This was the best Regional we have had in several years. There were over 200 sold tables, plenty of 'It's For Free' events, many educational presentations with over 70 attending the breakfast banquet. Chap 139 sponsored it's own Silent Auction on Fri eve and all items placed winning bids except one. A member's wife made a cake that you would swear was a real banjo clock was also auctioned off with great success. Several new members and a small number of visitors made me think membership in the area might be picking up. Finally, there was also an increase in watch sellers of which most stayed the full two days. Darrah Artzner
That's great, Darrah! You mentioned 'visitors'. Out of curiosity, what was the policy on inviting the public?
We originally had public day several years ago with poor success. It take a lot of local advertising and we just can't seem to get it. So, for the past 4 or 5 years we have been encouraging new members via public events like 'The Makers Faire' with some success. We have also been encouraging new members via our Chapter sponsored classes such as beginning clock and pocket watch two day courses. Our eBlast mailings are open to anyone (member and non-member) that wishes to receive them. During the Regional we make every effort to get any walk-in public a chance to enter the Mart either by suggesting they register for the NAWCC 4 month trial membership or the Chapter offsets some costs to make it reasonable for them. Reducing Chapter entry fees can be done by discounts, comp or by a member sponsoring and paying part of the fee. We do not turn anyone away if at all possible. We also encourage the public to attend our presentations that are free to them. I hope this helps. P.S: One cannot rule out the fact that the low attendance due to hurricane Harvey last year might have made members feel the need to attend this year, or, the super discount we gave anyone that pre-registered.
