The HabForum

1) Absolutely. However, I would link holding it at Space Camp would be more appropriate. Though that might get you into trouble should the weather not hold.

2) What have ticket prices been for the Saturn V events? I don't recall off hand, but I remember thinking that the price for those was reasonable. So about that, I suppose. Maybe a little more if you can convince him to do a duet of "Space Camp" with Brent Simon. Granted, I'm in at virtually any price, so feel free to charge whatever...

3) probably full service, but you could go with either and I wouldn't complain that you should have done the other...

Apolloxi
Think it should be held at the USSRC or the USSRC Marriott. I am in college and money is tight enough.

I thought about it a bit more:
1) Think it should still be at the USSRC but if the number is to large to be held there I think there should be buses that run from the Von Braun Center to the USSRC.
2) I am really not sure what the price of the dinner should be but it should be both affordable and well done.
3) I think for this type of event it should could be both ways.

1. I guess, yeah... but USSRC seems more appropriate
2. My dad pays for whatever, but keep it affordable, for those with tight bugets
3. Probably full service

Here's my two cents:

1. Unless you can either guarantee the weather and have the event under Pathfinder, or can suddenly and explosively renovate the Food Court for seating, any event over about 150 people is going to have to be held off-site. There simply aren't the facilities there at USSRC - and don't even consider the Astrotrek building as the acoustics are terrible. We did exactly ONE Space Camp graduation in there during my time - terrible.

2. That depends - who is catering? What's Shatner's appearance fee? Any other celebrities or titans of industry that require similar fees?

Real answer, for this question and question 3 - MAKE THIS FIRST CLASS. The induction ceremonies should be Black Tie. Inductees and their guests pay nothing. Soliciting corporate donors with sponsorships both for the program, special tables, and a VIP reception is a good idea to bring additional development dollars to the event and to the Center. General admission and such for the event needs to be enough to cover expenses for an event like this. I would imagine you're looking at a minimum cost of $100 per ticket and a maximum of $250 - depending upon who is coming and such.

The Challenger Center for Space Science Education is having a Gala event this month with former President Bush and John Glenn as the program speakers. The cost is $250 a plate. This is also a new fundraising opportunity for the national organization. The need for USSRC to go in this direction is not clear to me - I haven't been involved there for more than 5 years.

However, I stand by my answer to questions 2 and 3. Make this a first class event. You have but one chance to celebrate a milestone like this, and it should be done as grand as feasible.

1. Yes. I will attend regardless of where the event is held.

2. Depnds on the Shat's fees.... I would like to see someone else, but understand his appeal.

3. Dinner of anytyoe is fine. If it is held at the USSRC, let Michele L. plan it...she's the best at that.

1. Yes, if it were held someplace... say... in Canada! (Unfortunately, I cannot go, no matter where it is held in Huntsville.)

2. and 3. I would have to agree with Vincent on those, even if I cannot come.

question.

when exactly is the whole alumni weekend going on?

i must know!

As I understand it, things kick of on June 13 with this induction ceremony and run until June 18. And there will of course be happenings all Summer long, but those dates will be the big celebration week.

I could be mistaken, however.

The event we are currently talking about will be June 13 the Wednesday before the big kick off weekend. It will be the first induction of the Space Camp Hall of Fame.

There are more events planned for that weekend but no details right now.

Thanks for the quick response to my questions. We gave all the comments (I thought twice about giving Sandrat's) to the committee this morning.

Sandrat, Wm. Shatner isn't the former Prez or coolest astronaut. We can't compete with you. I am sure that is why you moved to Kansas. But, you raise good points that it needs to be first class, and we only have one shot to do that.

Will you be attending the Gala in Houston?

1. Yes
2. Under $1,000
3. Sit Down