Pin meet locations

[atlnewf]

Question for others that organize pin meets. We started out meeting at Borders, but we've outgrown what little space they had. We tried meeting at the mall, but the local mall on Saturdays is a zoo. Hotels cost to use their rooms, and so (unfortunately) does the local library. So, I'm thinking restaurants and such. Do those of you that use restaurants (assuming some do) work it out with management first, or just show up? We're not a huge group (maybe 10-15 people if all show), but I worry about taking up paying customer space.

Ashley

 

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

I would definitely work it out with the restaurant management. Let them know what size of a group you have, and if you plan on hanging around a while trading pins, let them know that as well. Just ask JudySue about the DC meet in January of 2001. If the restaurant has an area that is somewhat separate from the rest, that can be best.

Best thing to do is to plan it at a slow time. Mid-afternoon on the weekends might be best, as long as it's not a sports-bar and the place usually has a crowd for the games.

 

[JudithM]

Ashley, a couple of times I have met pin trader friends at Atlanta Bread or Panera Bread - we like to eat, chat & look & trade pins! Maybe something like that would be an option.

 

[atlnewf]

Thanks guys! I'll do some checking and see what restaurants are in the area and who (if any) has a separated area to use.

Ashley

 

[PinClubs]

Hello Ashley,

Being a promoter of local pin clubs, I receive emails all the time with details on club's pin meets.

Most of the time the pin meets are held at the food court of the local mall. Occasionally for special events hotel conference rooms and meeting rooms are used, but like you said, they can be costly.

The CJDPT (Central Jersey Disney Pin Traders) of which I am a member until recently has met twice a month for around 9 months at the local mall food court, but when our group reached 50 to 60 per meet the food court retailers complained that we were taking up too much space so we were told by mall management not to have our pin meets there anymore.

They did invite us to use their community rooms (most malls have them) but it cost $50.00 per day (room capacity - 30) so we declined.

We are still looking for a venue for our pin meets and may be working out a deal with the local library. The do not charge a fee surprisingly enough.

My suggestion is to check mall community rooms, firehouses, VFWs, Moose Lodges (or any other kind of lodge) American Legion halls and other libraries. Your suggestion of a restaurant with a small banquet room is a good idea too.

Sadly enough, it is getting difficult to find places to meet without spending a lot of money.

Good luck,

Jeff (Buddy Bear aka Pin Clubs) Langdon
Pin Clubs Founder
http://www.pinclubs.com
CJDPT Member
http://www.pinclubs.com/cjdpt/