Comments from the Chair

September '06

Fellow ISAP Members, Still running in circles here trying to get things locked-down for ISAP-VII.

We have made progress, but am guessing were still a week or two from having everything chipped in stone. I am currently negotiating with two hotels - the Crowne Plaza Pensacola Grande and the Hilton Garden Inn - in an attempt to get the best possible price. These are both highly rated hotels with first class accommodations.
 
Prices appear to be competitive with what we have experienced during previous ISAPs.Am also working with Andy Wolfe to lock-down a guest speaker list that we'll all find appealing. Andy and I are trying to find folks that attack the subject of aviation photography from perspectives different than in previous years. As an example, we're working on representatives from the FAA and Homeland Security to discuss with us the future of security issues as they apply to the aviation photography profession. We're also exploring getting a speaker onboard who operates on the retail side of the photography business - in effect someone who can tell us what it's like selling cameras and lenses and photography paraphernalia on a daily basis. And have no fear, we do have some conventional show 'n tells lined up that are certain to provide a few images of great merit!
We're talking with folks at Tyndall AFB as I write. Looks good for us to spend at least part of a day there - and they're talking serious activity while we're on the ramp if the timing works out. Tyndall is currently one of the few bases to have the F-22 on inventory, so there's a fair chance that we'll be given an F-22 aerial if all goes well. More as it develops!

I'd like also to take a moment to applaud the magnificent ISAP web site that has been put together by member Michele Peterson (thanks, also, to Denny Lombard). It is, as you can see, absolutely first- class. Best of all, Michele's not through yet - and has many more features planned as time and energy permit.

So, keep plugged-in to the ISAP web site. In short order we'll be spreading the gospel on the hotel and field trip plans for ISAP-VII. Make sure to mark March 15 thru 17 of 2007 on your calendar, regardless!

Adios, Jay