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