Our initial idea was to have one "major" FT get together each year with lots of smaller regional get togethers throughout the year. The yearly major event would be announced far in advance to give everyone the opportunity to plan ahead (securing vacation time, budget funds, etc.) and to attempt to get the most attendees at one location for maximum enjoyment and group meetings of FlyerTalkers.

There have been many folks who have offered to host the next major one (Orlando, Australia, to name a few) and we have suggested that it wait until after the first major one (this November's PIP) when we place all the options on the board for a vote.

Who knows, maybe even Randy might want to organize an "Official" FlyerTalk event next year?

The name Party In Paradise refers specifically to this Hawaii gathering. To avoid confusion, it would be great if each major event had it's own unique name to identify it. A "Party In Paradise" in say New York City would, I'm sure, seem a bit funny for most folks ("paradise" not being exactly what the Visitors Bureau would probably call it. ) Be creative!

The Asia OneWorld thing sounds great, but due to it's timing (especially with so many attending the PIP) would be difficult to organize and get a large participation on such short notice, in order to make it one of the annual major get togethers.

But I for one would be interested if it were one of the mini regional gatherings (dependent on the dates and my work schedule, of course). But first I think someone has to come forward from a particular country and volunteer to act as the organizer and host to pick a date and put things together. Any volunteers?

The smaller regionial get togethers are fairly easy to organise, and we've had lots of 'em and lots of fun! But hosting a major one is different. I can tell you it's lots of work behind the scenes and in addition to that quite a responsablity. I mean a lot of folks are spending hard earned money and precious vacation time to attend and will be expecting and deserve a great time. And believe me the PIP Committee is well aware of that and is putting in a lot of work (with Randy's help too) to insure that it will be worth the time and effort of the participants. They have committed themselves to that end and to not letting anyone down. Whoever is organizing the next major one should be well aware of the responsiblities before taking on the challenge, IMHO.


[This message has been edited by PremEx (edited 08-13-1999).]