unofficial cmn reunion

[[Director] Joseph B]

Well Frank is now related to me (through marriage - my daughter's husband is his uncle!).
I know we are doing a cruise in September - between everything else going on I needed to get away desperately.
And we're getting a $2500 7 day cruise for about $550 out of pocket (between discounts and credit card points).
My daughter is recovering from the liver transplant at an exceptional pace so I ca go and even feel guilty.

[[Admin] osborn4]

I'm in Branson right now! Not sure if I could make it back down. But I'd give it a shot.

[WORDpictures]

Joel... James River Assembly, the mega church that you'll more than likely drive by at Ozark, is the church I volunteer through when I'm not on hired AV duty with my Lutheran friends. (interesting combination is it not? Not to mention that I'm Southern Baptist?) Enjoy your stay in Branson!

Sorry... couldn't resist the home town plug!

[Bobalou]

Received a message from Dan indicating Phil and he are supportive of such a gathering. Looking at those who have posted so far, it would see the central part of the US might be the way to go, sorry Joe, but my hope is that we could do all we could to hold down costs for those who have to travel from afar. I mentioned that if we wanted to focus on Branson and have it in an off peak season, I would be willing to donate some time share points for persons who would be willing to share a couple bedroom condo.

How far in advance should this be? 3-4 months?, 7-8 months? a year?

I was thinking of a time frame of two or three days. Long enough to justify journey and short enough to not mushroom expenses.

We have enough creative persons already expressing interest, we could each put together a presentation we would be willing to share with the group.

Anyway, I just wanted to plant some ideas and get everyone's reaction.

[sadlerjon]

I'm game - scheduling is the biggest item for me...

What is the best time (off-peak) to go to Branson?

[Bobalou]

I was thinking early November or late March/early April. There would still be shows available, but not as crowded as other times. Our Branson area CMN'rs Teresa and Rev 65 might be able to answer that better.

In terms of condo's. Sunday-Thursday only cost half as many points as weekends.

I would want to avoid winter months in Branson due to weather and things are kind of shut down. Early next spring might be the way to go.

[[Director] Joseph B]

Well, my wife is up for it, I haven't talked to Frankie but I ran into his wife and she thought it wouldn't be a bad drive if the 4 of us went together (and if his wife is going I'm sure he'd be there.

When is off season in Branson? - If we did it and stayed for say 5 days would there be things to do and see?
Priceline is great I can usually get fantastic hotels for less then the cost of the Hotel 6.

[Bobalou]

I have done some research. Easter is April 24 in 2011. I think we would want to avoid the week of Palm Sunday (17th) and Holy week. My thought is we look at April 6-8 (noon to noon) for the gathering with those who are bringing families having the weekend to enjoy the shows, shopping and attractions. Silver Dollar City (although there is no 2011 schedule yet) opened the first weekend in April last year and many of main shows began their season the end of March, first of April. The average high in Branson during April is 68 with average low being 45.

For those who would be willing to share rooms, I would be willing to use some of my points to reserve a couple of 2 bedroom condos (very nice by the way) for Wednesday and Thursday nights. For those who want to stay on their own, there are many housing options and prices should be great that time of the year.

For those who fly in, Teresa said she would be happy to provide transportation from Springfield to Branson. I would be willing to help with that as well.

First, do those dates look possible for those who have expressed interest in coming? Nothing is set in stone, but I want to at least put one option on the table.

I have received the blessing of both Dan and Phil to put together this ad hoc gathering. I think if we have a core of 10-15 people who are committed, others will join in. It would be wise to keep things simple and focus on a time of mutual fellowship and learning.

Let me know your thoughts.

Bob

[[Director] Joseph B]

That's far enough in advance that I can make it work.
My finances are so up and down don't know if I'll need help then or not, but again it's far enough in advance that I can start putting some money away now.

[rev_65]

We'd LOVE to have a CMN get-together here in the "Live Music Capital of the World"!

There are a number of shows that play almost year round now, but the annual show season usually kicks off about mid-March. The local college hosts the NAIA Division II Men's Basketball National Tournament at that time (March 9-15), so things get can get pretty booked up. The following week might be good option to consider.

There are flights into Springfield and Branson. Best bet is Springfield for major carriers, but there are some really cheap fairs directly into Branson from selected points of origin.

I'm also acquainted with a few hotel/motel owners who may could through us a really good deal.

I'd be interested in what everyone really wanted to do with the time, so we could have some planned activities, but with enough freedom for hanging out!

Lets' keep talking this up!

Peace.

[Mark Finley]

I'll be honest here... if it was organized as a mini or full blown convention, I would have an easier time getting my church to pay for at least partial expenses, and I would be more likely to be able to go

[Bobalou]

I hear you Mark. I agree that what is needed is content, fellowship and family fun. My only concern is not to set up something that would require a large group to break even. According to Dan, CMN took a bath in Orlando and I would assume that Baltimore took a loss as well. I think between the people already expressing interest plus if Dan, Phil, Jason and Len could come, we could offer some very good workshops. And Maybe Richard or Teresa could uncover a local, powerful Keynote person. I would vote for Cathy Rigsby. Wouldn't it be nice to have Peter Pan flying around our event, lol

I just think there is wisdom in keeping things as simple as possible, but I am open to go wherever we can find consensus.

Also I also like Richard's idea of having it the end of March. The only reason I suggested April was I thought there were more shows available, plus it looked to me like Silver Dollar City might not be open in March, but I would think cheaper housing might be availlable in March.