Disney Fan Clubs
Topic: NFFC California convention update 7-01

#	Author	Message
1	floundering Tue 7/1/2008 12:57p	Now's Your Chance One of the best of the many benefits of becoming an NFFC member is coming up soon. Right now we're busy finalizing the events and guest speaker's for this summer's NFFC National Convention and all Disneyana Show and Sale 2008. Join now and you'll be eligible to register for what has become the biggest and most talked about all Disneyana event to take place each summer right next door to the Happiest Place on Earth. Okay, actually the convention takes places three blocks down the street from the Disneyland Resort at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, but you get the idea. UPDATE-THIS JUST IN: Added 07/01/08. In keeping with Disney CEO Bob Iger's earlier announcement to work more closely with the Disneyana and online Disney enthusiast communities the Walt Disney Company has just made a special NFFC National Convention presentation by Legendary Disney Imagineer Tony Baxter part of this summer's convention. This truly awesome event will take place July 17 in the Team Disney Anaheim Auditorium backstage at the Disneyland Resort. Sorry this event is for NFFC convention attendees only. The Inside Scoop Here's a brief look as at some of the fun, fascinating and exciting events we have planned for you this year. Making the Dream Come True: Kim Irvine presents a fascinating look at the genesis of the Walt Disney Dream Suite at the Disneyland Resort. From the earliest days of Walt's original apartment above the Fire House on Disneyland's Main Street USA to the building of New Orleans Square Kim takes her audience on a richly detailed tour of the history of this fabled space above Disneyland's beloved Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. You won't want to miss Kim's captivating presentation with an insiders look at how Disney artist and designer Dorothea Redmond's original design work inspired today's Imagineers to create the Walt Disney Dream Suite. Who Let the Toys Out? Join us as WDI (that's Walt Disney Imagineering for you newbies) representatives take us on a behind scenes journey to see and hear how Toy Story Midway Mania made the transition from concept and design to "must ride attraction." This will be your chance to get the folks who know to share some hints on how to rack up the highest scores on this amazing 4D adventure. After this fun-filled presentation you're gonna want to head over the Disney's California Adventure to try your luck on this new and exciting attraction. A Peek Behind the Curtain: Tired of reading about far away "media only" events talking about what may or may not be happening at your favorite toon studio? Well here's your chance to get the straight skinny right form the Mouse's mouth. Join us as the folks from Disney/Pixar Animation Studios take us on a guided tour and previews of what's coming between now and 2012 from the world's foremost animation studios. A Blast From the Past: From the future of Disney animation to its highly acclaimed past, David Pacheco Creative Art Director for Walt Disney Art Classics will take us on a compelling look at some rare and historically significant Academy AwardÆ nominated animated shorts from the Walt Disney Studios. With a background that includes artistic contributions to such Disney animated films as The Fox and the Hound, Mickey's Christmas Carol, Who Framed Roger Rabbit? and†The Little Mermaid there's little doubt that David knows his stuff when it comes to Disney animation and this is your chance to ask him all those burning questions you have about Jessica Rabbit. The Art of Disney Parks: Ever think to yourself that no matter which of the 11 Disney parks you were visiting, "Gee this place looks like a work of art." Well you were right and there's a reason for it. Join former Imagineer and author Jeff Kurtti as he delights everyone with tales of talented individuals who have created some of the most beloved places on earth. Always a Very Pleasant Surprise: Everyone loves Disney. Kevin Kidney and Jody Daily really love Disney. From sharing their love of Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room to enticing NFFC Disneyana fans with the latest collectables they have been delighting National Convention audiences for several years now. Come see what they've got cooked up for this year. You're bound to find something you've just got to have for your collection. Is This Thing On? You may have heard Disney CEO Bob Iger being asked about it at this year's Walt Disney Company Annual Meeting, now it's your chance to get up close and personal with Disneyana Podcasting and Blogging. Stop, chat, and say hello to the world (literally) with: Paul Barrie A Window To The Magic Greg McNaughton Miceast, Imagineering My Way Mike and Richard Micecast Michael Geoghegan Official Disneyland Podcast Steven Ng MouseStation (invited) I'm Game: Come and find out what's new at Walt Disney Interactive The Great Disneyland Pancake Races: Get the butter and syrup ready as the Walt Disney Archives takes us on a historical behind the scenes look at Disneyland. Rarely scene vintage footage of classic early Disneyland events from the television camera's point of view highlights this very entertaining presentation. Meet the Disney Web Writers: Meet the men and women of the Internet who bring you, all the latest information, gossip and dish about all things Disney. Tentatively scheduled to speak at our Saturday morning after breakfast session are writers, bloggers, and photo journalists from some of the best known "unofficial" Disney fan sites. ACME Archives: Once again this year our friends from ACME Archives join us to unveil their newest fine art reproduction releases. The Key to Their World: A special event ticket dinner to benefit Ryman Arts. Join us for an intimate dinner with some very special Disney cast members, both past and present, from all parts of the Walt Disney Company. After dinner join in the silent auction fun and bid on some very special artwork. Proceeds benefit Ryman Arts, teaching classic drawing and painting to talented and motivated high school students as a bridge to a lifetime that expresses and appreciates the arts. Giant All Disneyana Show and Sale: The biggest expo of its kind, the ultimate Disneyana flea market experience for the novice and serious collector alike. "It's like eBay in real time, only better." The Show and Sale are open to the public but NFFC members get first crack at all the goodies. Don't Delay! There's a lot more to come. We're still finalizing the complete schedule but we think you'll agree there's plenty of reason to join and register TODAY! for this year's NFFC National Convention and all Disneyana Show and Sale 2008, July 15 - 20. Registration forms can be found on the NFFC website. All speakers and events subject to change.
