As an Area we are in the process of revamping the Annual Meeting in some different ways in order to increase attendance and make it fun and educational for everyone from amateurs to pros and everyone in between. In addition to the educational program, the Annual Awards are handed out at this time as well with beautiful being handed out to the best in the area.
The date of the meeting is one change that is being considered, moving the present time of the end of November over to the end of January or the beginning of February. The end of November can be very busy for most of us, from the end of the eventing season to the beginning of the holiday season, and the meeting would potentially be at a lower priority, understandably, for the majority of the membership which could, again understandably, decrease attendance. The date change could help with that, plus having it in the middle of the winter can get us looking forward to something horsey in the middle of the winter riding doldrums!
Another thought would be the change from an Awards Banquet to an Awards Luncheon. This change would allow those who live farther away in the Area to only have to stay one night (either the night before or the night after) or no nights at all and still have a day full of educational opportunities and awards and still get home at a reasonable time. Almost like going to a horse trial!
This is in no way a complete list and is definitely still a planning in progress, so any input from the membership is welcome. We are also looking for ideas of what people would like to listen to as far as educational seminars, so any thoughts on that are also encouraged. Please contact Julie Augustine at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.t with any ideas, suggestions, or opinions.
