NY/NJ/PA/CT Gamers... the Return of NAVA!

[digitalpress]

The Return of NAVA:
The North American Videogame Aficionados (NAVA) reunite! If you're in the
NY/NJ/PA/CT area be sure to set December 6th aside on your calendar now so
you can attend the east coast's oldest organized classic gaming event.
NAVA was founded in 1995 by Mike Etler and held at Videogame Connections
in Howell NJ until earlier this year when Mike sold the store. The show
returns in style and just in time for the holidays. There is always great
trading and gaming at this event. For directions, details, and contact
info, check in HERE.

[Sotenga]

WOO HOO!!!!!!!!!!

What a great day to be a native Pennsylvanian and to still be living in the state!

[Drexel923]

Cool, I'll be there.

[Keir]

If anyone North/East of CT wants to go let me know. It's about a 4-5 hour drive from here and I'm not doing it alone. I might not be able to go anyway since I'm off to England around that time. We'll see.

[kainemaxwell]

That rocks!

[punkoffgirl]

Well, at least I have enough notice to take the weekend off this time
We'll probably be there!

[jonjandran]

I HATE ALL OF YOU GUYS !!!!!!!!!!

Just kidding, but really can't there be ANYTHING in Florida ????

[Videogamerdaryll]

The funny happened today was that I was writing an email to Mike Etler,for a game inquiry/purchase..(I haven't talked to him in awhile)
As I sent it ...I got an Email about the meeting..

That struck me off guard..

[digitalpress]

I HATE ALL OF YOU GUYS !!!!!!!!!!

Just kidding, but really can't there be ANYTHING in Florida ????

Jon,
sometines you gotta do it yourself. I think you'd be the perfect guy to spearhead a gathering in Florida. Look, all we really did to get this going was contact a local hall that had the right amount of floorspace and facilities for a group of NAVA size (about 30). The rest is promotion and the initiative of attendees (to bring good trade items, games, and systems to play).

My buddy Mike Mize has been talking about organizing something in Florida as well. If you'd like I'll hook you up with him - e-mail me if you're interested. I have no idea if you two are anywhere near each other though.

[jonjandran]

Well, I could give it a try. If there is enough interest.
Go ahead and hook me up with Mike. I'd like to give it a shot.

[calthaer]

Do we get cool DP nametags like at some of the other events?

[TripppsK]

I am in. I just emailed Mike a few weeks ago about it too, its nice to have it the meetings back. Hopefully I'll also be able to make the next NJ Classic that I keep being unable to attend.

[AlanD]

Hmmm left out the VA collectors. Nice to see we are going to start having these again. That was one of the things I missed when I was away overseas. Young whippersnappers today don't know the way us old folk had it - driving 8 hours uphill both ways, meeting in a crowded store front, staying up way past our normal bedtime....but we survived and we liked it. I'll be sure to start setting up for that meeting around work schedule. Looking forward to it,
Alan

[Dan Iacovelli]

I HATE ALL OF YOU GUYS !!!!!!!!!!

Just kidding, but really can't there be ANYTHING in Florida ????

Actually, I heard about a newly formed atari club in Florida about planning a thier own show there.

here is their website: http://miaug.atari-users.net

Dan Iacovelli

[jonjandran]

Miami is 11 hours from me.
And I don't collect Atari.

Oh well, like I said I might get one up myself, who knows ?

[portnoyd]

Fucking sweet. So what's the deal with this rec center? Does it have arcade machines?

dave

[digitalpress]

Fucking sweet. So what's the deal with this rec center? Does it have arcade machines?

Yeah. You're bringing yours, right?

[punkoffgirl]

More importantly, does it have beer in the vending machines?
Anyone know the area? I need to find a hotel.

[christianscott27]

i thnk i've done this exact post before, but if you want to start a florida group...the states just too damn long for one group, two or even three groups could fit, miami south FL, tampa gulf coast and central/north jacksonville. dont be worried about a small group or not enough space, just do it. we started out with 5 people at the first meet and had 30 this weekend. if we had everyone whose ever showed up come at once we'd break 50. it took awhile to flush out the collectors but each convert tends to bring at least one other gamer with them, every hardcore gamer has a pal or two that shares their hobby. that and very few people like to show up at a get together alone. the word of mouth you'll get from just a few members will be a huge source of growth but it takes time.

heres a few other ideas that have worked for me, obnoxiously large signatures, never passing on a chance to mention the group, having a web site about the group and most importantly contacting people. everytime we have a meet coming up i scan the memberlists of this site and atariage for new englanders, if the person has made a post in the last 6 months they're getting an invite. lots of never respond but maybe 25% do and of that half show up, so thats another 6 or so guests. conventions are fun but they're a hell of a lot of work, house meetings are easy to manage, give it a try!

[ClubNinja]

obnoxiously large signatures

You mean like the outdated one you're sporting right now?

He's right though. Big promoting and word of mouth will go a long way for you.