[Harp-L] SPAH 2026

[Bflat Blues]

$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> 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> 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
>