Okay reef fans, I want to bounce an idea off of everyone. In July we recently completed our church building (it looks more like a starbucks than a traditional church building - in fact we have a starbucks setup in our large welcome center). We have an awesome Multimedia setup and 10,000 sq. feet of space. We have stained concrete floors so saltwater wouldn't be a problem.

I am VERY interested in hosting an event similar to Next Wave that the DFW club hosts.

I think we could get 3 or 4 speakers (thinking like Melev, Ace, who knows maybe Eric Borneman or such). We could have a frag swap/sale and maybe some of the local stores would bring some stuff to sale.

Since I am the pastor (I have some pull), we wouldn't have to charge table fees or the like. We would only charge an entry fee (less for charter members say) and the proceeds would be split to cover some utility costs for the church and the rest going to cover expenses and then the two clubs (sort of a fundraiser for the clubs).

I am thinking charter members would get access an hour earlier maybe to the frag sale/swap (but ARC doesn't charge membership dues yet so that might be tough). I would love to also have people bring used equipment for sale. Maybe someone could build a small nano system to raffle, the stores could donate raffle items, etc.

I would probably think it good to invite MARSH and DFW clubs as well. The beauty is that we would have almost no overhead costs for renting a facility (it's good to be the Pastor!!)

What would be some good topics people would like to hear from speakers? We have a connection with some of the best Mexican food in the area for about $8 to $10 a person for fajita meat, sides, and chips/salsa. I would think we could keep cost to around $40 or so a person. Maybe $45 or $50 depending upon how much speakers would want.

Now, the facility is in Georgetown so that is on the north for everybody, but would make it easier for DFW folks as well.

Does this sound like something the BOD and the members would be interested in?

Any stores out there want to comment on if you would be interested in having a table or so if you don't have to pay a table fee?

Lee