Committee ironing out four-day event
It takes a committee to launch a convention.
That may seem trite in light of the massive behind-the-scenes efforts actually required to put on an event like the 54th Annual Montana Tavern Association Convention and Trade Show. And it takes top-down organization and plenty of foot soldiers to do the work in the trenches.
The Missoula County Tavern Owners Association is the host chapter for this year's event, being conducted at the Hilton Garden Inn in Missoula. Sandy Jones was tapped to coordinate the planning and execution at the county level, while guidance and help is coming from the state MTA executive offices in Helena, under now retiring Executive Director Diana Koon.
In addition to chairing the convention committee, Jones has once again agreed to organize and oversee the increasingly popular seven-table poker tournament planned in conjunction with the convention. She has been assisted by Dave Campbell who is vice-chair of the convention committee.
One of the most anticipated – and fun–events is the annual golf tournament, as always conducted on the opening Monday, this year Sept. 21. Typically 80 to 100 duffers hit the links, but this year's golf chairman, Brad Martens, is optimistic turnout my exceed average numbers substantially. So he's relying heavily on other hands to help, namely Jim Haney, Bob Hayes and Brian Shennum.
That evening's big 19th Hole Party is also being coordinated by the golf subcommittee.
That same morning the association's shotgun enthusiasts will gather at the Big Sky Sporting Clays course up Highway 93 in Polson. KC LaFlesch and Kent Frampton are coordinating that lightly spirited competition. They stress novices as well as seasoned gunners will have a ball.
That afternoon, a ladies outing, shopping spree and poker run is being coordinated by Heather Mosby and Sierra Keating.
Tuesday's highlight is the convention Trade Show where approximately 70 booths will be occupied by the leading suppliers of everything under the sun for the industry.
This is a massive undertaking and is in the capable hands of MTA’s Koon and her assistant, Bonnie Smith. These two are also overseeing the sub-functions that take place within the trade show area, the luncheon and the evening hors d'oeuvres and cocktails. Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer is expected to appear and speak.
The very popular Industry Party takes place Tuesday night and is sponsored primarily by the state's top vendors and suppliers. The exceptional spread of food and beverages is being planned and supervised by Kelly Hansen, Kathy Hatch and Wendy Mosby.
The pub crawl, which in Missoula promises to be most interesting, is being organized by Missoula County Tavern Owners Association Executive Secretary Laurie Clark.
Wednesday kicks off with a resumption of the trade show, which ends as bus loads of members are hauled to locations for the separate ladies' and men's luncheons. Bridget Herceg and Sandy Jones are organizing the ladies gathering, complete with surprise entertainment, while Kevin Head, Dave Campbell and Aaron Herceg will see that the men's lunch comes off without a hitch and includes plenty of fun and games.
MTA Government Affairs Counsel Mark Staples, working with Koon, is setting up the industry panel discussion and talks from highly placed government officials that will comprise the Wednesday afternoon general business session. These meetings always provide exceptionally valuable insights into industry/government relations and often reveal what members can anticipate for the future.
The capstone Wednesday function is the annual banquet, to be emceed, as always, by jack-of-all-trades Staples, is being planned and organized by Koon and Jones. Not only are members and workers honored for their dedication and service, but the association will also give away $50,000 (that's not a misprint–$50,000) in cash raffle prizes.
The Thursday morning traditional bacon and eggs-style brunch is being set up by Jones and the Hilton Garden Inn host facility catering staff. A business meeting follows where the new slate of MTA officers will be chosen.
A hallmark of the MTA convention is the massively complex job of transportation logistics. It is so difficult and important because MTA believes members need never turn a key in their cars' ignitions during the whole four days.
Thus the MTA is relying on Brian Peterson and Harry Watkins to assure the trains (ahem, buses and vans) run on time and are always available to haul members anywhere, anytime–a very big job indeed.
So, almost 25 people are working slavishly behind the scenes to pull off this major event for the benefit of MTA members and the entire industry. Now you know who they are. So when you see them dashing hither and yon at the many convention venues, take just a second to thank them for their hard volunteer work. They deserve that much ... and a lot more.