The ANA announced today that the 2020 World’s Fair of Money scheduled for August in Pittsburgh has been “Suspended.” The announcement recognized that the “Current State of Pennsylvania guidelines restrict indoor gatherings to a maximum of 250 people at any one time.”
Of course, I noted that almost three weeks ago, but who listens to me.
By suspension, this means that the ANA will scurry around and try to do something. Like the “something” that is planned for the virtual Summar Seminar, it is so much less than what it could be.
For years, I have been pushing for the broadcasting of the events from the show. I have been saying that the use of video can be a great recruiting tool. A few have even suggested doing a virtual bourse. Although I have not advocated one, I think I have an idea as to how to implement this.
All that is needed is the hardware and services to do this.
All that the ANA needed is for the current president to continue the efforts of the past. But that would require a president with an open mind who thought better of the ANA and its members.
The actions taken by the ANA president and Board of Governors show that they are not leaders. Leaders are proactive in the organization’s best interest. If you are reactive, then you are not a leader. Or as it was once said, you are leading from behind.
I wish the ANA was more proactive with the modern needs of a collecting public. As it is said, elections have their consequences. Rather than having the leadership the ANA needs (with all due respect to Joseph de Maistre), the association has the leadership it deserves.
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Scott
The best idea that I have regarding the WFM is to enlarge next year’s National Money Show. Have two WFMs next year.
I doubt if efforts to schedule a Fall WFM will be successful. Many Convention Centers are booked. Some Dealers and other participants have made other plans already.
Something else to consider is the angry mobs on the streets of this country these days doing whatever damage they want. People are going to be reluctant to travel anywhere. I am.
Finally, the latest AARP Bulletin says, and I think I correctly,, that people will be reluctant to pack into crowded Sports stadiums and arenas. Add places like numismatic shows to that list. The ANA should consider that.
But, I doubt if the ANA will listen. Numismatic organizations are runned by old fogies who want to preserve the status quo. That is the group that elected Steve Ellsworth.
If I had millions of dollars to spare, I would start my own show. If the old fogies disliked how I was running the show, I would tell them don’t come.
Sincerely
Bob
Scott, if you can do better why don’t you run for the ANA board? These people spend $1,000’s of their own money to serve for a thankless job as your comments so aptly demonstrate.
First, I served as a committee chair and have put in my dues. I did that for six years.
Second, I will be running for the Board in the next cycle. Watch for my official announcement when the petition period opens. Will you sign the petition to put me on the ballot?
Everyone deserves a chance to run, of course i’ll sign that.
Scott,
All convention venues expect to have a virtual monopoly on broadband access, which makes onsite broadcasting a non-starter. Even the Coin Show Radio podcast done live from Rosemont one year (audio only) was ridiculously expensive to arrange. The biggest problem is the venues and their “rules”, rules that are just attempts to extract every cent from a show.
Not only is there room for negotiations but there are alternatives. Give me 3 days and I could set up a remote broadcasting system. We could do it live or taped delay. Either way, it can be done by someone who knows what they are doing.
While “negotiations” may be an option at some venues, it is decidedly NOT at others. *cough* Philadelphia *cough*
As you know, after the last WFM in the City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia is no longer an option.