Folks, Kathy is checking dates in March for Pond Boss Conference, II.
We learned immensely from the first one. Pond Boss lost money, but it was probably the best money we have ever lost.
Networking among the pros was significant. Many of the pros landed deals with vendors such as BassPro, Cabela's, etc. Also, some of the pros landed good sales with attendees who need work. Some of the vendors landed deals, too. Sweeney, Vertex, Purina...their networking was valuable, also.
So, there is an overwhelming demand to have the conference again. I've been in Mexico on a church mission trip and immediately hit the road when I got home. I'm in Columbus, Indiana, getting ready to fire up the manly Dodge truck and head south and west. Upon my return, I'll get with Kathy and we'll start work on the next conference.
As far as the regional meetings, I think it's wise. I would try to attend as a speaker and to meet the Pond Boss faithful, as long as expenses are covered. The way I see it, for regional meetings, someone locally will need to take the ball and put it together, like Dave Davidson did and the good folks like Frank in Georgia and Condello in Nebraska. We also had one in Illinois, on Fred and Connie Bingaman's front porch. I would want to be involved to make sure any of the speakers or vendors meet Pond Boss' rigid business and ethical standards. No chaff at these meetings, please.
As you can imagine, my focus needs to stay on the conference, producing the magazine (and not being late)and doing what I do to make a living.
So, as soon as I get a minute to sit down with Kathy and start looking at dates, we'll get that ball rolling and let everyone know.
