GAC,
The concept is sound. Perhaps the main concern is the access to and the control of information that need be gathered. (Security, Privacy, Safety)
The SA and Austin (as well as other cities) M&Gs are successful for one very big reason. The person that coordinates them owns his own hobby board, used to be a mod on a previous board and has been in the hobby for a very long time. He owns the list. He has personally met many providers and hobbyists over the years and he has a big stake in protecting the info gathered.
The notion that any novice hobbyist, will have a list - may be a little disconcerting. Nothing personal, it applies to anyone in your particular situation.
An unsolicited idea would be to have a local provider, who has already verified numerous area gents, to be the "keeper of the list". She already has much of the info needed and has a more vested interest in keeping the list secure.
I personally think you would have a greater chance of successfully pulling off a M&G if you enlisted someone like Aria to handle the RSVPs and security check in for your function.
Personally, while I have never met her, I would have no problem having her take my RSVP and walking up to her at the social and identifying myself as OldSarge. Her picture, description, website and reviews are all out there. As a well-established verified provider, she would have more than a vested interest (and experience) in discretion and protection of the info.
No offense, but frankly, no one knows who you are, nor have met you (other than a handful of ladies).
ECCIE does not sponsor “socials” or M&Gs. The ones that are held, were long established before ECCIE was even a board. They remain viable because of the attendance. The attendance happens because people trust the list keeper and because it is a great way for hobbyists and providers to meet one another.
Opening a B/CS meet and greet to the ladies may well be a viable option. When I attended in SA, several years ago, we had a private venue and the gents paid and the ladies were free. This covered the rental and the snacks. We had a private open bar and that was quite successful as well. There are several places in B/CS that would be perfect to rent out. I don’t think you could ever pull off a social in B/CS that was not a private venue.
The socials held at public places are a little different and are a pay as you go affair. The ladies attend, as the gents are all active hobbyists and introductions get made and the ladies end up with new clients.
I you want to go back to a hobbyist poker night, (men only), you may consider hiring a provider / hostess to keep the roster and RSVPs as well.
Not trying to be critical at all, just helpful in my suggestions. I commend you for your interest and efforts. Frankly, I would love to see B/CS pull off a successful social.
As you placed this in CoEd, perhaps you can place a poll, “Would you attend a social in B/CS”
Definitely Yes, Definitely No, Maybe Yes, Maybe No and “I would attend if all my security concerns were met”
What say you B/CS ladies and gents? If “all your security and privacy concerns were met” would you, in general, attend a PRIVATE social event in the area? If no, what is your biggest concern?
Respectfully,
OldSarge
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