Well stated Frank. I for one would certainly vote to host a Symposium on a cruise ship again. Not next year but maybe within the next few? In any event it was truly enjoyable experience. I learned so much from the presentations. The passion of those behind the scenes with AMSAT-NA was inspiring. Thank-you to Clayton for taking the chance and stepping outside of the box with this event.
chad kg0mw
On Nov 26, 2016, at 1:14 AM, Frank Westphal [email protected] wrote:
I had a fantastic time at the AMSAT Symposium at Sea. I would go again next year if a cruise is offered. How about a cruise out of a Florida port. I learned a lot, had a great time meeting operators face to face that I had only talked to on the birds. Had fun in Progresso. Made a dozen QSO's from rare grids to make the operators who stayed home happy.
I went to the Baltimore Symposium two years ago and spent at least as much money as the cruise trip all expenses included. I enjoyed the Baltimore trip, but there was more opportunity to get to know the other AMSAT members on the cruise and exchange ideas.
A big thank you to Clayton, W5PFG, and his symposium committee and the AMSAT Board of Directors for believing in the idea and backing it.
As far as furthering the fund raising for AMSAT the venue of the symposium has minimal impact on attracting additional dollars. I have to believe a symposium on a cruise ship costs AMSAT less that at a tradition hotel.
Attracting additional members will of course increase the income. Getting hams exciting about working the satellites will increase membership.
The funding model for most large dxpeditions is half from the operators going on the expedition and the other half from fundraising from the ham community and corporate sponsors. AMSAT is working on the corporate donors. If every AMSAT member was a member of the President's Club at what ever level they can afford that would sure help the deficit. No hobby is inexpensive. Have you checked on the cost of a golf membership lately.
I for one think AMSAT is a terrific organization and hope the future is bright.
Frank K6FW _______________________________________________ Sent via [email protected]. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb