I agree with Ken that one-on-one contact and getting to know people is very
important. This is why I have been organizing several smaller events (20-50)
people around the country for the past two years. One format that works very
well for participants is to run an event 4 Saturdays in a row. You really do
get to know each other when you get together 4 times, each time visiting a
different participant's own old house. Just yesterday I was talking with Jay
Vogt, the S. Dakota state histortic preservation officer. He said the
principle comment and excitement around the state after my series there in May
is that folks got to actually discuss their own problems and concerns
personally with someone who knew old buildings and that the presenter seemed
"real friendly", "just like folks".  I, too, feel more like I have made
friends where I go, rather than "just helping those people out there", as when
presenting at a big conference.

Four Saturdays in a row? People crave this kind of contact so much they will
give up four Saturdays in a row. It's not a fluke, I've done it 3 times in the
past two years in different parts of the country.

I know from my own experience that Ken is right. This is why I am spending
more of my time in places like northern Nebraska visiting a few folks than in
Washington, DC, presenting to the masses.

Perhaps those of us who are compelled to share what we know should just tell
the conference organizers that we will only sit at "round tables" and not
"lecture to the masses." Perhaps the organizers should pay us enough for
presenting so we can relax and have the time to make those personal contacts
that really help people.

I hope Ken will spill the beans and let us know more about his situation (if
he can). In the next week or so I'm making decissions and finalizing
committments for conferences next year and could use more of this good
discussion.

John Leeke