I know it is virtual this year and there will not be a standard gathering, but I am surprised there has been no mention at all here with this group?

I assume there will be ways to make purchases online, so I think I will see if I can spend a few dollars with them.  I am sure Darren and his employees would appreciate it.

MB

Ya know MB, I was just thinking that the other day...thanks for getting it out there.  I just spoke with my friend/outfitter on Thursday and asked what they are doing.  He said they have a couple webinar sessions they'll be posting - probably much like a lot of others will be doing.  The upside of that is you don't have to choose and miss out on conflicting session times.  Looks like live sessions will all be recorded, so you should be able to watch any one of them or all - website says for up to 60 days. 

The show guide is supposed to be out early this month, according to the Rutabaga site.  They also say there will be great gear and show pricing specials (for ticket holders, it's noted), but due to demand and supply issues, some stuff may be limited.  So....get your gear list ready ahead of time and definitely review the show guide.

Be sure to check the 'baga site for updates and more info.

pd

i registered first day. Was thinking QJ (snd other bbs) should have a chat room where we could drop in - like when passing in the concourse or store - and say hello.

I'm kind of warming to this virtual stuff.

I have been occupied with getting ready to move. I haven’t heard anything from them so I don’t have any news. I have always enjoyed our gatherings, but this year there is nothing planned unless someone else steps up. Happy birthday QJ! 8-) 8-) 8-)

I got a email from 'Baga on Thursday - the show guide and schedule are live!  You have to check them out on the website though.  It does not appear that there is a downloadable guide, like usual. Likewise, the presentation schedule and everything else seem to be view only - no downloadable or printable format.

pd

In a normal year I would be planning my May trip which would be only 3 months away.  Unfortunately, it is hard to plan if you don't know whether the border will be open.

I've registered and am looking forward to having access to everything. I figure it helps Darren and Rutabaga. Not the same, but something.

At first, I didn't really see the point in a virtual conference, but I guess I'll register as well. We won't obviously have our QJ get-together but I'm sure some of the presentations will be interesting as always and I can always buy some replacement gear :)

I miss the paper program.  Somehow made it easier to plan sessions.

Anyone know if the "live" sessions will be recorded to see later?

Bill, I agree on the show guide.  Even a downloadable version would have been nice, but not the case.  Regarding sessions - from the online show guide, section 'Getting the Most out of Virtual Canoecopia' - Since room sizes are unlimited and most presentations will be available for viewing up to 60 days after the event, you won't miss a thing! Some speakers have requested their content be removed after a shorter period of time, so for those few, that will be indicated in their presentation description. Live presentations and live Q&A's will be recorded and uploaded after the weekend.

pd

Got my tickets/registered last night.

Old Salt wrote on Feb 22^nd, 2021 at 2:23pm:

Happy birthday QJ! 8-) 8-) 8-)

Thanks but 22? Eh whatever.

I am curious how 'Copia is working out for folks this year though. I know it's been around for longer and it's now not the same but... I give the other, other db a lot of credit for calling it off last year on short notice and wish him the all the best.

I missed the BBQ and stories today! 8-) 8-)

I've been hitting some of the 'sessions'....a few good ones in there.  Haven't done any 'live' sessions.  The good part is you can 'walk out' on a boring presentation without feeling guilty or just fast fwd through the lame parts.  Visiting the exhibitor booths just isn't the same....may as well just go to their website.  Interesting note, looks like Badger Paddles has moved in with Swift Canoes - watch Mike Ramsey's 'session'.  Hope it works out for them.  There's still gear discounts, but no real 'browsing', so unless you know what you're looking for, it gets old quick.  I was disappointed in the 'new for 2021' stuff....not much to get excited about this year - but, hey, it was a pandemic year.  That and there's no impetus to pore over gear when it seems I already have 3 or 4 of everything.   :o

pd

I'll be very happy for a return to a non-virtual Canoecopia.

BillConner wrote on Mar 15^th, 2021 at 12:01pm:

I'll be very happy for a return to a non-virtual Canoecopia.

Me too.

I'm squarely in the LIVE Canoecopia category for next year as well. I'd echo PD's observations however the Q&A with some of the presenters worked well. Kevin Callan started drinking scotch about half-way through his session.  The second half of his 1 hr and 20 min session was a bit more animated.  :D :D :D

I drove by the Country Inn & Suites on Saturday and the parking lot was empty.  :'(

Hopefully we'll be back at it next year.

Fingers crossed.

Polls can be fun while waiting for open water. 8-)