After laboring though this long thread; if we get back to basics, the E.D. is taking the steps necessary to preserve the York event. The E.D. is facing some big challenges in the coming years. The way I view the situation: Costs to run such a large meet are sizable and have escalated over the years. The attendance and the number of dealers has declined. Bottom line is that if we are to continue to enjoy this great event, changes are necessary and cannot be avoided. The E.D. should be applauded for trying new things. I will most likely return to York again in fall 2017 as a show of support for the E.D. Its not an inexpensive trip for us by any means but at this point, we all have to contribute towards building attendance . By having an open meet perhaps attendance numbers can rise to the 15,000 mark again. There are 100's of thousands of model train enthusiasts in the USA, perhaps over 1 million. York only needs 20,000 ( maybe 2%) to be profitable. Here are my suggestions
1. You have to advertise a bit. A billboard or two on Rt 30 might help.
2. Devote one building to HO only trains. HO is still the largest selling segment of the model train market. I dislike them but these enthusiasts do spend money and will help attendance.
3. Do a large amount of social networking. Does the E.D have enough of an online presence on Facebook, or twitter????
4. Ask all dealers to put the York info on their websites something like "see us at the largest train meet in the USA on Oct xx xxxx.at York, PA. and.........
5. Do an email blast to all current and former TCA members. Its inexpensive to do and you can reach thousands.
6. Data mine email address lists from all the train forums and from the dealer websites. Hit these people with an email as well. In most cases these lists can be provided at a small cost or donated
7. Always think like a businessman first and a hobbyist second.