, IndyJeff