As a first time attendee at a SWCA symposium, I was a bit overwhelmed by both the quantity and quality. This is an organization, I think they said, of about 1,000 active members with about 200 attending the symposium. The symposium was about 300% of what I would have expected for an organization our size...especially given the very reasonable cost!

In retrospect I believe that the difference was the volunteer work put into this production. From the hotel contracting and menu planning to the table layout and challenge coin, this was a truly outstanding operation.

On behalf of all attendees I would like to thank all of the folks that made this happen. From Roy Jinks research and Jean's calligraphy to Rex Halfpenny's ability to be 9 places at once, I cannot imagine how many thousand hours and how many folks it took to put this on.

If you've never been to a symposium be prepared to be awed when you do.

Thanks.

Note: I moved this post at the request of another member. We would really like to encourage forum readers who aren't SWCA members to join. This is an outstanding organization that does a lot for S&W collectors, historical document preservation and museum development. I have learned that what you see of the SWCA on this forum is only a tiny part...

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Randy
Provenance nerd

I think that we should put some overall shots from the festivities here for all to see.

Thanks again to all who volunteered their time to make that event happen. I was truly amazed at what a large gathering it was. Plus - it is a REAL bonus to meet some neat folks that I have only known by the forum handle

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On the Oak Savannah

A wonderful job by all involved! If you are interested in S&W's you need to join now, you are missing the bargain of a lifetime and a wonderful opportunity. You don't need an extensive collection or even a single S&W, a desire to learn about all things S&W or a specific firearm or area of interest is all that is required. I found in interesting that two of the speakers in Baton Rouge were new members and gave wonderful presentations that were very well appreciated!

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John. SWCA #1586

The most fun I've had in a long time. I wish I could have stayed longer. Maybe next year.

I absolutely agree with all the above posts. A butler, a Lear Jet or a massive museum quality collection is not needed or required to join the S&WCA. Only a desire to further your passion and knowledge of all things Smith & Wesson.

The cost of membership is about a couple of cases of domestic beer, not an extensive amount of funds. To me, the rewards are exponential. Should you decide to gamble and join, by all means try to attend the Symposium. It is an event you will not likely forget. For the record, there's a bunch of "good ole boys", myself included. Cowboy boots, bib overalls, jeans and a tee-shirt and a bottle of Budweiser were the standard attire.

I took a bunch of photos at the last meeting in Baton Rouge. If there is any interest, I could post them here as well.

Best regards, Bob Ratliff.

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SWCA #2785
OGCA #35078

Joining late and daughter's health (or more accurately lack of it) prevented me from attending this year but given next year's is in my son's neighborhood, I'm already making plans.

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So many S&W's, so few funds!!

I plan on attending Charlotte next year, my first one. Only been a member 10 years.

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Sure you did