<HTML>In a message dated 7/19/2002 10:57:32 AM Pacific Daylight Time, baldwin@mta-01.sk.sympatico.ca writes: <BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px">2002 10:57:32 AM Pacific Daylight Time From:<A HREF="mailto:baldwin@mta-01.sk.sympatico.ca">baldwin@mta-01.sk.sympatico.ca</A> Reply-to:<A HREF="mailto:pianotech@ptg.org">pianotech@ptg.org</A> To:<A HREF="mailto:pianotech@ptg.org">pianotech@ptg.org</A> Sent from the Internet         Roger </BLOCKQUOTE> I think this is a great thing you've got going. I'd like to see our state conventions try this. I would guess the overall costs would be lower. It would be different and that could be good.        >>>>>>>Dale Erwin>>>>>>>> <BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px"> Hi Patrick,                    In Canada the Canadian Association of Piano Technicians,  makes a point of partnershiping  with Universities and Colleges.  It can be a win, win situation. The University ends up with some of their pianos being up graded, because we also run a large component of our annual convention as a hands on technical institute.  They provide space at low cost. Much cheaper than renting hotel conference rooms, also AV aids are usually supplied at minimal cost. I could not see this working for the National, but it could work very well for many regional conferences. Having chaired several of these events, I see no down side.  In fact it helps with the organizations visibility and image. Partnerships is going to be very important in many ways, to the healthy growth of the guild. Just my thoughts on the topic. Regards Roger </BLOCKQUOTE> </HTML>