Why always in Nashville?

[C W]

Can anyone tell me if any place other than the Southeast has turkeys? It seems the NWTF forgets about the rest of us due paying members. Granted they might get a good deal from the Gaylords down there, but why keep having it in the same location?
I for one would like to see it in any town with a resonable air hub . We checked on prices to fly into Nashville and we could fly to several other major cities in the region for less than half. Any thoughts why the West and North get excluded, and why they can't have it in vegas or somewhere that is reasonably priced to stay and fly to?

CW

[KYTURKEY]

That say because it is centrally located. They said a few years ago that they were going to have it nashvile for four years and the fifth year have it somewhere else. I don't know if that is still their plan or not.

Patrick

[Old Geezer]

Nashville has the facilities to consistantly attract and handle large convention crowds.  There is a lot to do in the area in addition to the convention.  It is an expensive trip.  My only complaint was there were not enough places to eat at a reasonable price.  I have been to three other NWTF convention venues.  Charlotte, they did not have enough room.  To get to the convention was a long walk outside from the hotel.  I think this has changed and the convention might be held there some time in the future.  Atlanta,  if you like scary that place has it.  The drive into and out of the city was enough.  I'm a country boy.  However, eating under armed guard at the the food court was fun, just like County.  Columbus, one word disaster.  The NWTF found that out too.  I'm from PA and like to go somewhere warmer in February.  Again not enough room. 

In the North, February is the off season.  You have travel risk anytime but I'm sure weather is a big factor in keeping the convention in the South.  Texas might be a good place.

Ralph

[KYTURKEY]

Ralph, I think the biggest reason for not enough places to eat was because of the flood the had last summer. The mall hasn't rebuilt, therefore a shortage of restaraunts. As far as Atlanta, you are correct scary. I think the NWTF found that people didn't like it there. Alot of people didn't come and the ones who did complained the whole time. As for me, I like it in Nashville. But, it's close for me. But I wouldn't be against going other places too. As long as it's not Atlanta.

Patrick

[wiltznucs]

The NWTF was founded in South Carolina, which was the first state to secede from the union in 1860.  The move triggered what ultimately became known as the Civil War in textbooks, but we Southerners prefer to call it the War of Northern Aggression.  Anyhow, its pretty well documented that we Southern folk are a bit uncomfortable hanging out outside the safe confines of the Mason-Dixon area.  Its also well documented that the best turkey hunters and call makers heil from the Southeast.  All we've got is the NWTF and college football.  We are resolved that this time around we arent letting you Yankees come down here and take our stuff from us again.   For that reason, the NWTF convention is held in the deep South each year.








 

I'm just messin with ya, I have no idea why but I'd assume its because the greatest concentrations of turkeys and thereby turkey hunters are on the East Coast.

[Old Geezer]

Well I guess I'm going to say it.  The real reason is:  $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$!

Chad,  I like your reason too.

The Geezer

[Shadetree Callers]

Money , money , more money . I think Nashville is centrally located to be able to cash in on as much money as possible . I have attended 16 conventions and the Gaylord draws the biggest crowds . During the welcome dinner , the mananger of the hotel gave a speech and said they had a contract for the next 5 years . I'm not sure if he was kidding with George Thornton or what . I do know that George Thornton is hunting buddies with the English Chap that is in charge of the Gaylord Resort Hotel . They have been hunting together for several years now and that indicates to me that they are pretty close . I don't forsee it moving anywhere for awhile .

[boxcaller]

Why would we go anywhere else???  Nashville is great, i hope it never leaves,.... i gotta 13 hour drive, but i would drive another 10 just to keep it in nashville.


pat

[GR8CALLS]

 Biggest reason besides....$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$...is that all the personel from Edgefield, SC don't have to travel very far and that saves............$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.

Bill

[turkey stew]

I`m from Michigan. I enjoy the Nashville location. Friendly people and it gets me out of the Northern cold. Nashville is centrally located for the majority of the people. There is no way an average middle class person like me would fly into Texas, California or any location further south for a 3 day stay. The NWTF has actually made a good decision for the majority of its members choosing this location. I `ll only go if the convention is held in Nashville! I know a lot of middleclass people agree with that location.

[strutnrut]

One of the RD's told me that it has a lot to do with the rooms being available not only at Opryland but around the area. Atleast you don't have to worry about being mugged on the way to the parking lot.

[C W]

Trust me wiltznucs, we're glad your people stay down there!

I know the NWTF doesn't look at the money. If they did they would realize that the Central Region with fewer States (8 compared to 12 in SE) raises far more money than the SE, expecially if you factor in the areas void of turkeys, and the population differances within those regions. I'm not saying I'd want it up here, and I do agree I like traveling someplace a little warmer during the winter, but why at one of the most expensive destinations. If it is in fact because the two CEO's are in bed together, then how is the new guy any different than the old CEO? I'd just like to see it be in an area more affordable. Orlando has a lot of food, cheep flights, hotels and other entertainment. I think anybody can fly into Vegas for less than $150 and the $5 buffets, not to mention the other stuff to do there.  I agree with Atlanta being a dive, and anything up the East Coast isn't very cost effective either.

Just for referance: a week before the convention we flew to Orlando, stayed at an all inclusive Disney resort, with the kids all for under $800 a piece for 6 days; we checked for flights alone on the cheepest route with a conection into Nashville were $940 a ticket, not including hotel or food.

CW

[BOB_HARWELL]

 Chad & Others, The NWTF was incorporated March 28, 1973 in Fredericksburg, Va.,Tom Rogers. It was moved to Edgefield, S.C. that same year, headquartered in a vacant furniture store on Main St.

 George Thornton is in NO way like the ex NWFT Execs.

            BOB

[wiltznucs]

Chad & Others, The NWTF was incorporated March 28, 1973 in Fredericksburg, Va.,Tom Rogers. It was moved to Edgefield, S.C. that same year, headquartered in a vacant furniture store on Main St.

BOB

I did not know that, I had always assumed it was founded in SC.

[GR8CALLS]

Thanks Bob......I was about to point that out.  I bet there are only a few that knew that one!

Bill