Missoula to host MTA convention
By Cole Boehler
Missoula, Montana's second largest city now, will be the host for the Montana Tavern Association's 54th Annual Convention and Trade Show Sept. 21-24 at the Hilton Garden Inn on North Reserve St.
The city has hosted the event four times previously, in 1968, 1973, 1985 and then 1992, so it is long overdue. And a gang of over 22 local licensees and affiliates associated with the Missoula County Tavern Owners Association are now working overtime to bring the complex event together with minimal wrinkles.
As the
Montana Tavern Times passed its news deadline, some specifics of the convention schedule were still being sorted, such as which dignitary will speak at what time. Necessarily, the schedules of these high government officials must be a little fluid, and so must be the convention schedule for that reason.
While the association conducts serious business at its conventions, including hearing from panels of top regulators and government officials, considering legislative strategies and problems facing the industry, and electing a new slate of officers, there is always an appropriate amount of emphasis placed on fun.
For many operators scattered across the vast breadth of this state, the convention may be the only "vacation" they see during the year, so pleasure must be mixed with the work in ample proportions.
And maybe that's why the first Monday of the convention is traditionally devoted purely to fun. This year the convention kicks off with a big golf tournament that may consist of as many as 100 competitors, while simultaneously another group will unlimber their shotguns for a round of sporting clays shooting.
Meanwhile, the convention committee has organized a ladies poker run combined with a shopping spree in this city that boasts of perhaps the state's biggest retail economy, especially many noted boutiques.
Duffers and shooters, whose event fees will cover the cost of entry, will then congregate that evening at the traditional 19th Hole Party where a big feed accompanied by plenty of beverages will take place. Anyone else who purchases a ticket is also welcome to attend.
"But wait," as they say, "that's not all!" The MTA's annual Roger Frampton Memorial Poker Tournament commences right after the 19th Hole Party where 50 or more players will face off over their hands of Texas Hold 'Em in the tournament's preliminary elimination rounds. The tournament will conclude the following evening where the top three finishers are expected to pocket nearly $4,500.
Transportation is provided free to and from any and all events associated with the convention. Phone numbers for transportation are provided, and drivers are at your beck and call all four days.
Okay, so Tuesday conventioneers may sleep in, but just a little, because the Public Relations Committee will meet at 9:30, then the trade show–deemed by many as the best reason to attend the convention–kicks off at the Hilton Garden. Nearly 70 booths have been purchased by vendors large and small, all ready to display, demonstrate and discuss a complete array of the latest valuable and profitable products and services available to retail operators.
Licensees never even have to leave the show as a luncheon is served amongst the vendor displays, then later toward evening, hors d'oeuvres are spread. Of course, beverage suppliers are generous with their samples throughout the day.
Here is where operators rub shoulders and exchange valuable information with the most knowledgeable folks in the business, and that includes their successful peers. And as of
Tavern Times news deadline, this is where Gov. Brian Schweitzer is expected to address the membership.
Those who've heard him in the past will recall his enthusiastic campaign speeches and other talks that made spot-on predictions regarding Montana's economy. They will also remember important proclamations he made to veto legislation that would dismantle the state's liquor license quota system or increase the state's gaming tax rate. These gubernatorial addresses are simply not to be missed.
Industry suppliers then put on a big bash known as the Industry Party. Again, all the food and drink you could desire is available.
Then, we're told, the MCTOA convention committee has organized, for those with sufficient stamina, a fun pub crawl that will sample venues throughout the city while providing fun and games along the way. Can you say "closed the place down"?
Budget and Legislative and Gambling Committees will meet Wednesday morning beginning at 9:30 a.m. The trade show continues until noon.
When these get wrapped up, buses and vans will whisk the males to a men's luncheon and females to a separate ladies' luncheon at other local venues. Fun and games (especially at the ladies' event–wink, wink) will be featured along with excellent victuals.
Then the transport vehicles will hustle members back to the Hilton Garden in order to hear from top industry regulators and elected government officials, including Att. Gen. Steve Bullock.
Convention goers will get a bit of a break for a nap or maybe a stop at the Hilton pub, before the pre-banquet cocktail hour, followed by the big sit-down dinner. MTA's Mark Staples will emcee and awards will be presented, including the MTA's most prestigious Durkee Award.
And that's where the winners of the $50,000 in MTA raffle prizes will be announced. Will you be the one to stick $15 large into your wallet or purse? When the formalities are completed and the desserts consumed, there will be unique entertainment. Let's just say you'll want to have your wits about you.
You'll need to get up and at it Thursday morning in order to take on a load of fuel–a big breakfast buffet–before turning to the last business of the convention.
The general membership will hear the reports of the various committees including legislative and gambling and budget, but then will be asked to make the decisions that will influence the success of the organization in the future: the election of officers, including a new president.
Please peruse at length and depth this edition of the
Montana Tavern Times. In it you will find all the information, down to the last detail, you will need to fully enjoy and exploit the vast convention potential.
See ya there!