Would like to do a seminar weekend

[Lucy in the Sky]

How many would be interested in having say Lisa Leady, Jodi Murphy, Scott Wasserman, or other speakers come to California for a smaller seminar weekend? I am on the Central Coast, would be willing to look into a location and price costs of speakers and hall rental. I would think to have one day of classes, with a party in the evening, and one hands on day.
Let me know!

[PuppyFluffer]

That sounds like a world of fun to me! Right now, Im transportationally-challenged, as my old Bronco really objects to going much more than 50mph. So for me it'd have to be within a couple of hours drive from Chico at most....otherwise I end up calling AAA and being a crabby ol' you-know-what.

Given plenty of notice and time to round up the funds, I'd love to attend! I'll even bring the Mike's thingies!

[WinterElixir]

Hey, I would come for the party. lol.

[dbarcreations<3westies]

Sounds great!

Count me in. I have a groomer friend from school that is not on this forum that would come too!

[Lucy in the Sky]

Thinking sometime this summer. I would like to keep it at $100/ per person, if we can get enough people. To cover costs and keep it that low, we would need about 50 people to attend to cover expenses. That would be according to my estimates of $2,000 for speakers, $1,500 for a hall, insurance for the event, snacks, water and coffee. Also, printed materials. I will ask Tammy about getting raffle items for vendors. As part of registration, everyone would get a ticket.
Anyway, that is all I have thought of for now. Hopefully a few mobiles that are close could bring their vans for bathing facilities.
Tell me who you would like to see and what topics...
I was thinking terriers and poodles and Bichons, as well as shear techniques. We could have Gracy Rose too- I didn't mention her before. I will see what I can scrounge up for demo dogs.
Nothing huge, and maybe instead of classes all day one day, could do classes in the morning and hands on breed/ group workshops in the afternoon. I am going to call a few places to see what is out there for prices. Could also ask the closer vendors, like Nature's specialties if they would like to come set up a booth and sponsor a speaker for a class. Also, Natura pet foods has a rep in San Jose that could bring food samples and talk about their foods.
Let's work on this!

[VIPgroomer]

Sounds good to me. It would be awesome if we could do a Sunday/Monday event, since a lot of groomers are closed those days. I'm in Orange County and would drive anywhere for something like this. As for hall rental, maybe you could find a host hotel and ask to use one of the conference rooms. Or, find someone with a grooming shop that has a large grooming area, or a doggie day care area. Promise to clean up after the dogs!

For sponsors you could also ask South Bark Dog Wash, makers of the Blueberry Facial. They are located in San Diego.

[Poodle Mom]

Liz, that sounds like a great idea, I would be very intrested.

[grooming goddess]

I'm on the Central Coast too! When can this happen? Where will it be?

[Lucy in the Sky]

I was thinking Salinas, because that's where I am, lol. But in terms of centrality, I am looking into the Ramada in Santa Nella. It is right off the I-5, 4 hours from the north LA area, 4.5 hours from Redding. Also thought about Gilroy, which would be better, location wise for better hotels and food, and of course outlet shopping, lol. I will spend some time over the next week or so investigating rates. If anyone has suggestions, please voice them. San Fran would be lovely, but sooo expensive. Like I said, tell me what you want to see and do. As far as time of year, how about mid June? I don't know how everyone's business flow is at that time of year.

[OntheBRINKofDisaster]

Oh my gosh....Given enough notice I would LOVE to come!! My poodle boy is always available as a demo. I also second the Sun/Mon idea...the less time I have to take off the better since it's just me right now. What a great idea!

[OntheBRINKofDisaster]

P.S. If it's in Gilroy make it around the time of the Garlic Festival! My husband got all excited when I said it might be so he might forgive me if I take this year's vacation for yet another grooming "thing". LOL.

[Arrooh]

I would be

interested but I end up at dog shows 2 or 3 week-ends many months, so don't count on me. Another person who gives a good hands on is Barbara Bird and working with CC it may be easier to get her?

[minimezmom]

I am in

Lets do poodles !!

[grooming goddess]

June sounds good and Salinas is only about an hour and a half from me. Keep me in the loop!

[Lucy in the Sky]

OK, let's take a vote- Santa Nella- would be cheapest, but rooms not exactly the Hilton, and no evening diversions, although Gilroy is an hour drive if people are desperate, otherwise we could all have a movie night in the meeting rooms. I have been there several times for the State Chinchilla show. Tabitha said she pays $500 for both days for the one room. I will call to confirm $$.
Gilroy would have nicer facilities, but I am not sure of the costs. Oh and the garlic festival is in July and HOT. If we did Gilroy, I still think June would be better.

also, still not hearing what you all are interested it- I heard poodles. I am thinking a cat class would be good. I have a naughty cat that could be used as a demonstration on how to use an air muzzle and how to properly and safely restrain a BAD kitty.
That is as far as I have gotten- busy working, lol.

So, June, on a Sunday/Monday in a to be determined location. Next week, I will call WAGS, Natures Specialties, American Pet Pro and Natura Foods.

I thought we could do a few silly contests, like fastest clean feet on a sized based grouping, best blowpen application- everyone gets the same stencil. Maybe we could have a de-shedding contest.