Conventions #2

In the first of this three part post I tried to outline the work that went into preparing for a visit to a ‘BFCC’, ‘Widex’, ‘Film Fun Day’, ‘The Wessex Film Collectors Convention’ or the like and stated that we would begin at least ten weeks prior to the show. However any event were we were the organiser was a totally different kettle of fish. It would start 12 months in advance, yes 12 months! We would put dealer booking forms on each dealer table in order that they could reserve their space for the next convention, a good third would book their space every year this way. By this time we would have booked the hotel so the all the dates for the next convention were secure. In February of the following year, work would start in earnest with both advertising and booking forms in our newsletters. In addition dealer booking forms would be sent out to those that hadn’t pre-booked earlier, as well as the many who generally didn’t attend, but were always given the opportunity. Every month would see a new barrage of advertising and booking forms, that would now also include a second booking form for those who wished to stay at the hotel and/or attend the pre-convention Saturday evening meal. Tickets and conformations were sent out almost immediately, it wasn’t wise to wait until there was too many, as it could get complicated. In the early days Derek handled the dealer bookings, while Anne looked after the hotel and Saturday meal, however Anne cut down her hours and I took over those duties, and naturally following Derek’s death, I also took on the dealers too.