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[morgardee]

No, not Joe Canuck. We all know that is in Hamilton. I'm talking about the G.I. Joe Collectors Club (or Master Collector club, whatever you want to call them). Anyhow, for years I've been pushing for a con in Niagara Falls and this time in stead of doing what everyone else seems to do and just suggest where I want to do it, I've done some research. This is what I'm going to post soon but I'm open to suggestions. This is a LONG read. You've been warned:

Personally I would like to see a G.I.Joe convention make it closer to the U.S. / Canada boarder. That?s why for the past few years I?ve always suggested Niagara Falls. The convention could work on either side of the boarder. Sure, I?m a proud Canadian but there are many reasons why Niagara Falls would be a great spot to hold the convention so instead of just saying I want it to be held in Niagara Falls and leaving it at that, I?ve done some research on the subject.

Location: Niagara Falls is located within 500 miles 14 major cities. They are:

New York City - 400 miles ? The largest city in the U.S.

Chicago - 500 miles ? 3rd largest city

Philadelphia - 400 miles ? 5th largest

Detroit - 250 miles ? 11th largest city in the U.S.

Boston - 475 miles ? 24 largest city

Washington, DC - 425 miles ? 27th largest city

Cleveland - 185 miles ? 39th largest city

Pittsburgh - 240 miles

Rochester - 53 miles

Syracuse - 148 miles



Toronto, Ontario(Canada) - 90 miles * Canada?s largest city

Montreal, Quebec(Canada) - 380 miles  * Canada?s second largest city

Hamilton, Ontario(Canada) - 58 miles * 9th largest city

Ottawa, Ontario(Canada) - 335 miles * Canada?s Capitol and 4th largest city

Other Canadian cities not mentioned on this list are London (10th largest) and Windsor (15th largest), St Catherines Niagara (12th largest) and my hometown of Kitchener / Waterloo (10th largest).

With all the cites close by and 3 out of 4 of the largest cities in Canada within driving distance, Niagara Falls is a great location to draw more people out that might not normal attend.

Attritions:

These are just a few of the many things that are fun for the whole family to enjoy. I should mention I was looking on the Canadian side when doing my research but the difference is literally walking over a bridge. Besides, it has been mentioned before that the convention might sometime head outside the U.S. boarder. This would be a good and safe way to test the market. Anyhow, list of things to do:

Fighter Combat International
Niagara District Airport
Highway 55, RR #4,
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, L0S 1J0
(905) 684-5440 Fax (905) 684-3054 Toll Free 1-888-FLY-HARD
No Flying Experience Required This is NOT a simulation ... YOU fly in a jet fighter and experience emergency maneuvers & aerobatic spins. You can also take bi-plane tours in a 1941 Stearman. Romantic night tours offered.

Marineland Canada
905-356-9565
8375 Stanley Avenue,
Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X8
Marineland provides a day of entertainment featuring unlimited access to amazing killer whale, dolphin, sea lion and walrus performances; thrilling amusement rides including the world's largest steel roller coaster, Dragon Mountain; the world's highest triple tower ride, Sky Screamer; and other attractions that will appeal to the entire family. Park is open until nightfall, but admission only during gate hours. Open Victoria Day to end-June: weekdays 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.& weekends 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; End-June to Labour Day - daily 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Labour Day to early October - daily 10 am to 5 pm. Admission Fee (kids under 4 free)

Ripley's Believe It Or Not
Ripley's Niagara Falls
4960 Clifton Hill
Niagara Falls, ON, L2G 3N4
(905) 356-2238, Fax (905) 374-7345
Experience the strange, the odd and the unbelievable at Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum! Robert L. Ripley, creator of Ripley's Believe It or Not! cartoons, spent a lifetime collecting and documenting the most unusual stories he found while exploring over 198 countries. This museum has over 500 exciting and bizarre exhibits, including artifacts and actual film footage of Niagara Daredevils. Experience the 4D Moving Theatre across the street, the only movie of its kind, where you actually move with the picture and feel every bump, dip, and turn - experienced in "Four Dimensions."

Criminals Hall Of Fame
905-374-3011
5751 Victoria Avenue,
Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3L6
The scamps immortalized at the Criminals Hall of Fame Wax Museum are all notorious -- and almost all are from the United States. Older, boring criminals (Bugsy Siegal, Al Capone) are nicely mixed with more intriguing modern mass-murders: Timothy McVeigh in his orange prison jumpsuit, Jeffrey Dahmer visiting his fridge looking for a late night snack. Its highlight is saved for the end: a photo-op electric chair that buzzes when you sit in it.

http://www.foundlocally.com/niagara/Tra ... ntario.htm
Places that could hold it. I didn?t really look to hard into this but I did come up with a couple of places:

The Conference Center ? Niagara Falls
101 Old Falls Street, NY
22,000 square feet of dedicated meeting space
14,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space.

