| Home |
|
|
| Gwen Gibson
Workshop in France |
| Philadelphia
Polymer Clay Guild 2004 Retreat |
| Southern Connecticut Polymer
Clay Guild Clay ConneCTion 2004 |
 |
EoPc
Update Important Announcement Updated June 5, 2004 |
 |
|
| Forum: the
Polymer Clay Central Forum Subject: EoPc Canceled From: Julie (JWISECRAFT) To: (ALL) DateTime: 6/5/2004 3:00:32 PM Dear Polymer Clay Community, It is with deep regret that the EoPc Conference Coordination Team and National Polymer Clay Guild Board Members announce the joint decision to cancel the EoPc event planned for August 8-15, at San Diego State University, CA. Due to lower than anticipated enrollment, it has become apparent that it is fiscally impossible to hold the event without severely compromising the survival of the National Polymer Clay Guild. After thousands of hours of volunteerism on behalf of the planning committee, National board members and generous volunteers, we are saddened to have to make this announcement. The reasons for the low enrollment figures are varied. Many of these factors were beyond the control of the planning committee. We have received considerable feedback that while the interest was there on the part of the creative community, financial considerations or schedule conflicts prevented many people from signing up. Several of the committee members polled people who have attended long-standing conferences and trade shows in the creative industries this year. We have heard repeatedly that attendance has been down at most of these shows. Other considerations such as it being an election year, concerns over travel safety and gasoline prices may have also played a role in the lack of registrations. More often than not, it is probably a combination of factors. It has even been suggested by many, that what many of us view as a traditional polymer clay conference may be passé and that most clayers seem to prefer a more relaxed retreat event like Shrinemont. In spite of these considerations, the planning committee has reflected on ways we could have been more effective. Valuable lessons on how we would have done things differently in hindsight may help assure successful conferences in the future. A few of these include exploring less expensive venues with more options for food and lodging, changing the focus of the national guild from a large event to support of smaller more regional events, publicize early in other media publications, and work with regional guilds on timing of events so as not to have major conferences held consecutively. To make better decisions in the future, we welcome any and all suggestions, so that those volunteers coordinating future conferences can benefit from all our input. We will be issuing refunds for money received on or before July 1st. We deeply apologize for any inconvenience and disappointment this has caused anyone. As far as being disappointed, we totally empathize with you. We thank you for your patience and understanding. Sincerely, The EoPc Conference Coordination Team: Julie Wise, Pam Pierce (Co-Chairs), Trina Williams-Publicity, Lisa Pavelka - Special Events, Judy Belcher-Finance, Karen Burkhardt-Registration, Lee Radtke-Art Shows. The National Polymer Clay Guild Board: Lee Radtke-President, Carla Randall-Recording Secretary, Patty Barnes-Corresponding Secretary, Georgia Sargeant- Local Guilds Liaison, Diane Luftig-Treasurer, Karen Burkhardt- Web, Karen Scudder-Member at Large from Virginia, Lenora Kandiner-VP for Membership, Julie Wise-VP for Education & Outreach, Jann Hunt-POLYinforMER Editor. |
|
|