National Train Show Downsizing

[Ike the BN Freak]

Interesting that they would require NMRA membership as the NMRA doesnt have much to do with it. I know of some T-Trak clubs that do the N-Rail (N-trak) membership.

Back when I did NTrak, the local club required NMRA membership for insurance. NMRA will insure a club if they have 100% NMRA membership.

[Englewood]

Could it be that they require nrail.org

Nope, definitely NMRA.

[pjm20]

From what I understand, the convention center's set up people are unionized and they must be the one's to set up booths, tables, etc and bill accordingly. A well known manufacturer was going to be charged $25k to set up their display, so they bowed out. I believe that is what is causing the change in venue.

[Angus Shops]

As the treasurer of my professional organization in BC (Can) I can confirm that the cost of organizing any event in something like a hotel ballroom has gone through the roof in the last couple of years. At our upcoming event the cost for audio visual support alone (speakers, a couple of microphones, a projector, a camera to record the festivities and a tech to make it work) is over $8,000.00. We used to count on the revenue, now we can barely break even.

[DirtyD79]

That was my experience too. Often people too up their own  at best, Rick Spano being a prominent local exception. Left my NMRA round robbin a year ago now after a group rant on how my town was so much better before (__Slurs____)  came in the 90s. And despite my name. being from a family who came to town in the 90s that the tirade applied to I promptly left them to do their FnC kits and custom paint jobs themselves.

Exactly. Attitudes like that are why I didn't join this one car club a few years ago. I get more than enough of hearing about politics and tirades about (__Slurs____) every time my dad watches the news. I sure as hell don't need it in my hobbies too.