Sheraton Falls view Conference Center

Anyhow, that is my suggestion and my reasons why I think Niagara Fall is a very solid location to consider for a future convention.  Within driving distance of 18 major cities, two of these cities are both the United States largest city and Canada?s largest city, lots to do (plus lots of places to gamble) and the falls themselves are a fantastic sight to see. Heck, it?s a major honeymoon location, so you know it?s set to cater to lots of visitors.

Now nobody can?t say I haven?t done my homework.

Any input from you guys before I fire this off is welcome but don't expect me to re-write the whole thing. I spent a fair amount of time on this as it is.

[Colonel Abernathy]

I think this is a great idea, not only because I could ride a bicycle to the convention and wouldn't need a ride, but for all the major points you mentioned.  All the tourist stuff and the (relative) closeness of the major cities makes the Falls seem like a no-brainer.

[Realboss]

My wife works for the Niagara Parks Commission and even if they held the Con in Niagara Falls NewYork they could get a day pass to cross the boarder for tours and event such as the above mentioned and Maid of the Mist,  Journey behind the falls, Aero Car, Whirlpooljet boat....etc.  The Parks sells all inclusive tours and day passes to these attractions except the jet boat--not to mention Casinos on both sides of the boarder.

[morgardee]

My wife works for the Niagara Parks Commission and even if they held the Con in Niagara Falls NewYork they could get a day pass to cross the boarder for tours and event such as the above mentioned and Maid of the Mist,  Journey behind the falls, Aero Car, Whirlpooljet boat....etc.  The Parks sells all inclusive tours and day passes to these attractions except the jet boat--not to mention Casinos on both sides of the boarder.

Can you provide me with more details? I'll add it in to my letter somewhere. Stuff like costs, events or maybe just an email link I can attach would help. I really want to gather as much information as I can to show how good a location it really is.

[Pete The Greek]

Mention some of the historical museums in regards 1812 (even though we won the war).

http://www.infoniagara.com/attractions/indexf.html

[morgardee]

Thanks Pete. Every bit helps. Keep the suggestions coming guys. I really want to make the strongest argument possible on this.

[Stealth Viper]

Butterfly conservatory

http://www.niagaraparks.com/nature/butterfly.php


Quick drive to Niagara On The Lake, which is the home of the SHAW Festival

http://www.niagaraonthelake.worldweb.com/


Canada One Factory Outlet Mall

http://www.canadaoneoutlets.com/


mind you, there is very little chance of having the con in Canada. Niagara Falls, NY or Buffalo would be a far safer bet to route for.

[morgardee]

I agree. I think I need to concentrate on the U.S. side as much as possible. I also just remembered that there is the WWE store. I've added that to the list as well. Heck, if Sgt. Slaughter was helpful for this years con, maybe that might help with Niagara Falls. It's worth a shot.

[Madman]

that would be real cool, but i'm not sure it'll happen anytime soon even though you've got lots of great points.

[morgardee]

Just to update this thread, i just posted my letter over at the G.I.Joe collectors Club. Now lets see if it helps at all. This is the final draft I sent:

Over the past few years I have seen many posts on suggested location spots for future conventions and I thought the best way to make my voice heard would be to list the benefits of the location I?m hoping for. It is easy to say ?have the next convention in (city name) because we haven?t had one here before?, but I hope by doing some research it might help with where I?d like to see a future convention. With that being said, I?d like to suggest Niagara Falls, and the following is my case for why Niagara Falls is a good location.

I would like to see a G.I.Joe convention make it closer to the U.S. / Canada boarder. That?s why for the past few years I?ve always suggested Niagara Falls. The convention could work on either side of the boarder. Sure, I?m a proud Canadian but there are many reasons why Niagara Falls would be a great spot to hold the convention so I?ve done some research on the subject.

Location: Niagara Falls is located within 500 miles 14 major cities. They are:

New York City - 400 miles ? The largest city in the U.S.

Chicago - 500 miles ? 3rd largest city

Philadelphia - 400 miles ? 5th largest

Detroit - 250 miles ? 11th largest city in the U.S.

Boston - 475 miles ? 24 largest city

Washington, DC - 425 miles ? 27th largest city

Cleveland - 185 miles ? 39th largest city

Pittsburgh - 240 miles

Rochester - 53 miles

Syracuse - 148 miles



Toronto, Ontario(Canada) - 90 miles * Canada?s largest city

Montreal, Quebec(Canada) - 380 miles * Canada?s second largest city

Hamilton, Ontario(Canada) - 58 miles * 9th largest city

Ottawa, Ontario(Canada) - 335 miles * Canada?s Capitol and 4th largest city

Other Canadian cities not mentioned on this list are London (10th largest) and Windsor (15th largest), St Catherines Niagara (12th largest) and my hometown of Kitchener / Waterloo (10th largest).

With all the cites close by and 3 out of 4 of the largest cities in Canada within driving distance, Niagara Falls is a great location to draw more people out that might not normal attend.

