Telescope Reviews: Star Party Questions for EVERYBODY !

As a Major SP developer-My advice is to step back and to see what is going on around you. Are there other SP's nearby. Are you re-inventing the wheel? Think about volunteering to see how things are done(go to school). Are other events in the area not filling the needs of the local amateurs?

Ask yourself what the primary reason for the event is. Focus on that!

I helped start an event that is still too big today. I now wish that we had created attendance limits for the event in the beginning, 300-400 max. instead of 1600, in the early days, to 700 today.

These are the major complaints:

1. packed in like sardines
2. light pollution
3. costs-(when it starts to cost over $100-without family to attend the event-then it's too much)

This event just didn't happen. I took three or four years of planning---starting with 40 people attending. Resources came from others with big events-Cliff Holmes-RTMC. Astronomical League major events as well. You can cobble together a SP and get going---but you need to keep the momentum going in order to grow.

Meal plans and food availability, plus a coffee vendor is popular. You don't pay for them to come. They make their money. At first you may need to do spaghetti feeds or the like to build up the event. Role your sleeves up kinda deal. You will need a local club or group involved in order to make the event work. Another poster suggests 30 people. That sounds ideal. 10-12 could get it started. You should have a monthly planning meeting starting a year in advance. Include site visits, on-line chat, and phone calls. Think about site management, parking, food, speakers. Know your emergency services!

Equipment vendors create an income source for the event-some people love them others couldn't care. Contests might be good for your audience. Speakers have always been popular. Avoid expensive speakers at first. There are plenty of good ones in the local amateur arena doing some nice things in astronomy.

Basic costs:
porta potties
insurance
land use or fees (USFS)
speaker area
registration area
printing and advertising (other than on-line)
Web site

I think that you can get event insurance for under $600-for the year. Check eInsurance on-line.

I like a more intimate SP. Things seem to be calmer and more zen like. I agree with most of whats been said on the forum.

My two cents worth. Please feel free to give me change.

Gene,
Chairman, NWRAL
Founding Father-Table Mtn SP