2	NeverlandClub Wed 7/2/2008 12:03a	The NFFC did not provide its members with enough information on the convention in a timely manner, so many of us decided not to register for it. We, the members, want to have some idea of who the guests are going to be before we register. Yes, I understand that all guests are subject to change. The only thing we knew about were the meals until the newsletter arrived today. Now, on the day that is the last day to register for convention we find out about a special thing with Tony Baxter. A little to late now. I'm guessing that convention numbers are really down this year. In my opion it has to do with the lack of information provided. Unless you are on the National Board or SEC, you aren't allowed to know what's happening. That's how many of us feel.
3	schnebs Thu 7/3/2008 11:24a	Please allow me to address a couple of the concerns that NeverlandClub's brought up. First off, July 1st was the last day for Convention pre-registration. You can register for the Convention all the way through Convention week, so it's not like you're totally out of luck if you didn't register by the 1st. As far as information not getting out: I'll admit it, I feel we had problems getting information out this year. As one of the folks responsible for getting that information out, I'll take a share of the responsibility for that, and it's an issue we'll be discussing after the Convention is over. The idea that the Board and SEC is purposely holding back information from the members is a bit much, don't you think? What would the Board and SEC have gained by purposely keeping information a secret from people that want to attend? In several cases this year, we haven't been able to get information out to the members earlier because we just didn't have the information or didn't have confirmation of the information we did have. When we had information to release, we released it through the NFFC website and discussion boards, through the FLEX, and on discussion boards like this one. Looking back, that may not have been enough. Again, I'm not going to say that that we couldn't have done better at getting information out. I believe it was a problem, and it's something that we're going to look at and try to do better with in the future. But would the members have been better served if they had registered for Convention based on information that we flat out got wrong? Should the Club have risked losing the good will of our speakers and presenters by announcing that they'd be at Convention before they could confirm to us that they'd actually be there? NeverlandClub, please don't take my comments as a personal attack or as an attempt to belittle your concerns - that's definitely not my intention. If anyone feels that the lack of information influenced your decision not to attend Convention this year, please let a member of the Board or the SEC know, contact the Club via the website or e-mail, or post a message here - we'd appreciate your feedback. If anyone's still on the fence about attending Convention, I encourage you to join us. I'm sure that it's going to be a great event, and we'd love to see as many of you as we can there!
4	Mickeyfan1 Wed 7/9/2008 8:02p	Neverland Club, Believe me I understand your frustration and will be sure to bring this matter up to the Board. After every meeting I did my best to get information that was approved posted to both LP and the NFFC Forums. Most of this same information was posted on June 17th, again pretty close to Convention, but just a few day after it had been confirmed with the Disney Company. I'm so sorry you decided not to attend. As you can see it is going to be a great few days, just like previous years have been. Your comment "Unless you are on the National Board or SEC, you aren't allowed to know what's happening. That's how many of us feel." was understandable, but I want to assure you the Board and the SEC does not hold this information "secret"...what good would that do us? I know you were just venting. Again, I apologize and understand you frustration and I promise I will do what I can to get this corrected in the future.
