[Harp-L] SPAH 2026

[JOSEPH LEONE]

They would want you to cover the 'underage'. Which is a ridiculous figure. Why? Because IF the hotel had decent food at less than Taj Mahal price, they wouldn't have to sweat it. As it twere, a ton of attendees want other choices in food. Not everyone can eat at Ruth-Chris prices. Tulsa wasn't good as far as food prep. and the service was not only slow but unattentive. Fortunately there were other choices nearby. 
 
The Westport Chalet (fortunately) isn't one of those questionable places. They aren't too bad. 
Been there a few times. I liked the entire experience. If the wife wasn't in the home, I would go.
 
As for drinks, some hotels have hassled people walking around with a drink in hand. Questioning as to whether it came from their bar? Romulus Mich. was good for that one. 
 
Attendees number? Probably between 330 and 430. 
 
Ok, my opinion only. One would think that some of these areas, which aren't exactly rolling in dough from the NON plethora of visitors they don't get, and in a slow economy, they would be a bit more amenable to 'let's make a deal'. 
 
smo-joe (Chuck Noris tried his best to knock me out of #1 position. Unfortunately he ran out of time.) 

> On 03/27/2026 7:27 PM EDT Bflat Blues <kham27 at xxxxx> wrote:
>  
>  
> $80,000 food and beverage deal. Is that a guarantee that they will sell $80,000 in food that you have to front if they don't? How many people attend usually?
>  
> Kevin
> 
> On Mon, 16 Mar 2026 at 16:44, Jerry Deall <jdeall at xxxxx mailto:jdeall at xxxxx> wrote:
> 
> > 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 mailto: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 mailto: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 mailto: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
> > 
>