Tom and Randy,
I've wondered about all of these same questions many times. Why don't more C4OA members step up to the plate to volunteer and make these events happen? I don't profess to know the answer but I can point out one nuance which might be partially to blame.
The local coin clubs that both of you have served so well are just that...local. While the C4OA has over 300 members, the club is populated mostly with members from all over the United States. Yes, there are a couple dozen Nevadan members who have come to the meetings, but that is not the same as the huge local attendance that both of you have experienced with your area coin clubs.
The C4OA is no less worthy of such participation, nor are its members any less sophisticated in the subject matter. Be that as it may, the club's widely flung membership may be one reason our meetings are not as easily produced.
Regarding Tom's query about paying an organizer... Actually, that's pretty good "out of the box" thinking! There are those who would not agree because these kinds of club events are traditionally set up by the members, a fact that speaks to the members' mutual CC collecting passion. There are thousands of event planners across the nation and many are very good. I know because my wife owned and operated one such company for 22 years before retiring.
Cost might be a hurdle, though I am confident a reasonably priced event planner could be found. Timing is also very important as the most cost efficient and contact effective way to promote such a meeting is through Curry's Chronicle. Any major club meeting needs to be advertised through no less than two issues of Curry's in advance. Raffle prize donations are also dependent upon Curry's Chronicle to get the word out.
Without Curry's as the promotional platform, a separate promotional mailing campaign would have to be done, and this would be costly.
These are just a few of the considerations.
Belay Off
C4OA Lifer!
