RV-9(A) get together at AirVenture 2012

[Loman]

I attended this event in '09 and again in '11 (I wasn't at OSH '10) and it was a highlight of OSH for me both times. It really pains me that I can't be there this year.

I remember that one of those years somebody (can't remember who) took charge and the other year that didn't happen. The difference between the two was night and day. You need an organised programme to make this kind of event memorable for everybody.

If you don't mind me coaching from the cheap seats, I think somebody at least needs to call the event to order and get everybody to introduce themselves and say where their project is at. As the OP, how about you taking it on Dean? When that's done, why not divide down into two tables, one for flyers and the other for builders and have a 15-20 minute open discussion around building at the builders table and around operating at the flyers table. Two tables would work well with the usual attendance of a dozen or so and the actual topics don't really matter. Then call a 'recess' and allow people to change tables if they wish before having another 15-20 minute open discussion on any topic that people want to suggest. As a former management training instructor, that's how I would do it but it doesn't matter as long as there is some kind of programme.

As I won't be there, I won't express an opinion as to timing other than to say that a mid-week event is obviously going to catch the most 9-ers. However, Dean is right and it was noticeable that people arriving for the Vans banquet came through the area, meaning that it sort of broke up in confusion. From that point of view, if you are going with the usual timing, a nearby but separate venue would be better.

Somebody make sure to post a report (with pics) on how it goes - for all of us who can't be there.

[Fearless]

I'm gonna miss you guys this year. I'm staying home and making a push to try to get my plane inspected by the end of the year (notice I didn't say done). We'll see how that goes. I got more avionic purchases I plan to make once I am out of Phase 1.

[FlyingArcher]

... as long as it's after Tuesday morning

Hi Dean, I'll be there again this year. I was there for the first instance of the -9(A) get together in 2009 and really enjoyed it. had the opportunity to meet you and Smitty, as well as the most famous 9A representative Vlad himself.

I couldn't get a decent price for a transatlantic flight before Monday, so I'll miss the Van's day, but I'll be at the banquet and hope to meet fellow 9(A) builders/flyers.
I hope you'll be able to set up a schedule for this meeting before I leave, because I won't be able to monitor this forum once in the US
Cheers

[RVbySDI]

We will be there with our 9A but we arrive on Saturday and leave on Wednesday morning. Obviously we would like the gathering to be Monday or Tuesday.

[sbalmos]

Will be there the whole week. Obviously Monday night's out, and I hear PilotsOfAmerica is having their own beer get-together Wednesday night. Otherwise, I'm completely open.

[Steve]

I'll be there all week (Sat pm to Sat am).

[chipf]

I was also there in 2009!
For this visit, Monday and Tuesday are my options, Wednesday is reserved for seeing parts of Wisconsin where the airplanes are not.

Any reason we can't do double duty at Dan Horton's Monday Social?

[Tumper]

I have tallied the results and it looks like Wednesday early is about as good as it gets. In the middle of the week so those that are just there for part of the week can hopefully make it (Sorry Chip). Let?s meet around 9:00 am at the serving area northeast of Phillips 66 Plaza. From the center of the plaza travel 027 degrees for about 432? and you should be there. Or just south of the Honda Jet tent. We can have coffee and donuts and spend as long as we want discussing Van?s finest. Bring pictures if you can, building or flying.

However, I still plan to be at Van?s Banquet about 1 hour before it begins so if you would like you can show up there also.

I hope everyone can make it.

I would also like to put out a request to one of the most famous RV builders and one of our own ?Vlad, spend of that paint job money and come and join us?.

Be safe traveling and we will see ya there?