5	NeverlandClub Wed 7/9/2008 8:44p	Schnebs and Mickeyfan1 thanks go out to both of you for responding to my post. I very rarely will vent my frustration will the NFFC in a public forum. When ever I have had a problem or concern with the club, I address it, in person, to a NFFC Board Member. But this problem (lack of convention info) has been going on for a few years now. It just doesn't seem to be getting better. I do shows all over the country and this is one reason I hear from Disney fans as to why they are not renewing their membership with the NFFC. Another reason is the Newsletters being months behind. (Schnebs...THANK YOU for getting them back on tack!!!) Conventions need to be set in stone a few months before, not a two weeks before. Yes, I and others understand that things are subject to change. Why is it that the NFFC use to be able to get confirmation well in advance and now we can't? Schnebs how dare you attack me. (Just kidding) Just by reading my post and giving me a response shows me that you care and are willing to listen. That's a good step for the club. I'm very passionate about the NFFC and only want the best for it.(As I know both of you Schnebs and Mickeyfan1 do) I have never belonged to an oraganization where I have had so much fun and made friends around the world. I would like to start to see those friends again at convention, but they want more information first before they decide to make the journey.
6	Mickeyfan1 Wed 7/9/2008 9:27p	You are most welcome. I'll be sending "Disney" thoughts your way next week, especially on July 17th, Disneyland's birthday. I know you will be there in spirit!
7	curiousfan Wed 7/9/2008 9:44p	I agree that the program should come out sooner if it can however I don't understand that people don't register because they don't know for sure who is going to be there. When the disney company puts on a program it costs a lot more money and you rarely get much info on the total program or merchandise that will be available but they often sell out very quickly. And by the time you can get good information the event is sold out. The NFFC has consistantly put on excellent conventions and programs and I don't buy well I don't know who will be there this year so I don't know if I should go or not. I always find the programs to be good if not great and enjoy whatever surprises they throw my way and I enjoy seeing my friends. That is what the NFFC Convention is about. Yes it would be good to have more info earlier on but don't say I don't know if I want to go or not because I don't know for sure who will be there. It will be a good program, it always is.
8	Mickeyfan1 Wed 7/9/2008 10:21p	Thanks Curiousfan. If you are attending the convention please be sure and drop by the registration table and say hello. I would be good to put a face with a name. Mickeyfan1 a.k.a. Dennis
9	floundering Wed 7/9/2008 11:03p	Dear Neverland Club, I am really sad to think that there are people out there that really believe the board and SEC withhold information about convention until the last minute. I would reach my hand out to all of you and say please come join us and help out. All of us are volunteers and are doing our best to put on the best show possible. And based on your comments I guess when Disney comes to you the week before convention and asks us to be a part of the Tony Baxter announcement we should have said no because we need more notice?????? No I don't think sooo! Disney has come through with such amazing programs for us the last few years that we have found it is always worth the wait. As someone who flies in to convention I absolutely understand what you are saying, especially with gas prices and flights really going up this year. I would love it if we could annouce everything months in advance, but this year many of our speakers schedules were greatly affected by many of these factors too and could not commit until the last minute. And believe me it wasn't for lack of trying! My husband and I took it upon ourselves this year to call everyone who registered for convention and personally thank them for coming on blind faith. And if you haven't gotten a call I still have 50 more to make and I promise I will get to you by this weekend! Those calls made all the extreme stress we have all been under the last several weeks trying to pull this together and get the info out disappear because it reminded how excited I used to get before coming out to convention. And not because of who was there, but because I could see all my disney friends for one wonderful week. So you want to help improve the NFFC? Take that passion and get involved. The more people we have, the better we are! My email is anita@nffc.org and I am always happy to answer any questions you have. Sorry you aren't coming this year. Hope to see you next year for the NFFCs 25th anniversary! Anita VP Public Relations and Publicity NFFC
10	NeverlandClub Thu 7/10/2008 8:00p	Floundering, since I know you and have delt with you many times in the past, I'm not going to personally take offense to your last post. But it did come across negatively. "And based on your comments I guess when Disney comes to you the week before convention and asks us to be a part of the Tony Baxter announcement we should have said no because we need more notice?????? No I don't think sooo!" To me and others I have talked with about the post it came across with attitude. It's responses like this, that keep members from approaching the NFFC Board when they have concerns. As I said before, in dealing with you in the past, I'm sure this isn't how you intended it. As much as I don't want to vent about the NFFC in a public forum, I feel that I now must. When ever something isn't going the way the NFFC Board wants...we hear "all of us are volunteers." That is true...no one is getting paid for the work that they are doing for the club. But it was your choice to take a position on the Board (you were not forced) When you made that choice you should have be aware of what it would entail. Next... "So you want to help improve the NFFC? Take that passion and get involved." I am very involved, but I have chosen to put my energy into my local Chapter instead of National. Why? Because my Chapter treats me with respect. The last time I helped on the National level, I took a day off work, and was treated like crap. There was one person, Mickeyfan1, who treated me with respect. That was three years ago and I still will not volunteer to help because of it. I really hate posting this because as I have said before, I love this club and only want the best for it.

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