From: Association of Collecting Clubs
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To: Digital Reprieve, Inc.
From: Association of Collecting Clubs

Subject: ACC Update, Vol 3, No 13, December 8, 2005

Club Conventions Schedule
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Although we are still in the year 2005, many collecting groups are well into the final planning for your 2006 annual conventions. Before we get into the "convention season" the next couple of ACC Updates will be carrying brief articles on conventions. We hope you will pass these issues along to your convention chairman.

We alert our media reps of this schedule and many of them use it to plan their editorial features for upcoming issues.

So what if your convention is closed - for members only? We still recommend you list the event in the Convention Schedule, particularly if collectors can join your group ahead of time, or at the door, and can participate; or, if some of the convention events are open to the public.

We deliberately do not give a lot of information on your convention in the schedule. We prefer readers visit your website or contact number to get the most up-to-date convention plans.

Conventions - Creative Ways to Boost Convention Attendance
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It seems a trend that convention attendance has dipped in recent years for a number of clubs. This came out clearly in ACC's 2003 national club convention survey. Those reporting had a variety of contributing reasons they thought might be to blame - everything from the Internet to having "like" conventions year after year with little creativity and change.

Probably the Internet may be to blame to a small degree. Many collectors feel they can do better finding items on the Internet sitting in front of the computer screen in their den or office. But this can also be a "cop out" for bigger problems. A couple of clubs simply reported that their membership was getting older and it was more difficult for them to travel than it used to be. This symptom goes much further than just the convention attendance.

Practically every club indicates that their annual convention is the biggest event of the year - the highlight of the calendar. Well, if that's the case, then the convention better well live up to it in every way, and if this cannot be done then perhaps the conventions should either be drastically changed, done away with, or perhaps held less frequently.

In discussing conventions with hundreds of different collectors in a wide range of collecting clubs, our sense is that there has not been very much creativity that has gone into the planning of most of them. They are not only traditional by intent, but often traditionally boring.

So how do you build creativity into the convention program? First, we would suggest the process start within hours after the closure of the past convention, while it is still fresh in your mind. Analyze and dissect and critique each and every segment of the convention in the name of creativity. What can you do next year that would be different...and better?

Perhaps a membership survey would be appropriate in the newsletter following the last convention. Ask "If you could change one segment of the convention that would make it better, what would you change?" And, then ask: "If you could add one creative, new dimension to our convention next year, what would you add?" There could be more questions, but if you got some good responses to these two questions, it could point you as convention chairman in a winning direction. Obviously, these questions are meant for those members who are normally convention attendees. Perhaps posing a different question to the members who do not attend might be something like "We are attempting to boost attendance at our annual convention. Be creative. Specifically what can we offer that would make you want to attend next year?"

Probably one of the best ways to find creative ideas to add to your convention operation is by seeking out what other clubs are doing at their conventions - networking and sharing ideas. If you feel you are doing something really creative that has been successful at your club convention, we would like to hear about it, and pass it along. Send it to ACC by any of the communications channels listed at the end of this newsletter.

Remember one important aspect of boosting convention attendance - the need to promote the convention to your most important audience...your members. No matter if you might have segments of your convention open to the general public, or want a good turnout from the press, the convention is for your members. Do the appropriate sales job...they cannot afford not to be there!

Finally, a quote from The International Society of Antique Scale Collectors to their membership describing their convention: "Nowhere else will you find a more captivating audience to listen to your tales of new acquisitions and endless discussion of your personal collection." That pretty much describes it all!

Conventions - Attention to "First Timers"
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"First Timers," meaning those club members who are attending their first annual convention, should receive special treatment. You want them to have such a good time that they will continue coming back year after year.

"First Timers" ribbon ID's for the convention badges and a "First Timers" reception are a beginning. The convention program, throughout, needs to deliberately include ways to bring "First Timers" into the family and make them feel apart.

Unfortunately, many conventions have the "old timers" who have been to 20 or more conventions and who know everyone else and can come in and hit the ground running, so to speak. It's very easy for "First Timers" to sense exclusion in such circumstances. Clubs need to be totally aware of this and particularly the club leadership needs to be sensitive to welcoming and involving the "First Timers."

Conventions - Getting People to Volunteer
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Many clubs report a void in volunteerism when it comes to planning and conducting the annual convention. Probably it is safe to say that anyone who has ever chaired a national convention or other major event can readily attest to the time consumption, detail and negotiating you have to do. And, probably there isn't such a thing as too many volunteers.

It has been suggested that the best way to get volunteers is to establish very direct "position descriptions" for each volunteer role - precisely what is needed and expected, approximately how involved or demanding it may or may not be, and a time frame. When people have a clear idea of what is expected, they are more apt to volunteer.

Another thought is that it doesn't hurt to just ask people directly, "Will you do such and such for the convention?". Some people may feel uncomfortable volunteering but would be happy to help, if asked, and will probably do a good job.

Always remember, volunteers are not paid staff. Some people are habitual volunteers who then lack follow through. As convention chairman, you need to seek out information to make sure you are getting a good corps of volunteers who you can count on and who will work together as a team.

An important note. Make sure your volunteers get appropriate recognition and thanks both at the convention and in the club publication or other type of convention report.

ACC News Service
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This is the News Service which features announcements, news articles and features from collecting clubs. Add your article directly or make sure we're on the news release mailing list.

Last month nearly 300 articles were added to the News Service. This is not only a good way to get information out about your club's activities, upcoming shows or conventions, special projects or features on members, but also a good way to keep up-to-date on what other clubs are doing.

We can be reached by e-mail at: NewsService@collectors.org

Unusual Collections. Some May Even Be Unique
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We've all probably heard the comment, "People collect everything!" Well, two years ago the National Association of Collectors started a section on our website entitled "Does Anybody Else Collect...?" for collectors who feel that they are the "only ones out there" collecting that particular rarity. And, perhaps sometimes they are! After all, how many people can claim to be avid collectors of toothbrush cups, diaper pins, razor blades, cat whiskers, hearing aids or wrapping paper?

Over 230 collectors have added their collecting specialties. Some are interested in finding like collectors. Some would even like to start a club. Here are some of the other things they collect: watermelons, Arizona tea bottles, black-faced sheep, clothes hangers, company ties, horn weights, snails, women's slips and wire spoons.

That's all for now. Let us know any time that we can be of assistance.