Sunday we held our monthly organizers meeting in Springfield.  14 folks participated in person, with another 3 over Skype.  After some technical difficulties, Ian was able to start the meeting.  

Michelle proposed a writing contest and short performances as part of this year's evening entertainment.  The group loved the idea and she will report back next month with specific details.

Next on the agenda was day rates for this year's conference.  We have long been asked if day rates are available and have gone back and forth on the idea.  This year day rates will be available.  They are tentatively set for $40 Friday, $60 Saturday, $40 Sunday.  

Then the department heads gave their updates.  Micah began with Fundraising.  We have a VERY ambitious goal this year to raise $10,000 for the event, but will need everyone's help to get there.  Volunteers are needed, and the team will be broken down by geography.  The intention is to have forms on-line by March 1st.

Julia was next with Communications.  She requested volunteers in different areas, such as coordinating prides, social media, writers, and outreach.  

Aimee updated us on Operations.  She requested help with coordinating A/V equipment and designing the layout of the event.

Jenn was next, with Content.  Because TBC falls on the Intersex Day of Awareness, we will be having a special event to note it.  There will also be a Halloween/Costume Party Saturday night because we are so close to Halloween.  The presenter and workshop proposal forms will be up on March 1st.  To prepare, the Content Committee will be meeting February 18th in Worcester, MA.  

Sara (aka Leprechaun) gave a membership update and discussed the creation of a scholarship award to memorialize Badger, a previous TBC attendee who recently passed away.  She also brought up volunteer compensation ideas.

Ian then gave an update on where we are with Google Apps for Nonprofits.  Organizers will soon be signed up for emails and have access to the document section.  This will be a great tool for us.  We will also be switching from Skype to Google Hangouts for our next organizers meeting.  

We are still in the process of finding the right keynote for the conference based on scheduling and cost.  We hope to have an update soon.  

Lastly we discussed recent and upcoming events to promote at.  Sara discussed Creating Change.  A rough plan for having a table at the New England Leather Alliance Fetish Fair Fleamarket was created.  We will have fliers at Wicked Faire.  Julia encouraged people to submit workshop proposals to the 3rd Annual Five College Queer Sexuality & Gender Conference at Hampshire College.  

After the official meeting the Communications Committee met with a friend whose professional background includes creating messaging.  This was a very useful message in helping us determine how to talk to people at events and for our advertising.

Sunday evening, along with other friends, the TBC organizers enjoyed a Superbowl Party.  It turns out that we are a mix of Patriots and Giants fans (along with fans of commercials, half time shows and time with friends).  Everyone, regardless of their favorite team, is welcome to join us for our next Organizers meeting Sunday, March 11th at 2-4PM EST in Springfield, MA.