The second Board of Directors meeting was held at 12:00 noon on February 21st, 1998 at the Bob Evans at U.S. 35 and I-71. Present were Matt Davidson, Ray Garbee, Scott Savory, and Darryl Smith. Also present was Mike Demana. Missing was Ferkin Doyle who could no attend due to an accident which hampered his mobility.

ADVANCE THE COLORS

The convention dominated the discussion for this month's meeting. The convention committee has shaped up as follows:

• Ray Garbee - Convention Coordinator
• Brian O'Leary - Games Coordinator
• Ferkin Doyle - Dealer Coordinator
• Dennis Frank & Mike Demana - DBA tournament organizer

Garbee has prepared a schedule of target dates certain items should be completed by. Also Garbee had a copy of the floor plan with changes to the dealer area as well as the gaming area to better enhance the use of space at the Holiday Inn. As we now have the additional of more gaming space, the dealer area will be enlarged to allow easier access.

Also high on the convention list was admission costs. The Board as a whole agreed (with much discussion) to both providing a single day admission rate, and a possible indirect price break for game masters. Concerns were voiced however as the cost of holding the convention has increased @$1000. The additional costs are $600 more for the site, as well as table rentals.

All tables were provided last year at the Holiday Inn's expense, somethingthey were not willing to repeat for this year. As the cost of the convention has dramatically increased, the Board is leary of giving too many price breaks at the convention, but the Board also realizes the need to make Advance The Colors as gamer-friendly as possible. Therefore the admission rates for ATC '98 will be:

• HMGS member - weekend rate: $8.00
• HMGS member - daily rate: $5.00
• non-HMGS member - weekend rate: $15.00
• non-HMGS member - daily rate: $10.00
• Visitor pass (non-refundable): $3.00
• children 12 and under: free

Obviously, our rate structure for non-members is to encourage them to join HMGS Great Lakes at the convention.

In regards to a price break for game masters, numerous ideas were discussed. The Board finally decided on a $5.00 certificate, which would be redeemable to any dealer at the convention. We need to have the dealers agree to this, and Great Lakes will be willing to reimburse any dealer for certificates used at their table. Therefore, an HMGS member who only attends the convention for one day and hosts an event would still would pay the $5.00 admission. However, upon completion of his event, he would receive a certificate for $5.00 off any purchase made in the dealer area. There is a limit of one certificate per person, no matter the number of games they may host. The Board believes this to be a more tangible way of rewarding the game masters who make the time to support Advance The Colors.

This year the convention will also have a flea market on Sunday to allow attendees to sell their unused gaming items. Tables will be $5.00, and the flea market will open at 11:00.

Also on Sunday will be the annual membership meeting, scheduled to start at 9:00. Please make plans to attend.

The idea of convention t-shirts was brought up. The Board agreed that this will be an idea that will be pursued for this year's convention. Garbee will look into pricing.

Dennis Frank has agreed to host a DBA tourney at ATC to be held on Saturday, with Mike Demana's support. Great Lakes will seek NASAMW sanctioning to make this an official NASAMW event. Dennis and Mike are looking to have 8-12 gaming slots for this tourney.

CAPCON

Smith will be producing a postcard to send to non-current members of Great Lakes that will list all the historical events that will take place that weekend. The postcard will go out shortly after Cold Wars The intention is to bring ex-members back into Great Lakes by showing that we are supporting other conventions than our own. Current members will see a listing of events in this issue. We want to promote historical gaming and encourage gamers to come out to Capcon.