TROPICANA HOTEL AND CASINO

MAY 30 – JUNE 2, 2001

Although we anticipated going back to the Orleans for 2001, the Tropicana made the Club a very attractive offer to return. After reviewing both contracts the decision was made to stay at the Tropicana.

There were several considerations that went into making this decision. The most prominent issues were the following:

· The showroom rental expense was $7000 cheaper at the Tropicana. In addition we are able to accommodate 109 dealer tables at the Tropicana versus only 92 dealer tables at the Orleans. There were also other incentives provided by the Tropicana.
· Based on the input we have received from the members everyone seemed to truly enjoy the Tropicana. The Strip location was a big factor for a lot of members. Having all the amenities within walking distance seemed to be a big plus with everyone.
· The room rates at the Tropicana will be $49 / $99 versus $69 / $99 at the Orleans.
· The walk-in traffic was substantially higher this year than the previous year at the Orleans. This exposure is very important for the Club in trying to recruit new members to our hobby

Other changes that are being made for 2001 are the result of input from the surveys collected at the Convention and input from participants on this board.

TRADING SESSIONS

As requested we have created some additional opportunities for the members to get together for trading. The new trade sessions will only be available if we have someone step forward and agree to organize volunteers to “man” the Wednesday and Thursday sessions to see that they are used for their intended purposes. I hope someone will step up and offer to organize this endeavor.

· All day Wednesday we have a room available that will accommodate about 140 people at tables. Times will be from about 10:00 am until 5:00 pm.
· Wednesday night banquet and trade session (see follow-up note for more details)
· Thursday night for those not playing in the Poker tournament (times to be announced)
· Saturday night “Last Dance Trade Session” (times to be announced)

WEDNESDAY NIGHT BANQUET AND TRADE SESSION

We are making a significant change to the Wednesday night session. For the first time we are going have a complete buffet dinner. This will be a pre-paid ticketed event. We anticipate the cost to be $20 per person. The hotel has agreed to guarantee that we will not run out of food, regardless of how much we consume. It will be open to members only and no tickets will be sold at the door. In addition to the dinner, we are going to have a surprise guest speaker. Plus the members who attend the reception will have their seats for the trading session that immediately follows. For those that decide not to attend the dinner the room will open for trading about 8:00 pm, after the dinner and speaker.

MEMBER ADMISSION

Another change will be the charge of a $10 per member pre-registration admission fee. This fee will cover all three days admission and will include a package of various incentives from some of the dealers, raffle ticket for various items, and hopefully some incentives from other casinos. Only members who pre-register will receive the package. Members who choose to register at the Convention will pay a $4 per day admission fee.

Please keep in mind all these items are still in the planning stages and may be subject to change. Please know that the Board, Belinda, and myself have put a great deal of effort into assuring the best possible Convention. We have tried to incorporate the input this board provided a few weeks ago. We have done our best to keep the costs reasonable and hope you agree that the changes we are planning are in the best interest of the members. Count on the 2001 Convention to be the best yet!

As always I’ll be glad to answer any questions anyone may have. Thanks!

Wayne