I have assisted with two COA conventions in Texas. Probably the most
difficult task for the convention committee is finding a hotel that meets as
many convention needs as possible. COA has guidelines to help the committee
with their decisions.  One bourse guideline calls for a ballroom of at least
10,000 square feet. (That is difficult to find in smaller cities.) Sometimes
a hotel will not charge COA for use of the ballroom if it is a slow time for
the hotel and/or COA can guarantee a certain number of room nights. (That is
the main reason that convention attendees need to stay at the convention
hotel.) When the convention was in San Antonio, the bourse was not on a
weekend because we could get the ballroom free during the week. Several
convention jobs, i.e. auction organization and registration, can be
conducted by people who do not live in the convention city, but someone
needs to live in the city to work with the hotel.

Traditionally the convention has been in the summer to allow teachers to
attend. Now that most of us are retired, is it time to rethink that issue?

Three final thoughts: 1. If you have ideas on how to improve the convention,
send them to the COA board members. 2. Get elected to the board. 3. Stay at
the convention hotel when you attend a convention.

Off of my soap box.
Lucy Clampit
Houston, TX

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