A Meeting Of The Minds
 

Last weekend’s historic gathering of poker-run organizers was simply brilliant, https://www.offshoreonly.com/article...g-of-the-minds.

From the OSO home page.

Matt, This is not the first of its kind. We had a gathering of organizers back in 2008 or 09 during the Miami Boat Show.

I was unaware. How many organizers were involved? This group has 41 members. Between those physically present and those on the video conference, this meeting attracted approximately 25 participants from around the country. I just want to be clear that we're talking about the same thing, hence my reason for using the expression, "first of its kind" in the text of my commentary.

It was actually 2006 We had all the top organizers from that era from around the country show up and participate. Brad Schoenwald was one of people that put this together. He rolled out the BESAFE program. It was a set of guidelines that we all tried to follow and adhere to in an effort to keep the sport as safe as possible If I recall correctly we had atleast 20 organizations represented with 50-60 people in attendance.

Mark Blondin
Dave Patnaude

The meeting I wrote about, and the group itself is something entirely different than what you're describing, which sounded very positive. Safety was an aspect of this meeting, but far from the only one. Other topics included were mentioned in the story. The "strength in numbers" theme and what that could (key word) translate to was an ongoing theme of this meeting. The American Poker Run Organization could (key word again) end up being a trade group.

As defined by all the metrics in my story, I stand by last weekend's meeting being the first "of its kind." You may disagree. I have no problem with that. But again, based on objectives and outcome—this group already has its second meeting scheduled—I stand by my statement and description.

I am curious: I didn't even know "at least 20 poker run organizations" existed then. (Can you name those organizations? I''m seriously curious.) They certainly don't exist now. Individual independent poker-run organizers, on the other hand, are everywhere these days.

You can write all you want about it being the first of its kind, But the first true meeting of the minds was back in 2006. We discussed many of the same things that you just wrote about. These guys are 12 years behind what we all discussed back then. I am glad they are getting together and moving the sport in the right direction...but in no means was it the first of its kind. Have a great weekend and Ill see you in KW

Disagreement is healthy and in no way does this meeting detract from anything similar that was done before.

And how am I going to see you in Key West, and buy you a drink at our Thursday night party at the Sandbar Sports Grill, if I don't know your name? :) No matter, I'm easy enough to find.

See you there.

My apologies. Its Bob Scanlon We have met a few times in the past. On Woods yacht and at the OSO party 2 yrs ago See you there

On Woods' yacht ... that sounds dangerous. :) See you in Key West.