The tables boomed and clanged as we folded them up, making the old Billy Joel tune echo in my head, "...the first to come and the last to go..." Mike, Steve and I had been here Thursday afternoon to set up for ATC, and there we were, late afternoon on Sunday, tearing down. Advance the Colors 2004 was now a memory -- one that would remain a pleasant one. We'd met the challenges of moving venues. The overwhelming percentage of attendees were enthusiastic about The Heritage Center of Clark County in Springfield, OH. A historical miniatures convention just seemed right in a museum setting. It was neat to look up from your game for a moment and see the World War I era photographs on the walls. It was rejuvenating to take a break and walk past the historical displays (even though our "bread and butter," the Militaria Wing, was closed for renovation that weekend). Sure, there are some things we know to improve next year. We need better signage as people walk in (and around the Center) -- directing them to the events, Dealers and Flea Market. We crammed too many tables in the Main Room this year, causing the noise factor to be the most common complaint. Next year, we'll have another whole level of the Center to spread out. We can cut down on table density, and thus, noise. We need to get the word out about additional parking, available. We could even use a sign or two outside, as I hear that a couple folks drove by, missing the place (a flank march losing its way?). All in all, though, I was told by many members over the course of the weekend that The Heritage Center just seems to fit ATC. We have a ton of room to grow in there (which may not be apparent to those not part of the "staff"). The Courtyard by Marriott hotel was universally praised. It was no inconvenience being a mere dice throw across the street. The Heritage Center also costs less -- for more space -- than the Holiday Inn did, by the way. And finally, a nice little byproduct is our funds support another historical organization, not a hotel chain. So, for those who attended ATC 04, this "roadie" thanks you. And for those who didn't, I encourage you to make plans to check us out next year. I believe that you will be pleasantly surprised... Vote by E-Mail I encourage members to vote in the upcoming Board of Directors election using our new E-mail Ballot. It's simple: You send an e-mail to the Membership Secretary saying you want to use e-mail to vote, then you e-mail your vote to the Elections Officer. See page 17 for details. Back to The Herald 61 Table of Contents Back to The Herald List of Issues Back to MagWeb Master Magazine List © Copyright 2004 by HMGS-GL. This article appears in MagWeb.com (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other articles from military history and related magazines are available at http://www.magweb.com