2009 JOINT CONVENTION with IPCS
Our 2009 convention will be held in Toronto, Canada, from October 8 to October 11, 2009. We are very pleased that we are joining with The International Playing-Card Society [IPCS] to hold a joint convention. It will be their third convention in North America and the second time we have agreed to meet together to share our mutual interest in the study and collecting of old and unusual playing cards.
We have together developed an exciting program with excellent speakers, interesting displays, trading sessions and live auctions. We have arranged a very competitive rate at the downtown Toronto Marriott in the heart of the tourist and shopping areas of Toronto, one of North America's finest cities. It promises to be one of our very best conventions ever, so block off the dates in your calendar now.
We know many of you will be taking some extra time to enjoy Toronto and areas of the beautiful Province of Ontario. Many will want to venture further afield to, for example, Montreal, the heart of the Province of Quebec about about a five hour drive away, or Ottawa, the Nation's Capital about 250 miles northeast of Toronto. We have below, listed links of websites of interest to visitors to Canada and Toronto as well as to our Convention Hotel for room reservations and our tenative Convention Schedule.
2008 CONVENTION
Report by our President - Steve Bowling
The current economic struggles, which have touched us all, impacted our annual convention in Las Vegas as well. Attendance was somewhat less than we had hoped for and auction activity was subdued. We welcomed new faces and enjoyed our dedicated International and North American friends that attend every year. Highlights included Robert and Josie Van Gool’s 50th anniversary and the surprise announcement that Bob Dekenipp and Erlinda Taylor were to be married on October 21st.
Bob, our resident convention Czar, did an outstanding job with the selection of the Tuscany hotel. He spent hours rounding up Las Vegas items for our hospitality evening as well as contracting for our audio-visual and security needs. He was the primary reason everything went smoothly and I wish he was our local czar every year (but I know we will get by next year with our efficient Toronto crew!). The hotel was comfortable and well furnished with large [625 square feet] suites. It is on a well-landscaped property of 27 acres and has excellent amenities including a large outdoor pool, a great dining room, a less formal restaurant, a cafe and a sports lounge and bar. Finally, for those searching for a bit of action, there was a small, but spacious, casino.
Our presentations were exceptional this year. Jason England dazzled and delighted us with his card manipulations (it was no surprise to learn that this is his profession) and provided a detailed understanding of many intricate techniques to marking cards. Yasha Beresiner shared his comprehensive knowledge of cartographic playing cards. Alex Clays, who continually provides a range of informative articles in CTD surprised us with a bonus presentation on miniature playing cards.
As usual, we benefitted from the many efforts of the Dawsons’ and Clarence Peterson. Rhonda Hawes arranged for an array of raffle items from Stuart Kaplan, a great friend of the club. Jan and Paul Miller ran the registration desk, and Kristin Patterson, in absentia, provided the name tags.
Ron Greene and his dedicated auction team, the McKinnons, John Lafler and Wally Mach, sacrificed many hours to grade and organize decks for our two live Auctions. Harry Wastrack worked well into the night to scan auction items for screen viewing – a new feature. Shaffique Verjee, ably assisted by Bob Hawes and Zabine Rattansi, tracked all the activity and settled accounts. Thanks to everyone!
We are very excited about our 2009 joint Convention with IPCS in Toronto next October 8th-11th. Our active Toronto members are planning special displays. The 52 Plus Joker website will include periodic updates on the Convention and hotel info.