I've spoken with the proprietor of a show here in Florida about this as an idea and actually had positive feedback from them:

1. Patron entry into ANY Reptile oriented expo in the US has part of their payment applied to an organization to support 'The Industry' (say $2.50 to $5.00 per person).

2. Vendors at all of these shows must pay an additional fee (or the proprietor of a show uses part of the table fee already paid) toward the same organization.

3. A benefit auction is mandatory for every Expo (similar to say the NRBE in Daytona) in some form or fashion.

I'm not going to name any organizations as recipients, but there seem to be two relevant choices at this time. The show organizers nationally would obviously need to 'meet' in some form or fashion and agree to this as an action to create a united front and cash pool if you will. The information is out there on who and where there are shows nearly every weekend of the year (heck, this site has a TON of them listed). Potentially, a not for profit could be the 'binding' entity for national sponsorship of sorts. Information would be provided to every patron that a part of their entry fee is going to support their hobby/business and explain why this is happening.

I can tell you this, with the numbers of patrons and vendors at shows around this country every year there would be little shortage of funds to fight for our rights. Think about the money numbers... I think they would be pretty hefty.

Maybe my idea is crazy and I'm just not seeing that, but I think it may have merit. There may 'need' to be a national, united bind for all (most) Expos to save themselves... I think it would be in their (and our) best interest.

Any constructive input welcome-

Matt
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"Change what you cannot accept... do not accept what you can't change!"

Tod Ashley C.$.C.

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