After talking to several folks about meetings, what makes them work, what makes them exciting, and what people generally want to show up for, I have determined that one thing that everyone enjoys is FREE STUFF. I am as we speak contacting every possible vendor, dealer, and supplier of everything and anything related to saltwater aquariums, in hopes of forming some partnerships with business, both local, and out of the area, that will supply us with knowledge, equipment, and services.
So, what do I need your input on you might be asking?
I am trying to figure out the best way to get the largest number of people a chance to get some of this future bounty, in as fair and fun a way possible. I have come up with 2 concepts that i think will work with some tinkering, and this is where your input will help. Currently i am thinking of using both methods simultaneously, but popular opinion will prevail, since this isn't my club, it is our club.
OPTION 1: your standard run of the mill raffle. each meeting, fabulous prizes will be available, hopefully there will be enough in the old closet that it can be topic specific (if we have one). everyone who shows up will get a ticket to throw into the hat. at the end of the meeting, or whenever we decide the drawing should fall, each item will have a ticket drawn for it, and the owner of the ticket will claim said prize. should the prize be something usefull to another member, but not necessarily the person drawing it, the item would be at the discression of the winner to either resubmit for a future meeting, or they could trade it, or give it to whomever they like. As an incentive to host a meeting, i would like the meeting host to have 2 tickets instead of one, to increase their odds of getting a prize that month.
OPTION 2: prizes will be held for a specific meeting, such as the "Summer Shindig" (more on that later) and members will have the opportunity throughout the year to earn tokens/tickets with which to bid at an auction. ideas for token earning include, but are by no means limited to:
hosting a meeting
attending a meeting
supplying snacks/drinks
driving in a carpool to the meeting (my personal favorite)
donating items for the auction
securing items from a vendor for the auction
preparing and delivering a short talk on a topic at the meeting
supplying a service to members (like testing peoples water for copper)
and generally anything that the group as a whole thinks makes you so cool and helpful that you deserve a little something for your effort.
NOTE: I or someone else will keep track of your tokens for you, you dont need to carry them around or try not to lose them, if that is a concern. at the time of the big auction, tokens will be distributed
In a perfect setup, if i am able to get several generous donations, i would like to offer a few small things at each meeting, and implement the token system for the largest donations at the big get together.
NOW, please give me any feedback or comments you may have. Additionally if you have any ideas for places to contact for possible donations please email me, or call me, or pm me, i have a huge list already, but i am certain there are places i am forgetting.
Thanks for your time, and your input. I am willing to do a lot of work to make this an enjoyable portion of the meetings, but i need to know what you consider fun!
Oh, while i have your attention, if you are new, or for some reason are not getting the meeting evites, please take a second to pm me now with your real name (first only is fine) and your email address that you check most often. i will make sure that fred gets all the info.
So, what do I need your input on you might be asking?
I am trying to figure out the best way to get the largest number of people a chance to get some of this future bounty, in as fair and fun a way possible. I have come up with 2 concepts that i think will work with some tinkering, and this is where your input will help. Currently i am thinking of using both methods simultaneously, but popular opinion will prevail, since this isn't my club, it is our club.
OPTION 1: your standard run of the mill raffle. each meeting, fabulous prizes will be available, hopefully there will be enough in the old closet that it can be topic specific (if we have one). everyone who shows up will get a ticket to throw into the hat. at the end of the meeting, or whenever we decide the drawing should fall, each item will have a ticket drawn for it, and the owner of the ticket will claim said prize. should the prize be something usefull to another member, but not necessarily the person drawing it, the item would be at the discression of the winner to either resubmit for a future meeting, or they could trade it, or give it to whomever they like. As an incentive to host a meeting, i would like the meeting host to have 2 tickets instead of one, to increase their odds of getting a prize that month.
OPTION 2: prizes will be held for a specific meeting, such as the "Summer Shindig" (more on that later) and members will have the opportunity throughout the year to earn tokens/tickets with which to bid at an auction. ideas for token earning include, but are by no means limited to:
hosting a meeting
attending a meeting
supplying snacks/drinks
driving in a carpool to the meeting (my personal favorite)
donating items for the auction
securing items from a vendor for the auction
preparing and delivering a short talk on a topic at the meeting
supplying a service to members (like testing peoples water for copper)
and generally anything that the group as a whole thinks makes you so cool and helpful that you deserve a little something for your effort.
NOTE: I or someone else will keep track of your tokens for you, you dont need to carry them around or try not to lose them, if that is a concern. at the time of the big auction, tokens will be distributed
In a perfect setup, if i am able to get several generous donations, i would like to offer a few small things at each meeting, and implement the token system for the largest donations at the big get together.
NOW, please give me any feedback or comments you may have. Additionally if you have any ideas for places to contact for possible donations please email me, or call me, or pm me, i have a huge list already, but i am certain there are places i am forgetting.
Thanks for your time, and your input. I am willing to do a lot of work to make this an enjoyable portion of the meetings, but i need to know what you consider fun!
Oh, while i have your attention, if you are new, or for some reason are not getting the meeting evites, please take a second to pm me now with your real name (first only is fine) and your email address that you check most often. i will make sure that fred gets all the info.