which conference in NYS?

[maple flats]

Since there will be 2 conferences this Jan for NYS, one at Vernon Downs in Vernon, NY, and a second at the NYS fair grounds in Syracuse, NY I'm trying to get a feel for how many are going to each. They will both be Friday Jan 7, evening and Saturday all day Jan 8. If you have decided, please show,
#1 State Fair one or both days
#2 One each day
#3 Vernon Downs one or both days
#4 neither this year.
Thanks for your input. If you are going, please state which, #1-4 and a count of how many will attend.
Dave AKA maple flats

[Z/MAN]

Why 2 on the same day??

[DrTimPerkins]

Why 2 on the same day??

Excellent question.

[fred]

sounds like someone with a grudge? not a good way to move forward in the maple industry.

[Maplewalnut]

Also interested in the reasoning for two. That might determine my answer. Also my selection will probably depend on courses, dealer attendance etc

[ToadHill]

I don't know the inside details, but here's my understanding of how we got to this point. For years the event was sponsored by the NYSMPA and hosted at the VVS High School. It was organized and put on by the VVS FFA and their director. A few years ago there were issues between the director and the school. At that point the NYSMPA decided to move the event to the state fairgrounds and they contracted with the director to continue organizing and running it. A few months ago the NYSMPA discontinued their relationship with the director. The director then organized an event at Vernon Downs and began promoting it without support or involvement from the NYSMPA. The NYSMPA is planning and organizing their event at the state fairgrounds, just without the former director. I don't know what led to the director's separation from the NYSMPA or their prior separation from the school. This is all my understanding of how things transpired, but I don't know any of the inside story and I don't know how this will shake out. Unless someone can give me a solid reason why we shouldn't I would suggest we support the state association and the event at the state fairground.

[fred]

agreed Randy, stick with the roots unless they do something to compromise progress in the industry, which would not be likely

[Thompson's Tree Farm]

Randy has it in a nutshell. We are not at liberty to say more.
Doug Thompson
NYSMPA President

[maple flats]

I have no details nor an opinion, but the fact is that 2 will be on the same day.If I had to hazard a guess and that's all it would be, I'm thinking that the one at Vernon Downs, In Vernon, NY was scheduled first while the NYSMPA was trying to decide if they'd do one this year or sit another year out because of Covid. Then the association decided to go ahead. Again, that's just my guess looking in from the outside.
If anyone knows differently, please correct me.

[maple flats]

I'm now seeing some results, with very few votes it now shows 75% state fair grounds, 25% Vernon Downs.
However the numbers are so small this is very likely not a true picture yet. The numbers show 9 to the fairgrounds and 3 to Vernon downs. Lots more entries are needed before any true results can begin to stand out.

[ToadHill]

Flats, I did vote, but recall having a problem trying to enter the number of people that would be attending with me.

[emti]

Where can I find some information on the fairground conference? Thanks Mike

[Thompson's Tree Farm]

Go to the New York State Maple Producers website or call the office at 315-877-5795.

[emti]

Thanks . Mike

[Bucket Head]

Not stirring up trouble- just offering up my two cents here.
I do not know the whole backstory on the director leaving the Assn. either. I just hope it's not a knee jerk decision, "guilty until proven innocent" kind of decision, which sadly, has become the norm everywhere.
My understanding of the Conference is that it was started in Vernon many years ago. So, basically, the show is returning to it's "roots" being in Vernon.
I believe Maple Flats is correct with the Vernon show being planned and organized before the Assn. had anything on paper.
I can not prove or disprove this, but I was told by another area sugar maker that the equipment dealers had committed to Vernon prior to the announcement of the Syracuse event.
And now for the disclaimer- I have no connection to Vernon Downs Casino or the State Fairgrounds, and it doesn't matter to me where a "single" event might eventually land. I registered for the Vernon event because of the dealer commitment comment. No idea if that was the right or wrong decision. I'll let you guys know in January.
I hope everyone enjoys whichever event they choose to attend and that the upcoming sugaring season is better than the last one!

Steve

[ncat]

I'm with Maplewalnut - attendance on my selection will probably depend on courses, dealer attendance etc.

[maple flats]

I just read the newest copy of The Maple News, and looking at the sessions offered, it looks like the Vernon Downs venue has more. They offer 6 or 7 topics in each session, while the State Fair venue only has 5 listed in each. Also, the Vernon show lists the vendors from the equipment dealers etc who will show, I no such listing for the State Fair.
If I were choosing at this late date, just because of my stated points above, I'd go with the Vernon. I see that Vernon also offers phone registrations up until the start of the show, but either will take additional participants at the door.
It's a tough decision for sure. If still deciding, I suggest you look at the adds in The Maple News, they are on opposite pages from each other which makes comparing easier. Look at what presentations are being offered and whichever you choose be aware that Covid Vaccine status will be checked, masks are needed and temperature checks will be made at both (New York State Required).
If after looking at the sessions you still can't decide, I suggest the State Fair Venue because it is sponsored jointly by the New York State Maple Producers (NYSMPA) and Cornell and it helps the NYSMPA, even though Keith has been a great friend and mentor for many years (the Vernon Venue).
Good luck to both conferences. Maybe next year the dates if 2 are given will not compete with each other forcing this difficult choice.
Whichever you choose it looks to be a great conference. Have fun!

[maple flats]

Remember, if anyone does not feel well, stay home, for everyone's sake!

[maple flats]

By the way, I will not be at either this year, for health reasons. I have major surgery scheduled for Jan 19 and if I get a positive covid test the surgery will be rescheduled. Also, since my wife had Chemo and Radiation 14 yrs ago, her white cell count has been extremely low, I can't risk bringing Covid home to her!
We've been married 54 years and don't dare jeopardize continuing to count the anniversaries.

[sugarman3]

just Vernon Downs,it was execellent