[Harp-L] SPAH 2026

[Jerry Deall]

Folks,
This is one of my favorite topics: where to hold the SPAH convention. Let
me tell you it is not that simple
Here's the short list:
1. Find a Host Club or blues society and provide a point person
  Solicit and manage the Convention Volunteer pool
  Typically about 30-35 volunteers worked, many of whom worked multiple
four-hour shifts. Some only worked half a day or an evening.
  Organize and host 2 Tours scheduled for Thursday and Friday
  Host the SPAH Hospitality Room
2. Identify host hotels for SPAH to consider for the convention
  We need close to 300 rooms and 16,000 square feet of convention space
  Rooms less than $200 (not easy to find these days, and discounted staff
rooms
  Ball room for 400 was too small; last year's venue in San Antonio was
inadequate.
  Reasonably priced dining nearby.
  Easy airport access.
  Reasonable F&B (Food & Beverage) minimums (more on this below).

Some may remember that when COVID hit, we were supposed to be in Charlotte,
but that was, of course, cancelled.
When we went back to rebook for a later year management had changed.
Previously they required a $15,000–$20,000 F&B minimum, which we can
handle. Now Charlotte and many other hotels require an $80,000 to $100,000
F&B minimum.

That being said we (I) welcome all suggestions for new locations. Just let
me know.

Regards,  Jerry Deall, SPAH President,
Put August 11-15, 2026 on your calendar for SPAH 2026 at the Sheraton
Westport Chalet in St. Louis MO
.



On Mon, Mar 16, 2026 at 7:08 AM Bflat Blues <kham27 at xxxxx> wrote:

> Its 100% true. I love the informal learning that happens in between
> sessions (not to take away from the sessions themselves). It also happens
> when jamming with folks.The cream on top is meeting others with the same
> passion and making life long friendships. Right foot in, right foot out,
> that's what its all about!
>
> Unfortunately its always too far for me which is why I've been organizing
> my own retreats.
>
> If SPAH could ever be hosted closer to east coast or a little more north
> like Chicago, New York, Philidelphia, Boston etc I'd be in. Seems to be
> always hosted in the midwest or south for whatever reason. Not complaining,
> just suggesting a slight geography shift!
>
> Cheers.
>
> Kevin
> My two cents.
>
> On Tue, 10 Mar 2026 at 21:36, JOSEPH LEONE via Harp-L <harp-l at xxxxx>
> wrote:
>
> > I can dig it. Yeah, face to face with Greg Jones. It don't get no better.
> > smo-joe
> >
> > > On 03/10/2026 9:10 AM EDT Greg Jones <greg at xxxxx>
> > wrote:
> > >
> > >
> > > A big shout out to the SPAH team.
> > > They have done a great job streamlining registration and membership
> > matters
> > > on the web site.
> > >
> > > SPAH 2025 was amazing and I expect SPAH 2026 to be even better.
> > >
> > > If you haven't attended, strongly consider it.
> > >
> > > In our internet driven world, we deprive ourselves of 1-on-1 human
> > > interaction. Once you attend SPAH, you realize how nice it is to
> actually
> > > talk to friends fact-to-face about your passion.
> > >
> > > Hope to see you there!
> > >
> > > Greg
> > >
> > > *Greg Jones*
> > > *Seydel Sales & Service*
> > >
> > > Web Site <http://1623customharmonicas.com>
> > > Repairs
> > > <
> https://www.1623customharmonicas.com/seydel-diatonic--chromatic-repair>
> >
>


-- 
Regards Jerry