Identify Alternatives for Future Meeting Locations

A number of ideas were surfaced and discussed:

1) Identify a standing location convenient to all members

2) Conduct the meeting in a different location each month, choosing meeting sites near clusters of members so that the burden of a long commute to the meeting doesn’t fall on the same members each month.

3) Co-locate the meeting with another large Aquarium or Aquatic Plant Group in the interest of attracting new members

These alternatives generated much lively discussion. Members were asked to make recommendations for meeting sites that met the following criteria:

1. No room rental charge

2. A quiet location or private room to facilitate ease in communication

3. Bathroom and food availability.

Item 3, while very attractive, was believed to potentially create a conflict of interest in that co-location with another recognized group might necessitate membership in their parent organization rather than the IBC.

Items 1 and 2 will be discussed at the next meeting after review of member recommendations for specific meeting sites.