Ron's point is important, location can be critical to turnout, especially here along the Wasatch where we must travel long distances for daily, mundane activiites. Just crossing two counties can cost someone two tanks of gas and a couple of hours drive time. Another important factor is advance notice. Just a couple of week's notice usually isn't enough time for anyone with a family, or a life outside of amateur astronomy. Some of us have work schedules that are made up to a month or more in advance, and must take priority over non-essential activities. Our plans are locked-in weeks ahead of time. At LEAST six week's notice is essential for many of us to work it into family plans. Two months is better. I would also like to point out that the regional swap-meet has traditionally been not a club-sponsored activity by any one organization, but unofficially put together by independent atms, representative of all the area clubs. I personally would like to see it continue to be a non-affiliated event, showing no favoritism as to location, and flexibility year-to-year. Keep it loose, keep it light. This past year has been ecconomically difficult for many members of the community, and some find themselves having to take advantage of any situation netting an income, sometimes to the detriment of social or hobby activities. We must bear that in mind when planning things like this. A mid-morning or early afternoon swap-meet of a couple hours duration is much more likely to be well-attended by some, than a swap-meet coupled to a barbecue, star-party, and dedication ceremony, which suddenly becomes an all-day (and night) affair. Not to condemn those who's lives revolve around astronomy- you are fortunate to be able to devote so much time to your sole interest. But likewise, it must be understood that the majority of amateur astronomers simply have other obligations that make "drop of the hat" (relatively speaking) activities very, very difficult to justify. Too, many of us have more than one interest, just as intense, and those other hobbies get some of our time, too. Long driving distances for some are the final nail in the coffin. To make a long story short (too late?): Six-to-eight weeks notice. As central a location as possible. Unsponsored, informal structure. Not coupled to too many other activities. My 64 cents. Chuck __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! Health - your guide to health and wellness http://health.yahoo.com