Attractions:

These are just a few of the many things that are fun for the whole family to enjoy. I should mention I was looking on the Canadian side when doing my research but the difference is literally walking over a bridge. Besides, it has been mentioned before that the convention might sometime head outside the U.S. boarder. This would be a good and safe way to test the market. Anyhow, list of things to do:

Fighter Combat International
Niagara District Airport
Highway 55, RR #4,
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, L0S 1J0
(905) 684-5440 Fax (905) 684-3054 Toll Free 1-888-FLY-HARD
No Flying Experience Required This is NOT a simulation ... YOU fly in a jet fighter and experience emergency maneuvers & aerobatic spins. You can also take bi-plane tours in a 1941 Stearman. Romantic night tours offered.

The Battle Ground Hotel
Located at 6151 Lundy's Lane in the heart of Historic Drummondville, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. The Battle Ground Hotel Museum sits on a part of the remaining untouched lands of the Lundy's Lane Battlefield. Visitors to the site are offered a guided tour of the period rooms where they will experience tavern life in 1850. Costumed staff is on hand to give visitors a glimpse into early tourism in Niagara and the fascination with battlefields from the War of 1812

Marineland Canada
905-356-9565
8375 Stanley Avenue,
Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X8
Marineland provides a day of entertainment featuring unlimited access to amazing killer whale, dolphin, sea lion and walrus performances; thrilling amusement rides including the world's largest steel roller coaster, Dragon Mountain; the world's highest triple tower ride, Sky Screamer; and other attractions that will appeal to the entire family. Park is open until nightfall, but admission only during gate hours. Open Victoria Day to end-June: weekdays 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.& weekends 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; End-June to Labour Day - daily 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Labour Day to early October - daily 10 am to 5 pm. Admission Fee (kids under 4 free)

Ripley's Believe It Or Not
Ripley's Niagara Falls
4960 Clifton Hill
Niagara Falls, ON, L2G 3N4
(905) 356-2238, Fax (905) 374-7345
Experience the strange, the odd and the unbelievable at Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum! Robert L. Ripley, creator of Ripley's Believe It or Not! cartoons, spent a lifetime collecting and documenting the most unusual stories he found while exploring over 198 countries. This museum has over 500 exciting and bizarre exhibits, including artifacts and actual film footage of Niagara Daredevils. Experience the 4D Moving Theatre across the street, the only movie of its kind, where you actually move with the picture and feel every bump, dip, and turn - experienced in "Four Dimensions."

Criminals Hall Of Fame
905-374-3011
5751 Victoria Avenue,
Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3L6
The scamps immortalized at the Criminals Hall of Fame Wax Museum are all notorious -- and almost all are from the United States. Older, boring criminals (Bugsy Siegal, Al Capone) are nicely mixed with more intriguing modern mass-murders: Timothy McVeigh in his orange prison jumpsuit, Jeffrey Dahmer visiting his fridge looking for a late night snack. Its highlight is saved for the end: a photo-op electric chair that buzzes when you sit in it.

WWE Retail Store
The world's only World Wrestling Entertainment? Store and Ride Attraction. Two floors of excitement...unique WWE? attitude clothing and souvenirs, interactive games and displays.

It?s like walking into a WWE? Arena: larger than life pictures of WWE? Superstars, awesome free indoor light show and more! Get ready to rumble on the WWE? Royal Rumble video games ? play against the best on our giant screens.

Then, hold onto the edge of your seat for the 200-foot Pile Driver drop ride, an exciting experience that?s unlike anything you?ve ever encountered:

http://www.cliftonhill.com/niagara_falls_shopping/wwe/

There are 40 attractions listed for things to do in Niagara Falls. Check this link for a good list:

http://www.infoniagara.com/attractions/indexf.html


Accommodations:

Places that could hold it. I didn?t really look to hard into this but I did come up with a couple of places:

The Conference Center ? Niagara Falls
101 Old Falls Street, NY
22,000 square feet of dedicated meeting space
14,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space.

Sheraton Falls view Conference Center

Anyhow, that is my suggestion and my reasons why I think Niagara Fall is a very solid location to consider for a future convention. Within driving distance of 18 major cities, two of these cities are both the United States largest city and Canada?s largest city, lots to do (plus lots of places to gamble) and the falls themselves are a fantastic sight to see. Heck, it?s a major honeymoon location, so you know it?s set to cater to lots of visitors.

Now nobody can?t say I haven?t done my homework. I hope that one year soon this will become a reality.

Thanks,

Dave (Morgardee)

[Scramble]

I'm amazed you found the time. I like your arguement and would love the con to be held a short drive away.

[BHMike]

Other Canadian cities not mentioned on this list are London (10th largest) and Windsor (15th largest), St Catherines Niagara (12th largest) and my hometown of Kitchener / Waterloo (10th largest).

Both are the 10th largest?

;-)

Is there a thread you posted it in over there - link?
Mike