canoelover -

Frankly, I teed up the idea of QJ approaching you guys about this several years ago.  The idea didn't "get legs" at the time.  Recently, other long-time QJers have again kicked around the idea of a QJ contingent approaching you about doing a presentation at CanoeCopia.  I confess to being a little indifferent about the prospect (for purely personal reasons) when I was approached by other QJer's just last month.  Now we have your invitation to generate a proposal for a presentation.  While DentonDoc being out-of-the-country significantly diminishes our talent pool, I have little doubt we could do a credible job [provided we can find a QJer who can cover the pics & the A-V dimensions of a good presentation that we know dd would nail for us].  There's a heckuva lot of experience here, including several who have contributed stories and editorials to the Boundary Waters Journal and other media.  We have experience with meeting the public (at least in written form) and I believe we can deliver on stage, too.

When you say "specific skills needed to really enjoy an expedition rather than just tolerating it", can you elaborate on any feedback you may have received what your customers WANT to hear (beyond the QJ comments you received last March) regarding canoe-tripping?  An hour presentation goes by very quickly, especially when you consider that at least 15 minutes should be allotted for Q&A and transitioning between sessions.  If we did this, we'd want to hit the target you may have identified.

The notion of a "panel discussion" has been teed up (similar to what the other website does for you).  Does the presentation of our rival board go over well with your customers?  Any feedback re: that style of presentation?  Are you OK with BOTH canoe-camping boards presenting (with hopefully differentiated goals)?

Maybe it happens in 2013; maybe it happens in 2014 but I believe QJ will eventually get involved.  Thanks for asking.

Any additional thoughts you might have will be appreciated and become grist for our thought mill!

Jimbo   8-)