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Choosing rotations: “It’s impossible to see all the rotations that are available, so choose the ones you may think offer the most with respect to your interests. The journal issue previous to the symposium offers some good insight as to who is doing what, so read that carefully.” —J. Paul Fennell, attendee and “As with anything, when you are trying to learn something new or revisit and review a process, pay strict attention to the demonstration and take a good and accurate set of notes.” —Jerry Brownrigg, attendee of every AAW symposium “Be certain to attend the opening ceremony on the first morning, and pay close attention to what each presenter will be demonstrating. Take notes. Mark your schedule accordingly. Don’t be afraid to make adjustments, based on comments from your co-attendees and friends, as the event proceeds.” —Norm Hinman, former AAW board member (11 symposiums) “Study the list of presenters ahead of time to make the choice easier at the symposium.” —Brad Packard, Packard Woodworks “You will see a variety of techniques that are readily adaptable to your own style of turning. You may connect with one turner who captivates your attention and you want to see all the rotations the individual presents.” —Blake Hickerson, 10-year symposium signage volunteer “Pick classes that seem interesting to you. But do not hesitate to change your mind. If you sit in on a class and decide it is really not for you-—take a hike to another class. You paid good money and have spent the time to be here. Go for the gusto the symposium offers.” —Kelly Dunn, Hawaiian professional woodturner Talking to experts: “Do not be intimidated about asking a well-known turner for advice. I’m sure most will be glad to offer suggestions, if asked.” —J. Paul Fennell “One of the great values of coming together is the ability to walk up to some of the best turners in the world and ask a question. This is a friendly community: Ask a lot of questions, regardless of the turner’s fame or skill level.” —Alan Lacer Trade show: “Plan on looking critically at products in the trade show. This display is far better than any catalogue to see the real thing and ask questions.” —Alan Lacer “Take it slow at the trade show. Do not think it will all disappear if you do not something on the spot. Vendors are there to help you make choices as a turner and become friends over the long haul. Talk with vendors, pick up brochures, and make plenty of notes.” —Kelly Dunn, Hawaiian woodturner who makes a long-distance trip every year “Go to the trade show with a list of items you wish to see ‘in captivity.’ Ordering items after you return home means you will need to pay shipping, which may be completely or at least partially offset by not having to pay sales tax on the items if you were to have purchased them at the show. For items that carry a significantly reduced show price, re-evaluate this advice.” —Norm Hinman, former AAW board member (11 symposiums) Instant Gallery: “While observing the Instant Gallery, take a good set of pictures and notes. This is not for the purpose of copying the art pieces observed, but to apply your own techniques and processes to new and different articles. Jerry Brownrigg, attendee of 19 previous seminars “Don’t miss the Instant Gallery critique. You will learn so much.” —Bonnie Klein, lifetime honorary member and former AAW board member Making friends: “This is the place to make friends, and these friendships may last for the rest of your life. When you attend the next symposium, they will be there to socialize, which makes the subsequent symposiums even more enjoyable.” —J. Paul Fennell Taking your knowledge home: “Prepare to put what you have seen or learned into immediate action after the conference--that is the real payoff for coming.” --Alan Lacer “Enjoy the sensory overload! It’s like kids at Christmas! There is a great deal to take in, but you will have months after the event to muse over the good time you had.” --J. Paul Fennell “Demonstrators will leave life-long impressions. I guarantee when you return home, you will be motivated from what you have experienced during this event.” —Blake Hickerson, 10-year symposium signage volunteer |