IM Andrew Martin is willing to come back and handle a Q&A session as well as show us new things about his Chess Academy. His utterly "British" style won over many participants and his handling fo the Jonathan Berry blindfold simul was excellent.

The mind spins many webs. If I choose Las Vegas I can expect an uptick in attendance, but, how much? Will people come and dart in and out of the events and spend the rest of their time running in and out of casinos or strip joints? Should the events be held in the daytime so attendents can "play elsewhere" in the evening? This is how lots of conferences are handled. But we have a different venue, right? These days casinos are everywhere but Las Vegas IS Las Vegas.

Since I no longer have retail stuff to display and dispose of, whatever dealers are there will need to justify their showing up. Hence, we need lots of "people" with some degree of affluence. Money after you buy your initial registration is not a prerequisite BUT it helps pay for the location, my airfare, working hotel staff, food, and advertiser as well as expenses of those who would be selling there. I've seen all kinds of events over the years and most are professional organizations where thousands upon thousands are spent.

The last event I charged $150 at the door. It wasn't enough and it was local. I received several thousand dollars from "private contributions" to help erase the debt. None of these amazing people wanted their name publicized. One person offered $10,000 to put on the NEXT one! He said he never had so much fun. Others offered hundreds or a thousand here and there. This tells me that THERE is a DESIRE for this type of event. I was, in a word, flabbergasted.

I was able to hold the event here and keep costs under control. If I move it somewhere else the costs just naturally escalate. Over the last 4 events I was unable to attend most of the workshops, so I could use at least one assistant so i can be at two places at once. We need people to man registration.

I ahve been to many events over the eyars from 1985 to 2000 and it isn't unlikely to see the cost run $150-$500. Would $250 be too much to ask?

I know some people will want to know who will be the guests of honor? How much does that matter? Our surveys have ALWAYS shown the attendees to be much more than satisfied with our guests. They will be good. I always want to have one special eprson or surprise and I have one in mind. But, it could be expensive BECAUSE he doesn't do these sort of things, BUT, I have been wearing him down! Then there is the cost of airflight and hotel stay. Many attendees come to these events and stay with friends ro family, or find an inexpensive place to stay. The more people we get to STAY at OUR location, the cheaper the MAIN room is. In 2004 our main room was $3000 total. In Las Vegas or Orlando it is clear it would be much more than this--don't you think?

What about Orlando? Chess4Less is 5 hours down the road and no doubt would bring a huge amount of inventory for your special amusement and purchase. orlando has some other advantages. Theme parks like Universal, Disney, Epcot and so on. Great for family if you bring them along.

Of course, both locations can be very warm if done in the summer. When done around the midwest's winter time (say January and February) it is cooler and much milder and better. What is most conducive? To me, not to have it near some other national event. Tie it in with collectors? Maybe.

Kansas City is a terrific city. I have been there a number of times but Janaury and February are bad times. New York is impossibly expensive in most scenarios.