Search for Outstanding OS Speakers

[Keysguy]

I wasn't sure where this topic fit so mods please feel free to move if there's a more appropriate forum.

So, I've volunteered to take on a role of which the focus is obtaining speakers for our OS meetings.

Although I really only need to find them for about 6 of our meetings over the course of the year, our remote and VERY expensive location really creates some challenges. I have some ideas with how to deal with these issues and will pursue those but what I'm really curious to hear from all of you about is....

Who have you heard speak that you were super impressed with and would recommend?
What was the topic?
Did they bring plants for sale?
Why were you impressed by them?

If there are sensitive issues you'd like to fill me in on, please feel free to PM me.

Thanks in advance, I look forward to hearing your feedback.

[DirtyCoconuts]

i can only chime in on the audience side....i love it when they have a handout or a powerpoint --i can never see anything on a demonstration plant because i sit in the back (i am tall and don't want to block others) and its just too far away and too small.

I have found that scientists and teachers (AOS guy from Fairchild and a UM botantist) were really great subject matter and they tend to be better at controlling a group and leading a conversation where as growers and vendors can be more hot or miss.

i have only been to like four of these and they were all great but the academics really stood out

[fishmom]

Your local orchid growers are a possibility. People who have taken orchid tours or gone to an International show--they often have slides they have made up into a presentation. If you can share the cost with another society or two, you can go for a big gun--Fred Clarke has been to our society twice in the time I've been a member, and it is such a treat to hear him talk. Do any of your members have expertise in a particular area?


DC is correct--an experienced presenter will give you the most beneficial program.


Our presenters almost always bring plants for the raffle and often for sale. When they do not, the members bring plants for the raffle.

[Keysguy]

If you can share the cost with another society or two, you can go for a big gun--Fred Clarke

Thanks fishmom.
Fred is actually #1 on my list. He is awesome. I have heard him twice and catasetinae are not widely grown down here for some reason and the should be.

And you are right about sharing. Not sure if it's ever been tried before but I am going to give it a shot. I went through the Orchid Source Directory and there are at least a dozen societies between us and Ft. Lauderdale. One would think we could work something out.

[DirtyCoconuts]

I know a few friends at the Deerfield society...kind of a schlep but they might be interested.

why don't more people grow Ctsm. down here? I agree with you, i just don't know why that is, they love the weather

[isurus79]

There are tons of great speakers in Florida, all with plants and excellent topics.

Off the top of my head, Bill Thoms (Bulbos), Frank Smith (various topics), and Francisco Miranda (Brazilian Cattleyas) all come to mind.

From California, we are bringing back Sergio Garcia (Olompali Orchids, speaks about Brazilian Cattleyas), and I remember enjoying James Rose (Cal-Orchids- various topics) and Peter Lin (Diamond Orchids- various topics). Fred (Aussie Dends, Catasetina, others) is always amazing and Alan Koch (Gold Country Orchids- various topics) was an outstanding speaker too.

I was in charge of bringing speakers to Texas for a while, but still keep my fingers in the pot, and am probably forgetting a bunch of folks.

[Keysguy]

There are tons of great speakers in Florida, all with plants and excellent topics.

Appreciate the feedback isurus.
I am familiar with Fred and Alan and agree they are both top notch. I had to look up Peter Lin in CA. Sounds interesting. I was only familiar with the Peter Lin of Big Leaf in TX.

Thanks again.

Please keep them coming everybody.

[DeaC]

Originally Posted by isurus79

There are tons of great speakers in Florida, all with plants and excellent topics.

Off the top of my head, Bill Thoms (Bulbos), Frank Smith (various topics), and Francisco Miranda (Brazilian Cattleyas) all come to mind.

From California, we are bringing back Sergio Garcia (Olompali Orchids, speaks about Brazilian Cattleyas), and I remember enjoying James Rose (Cal-Orchids- various topics) and Peter Lin (Diamond Orchids- various topics). Fred (Aussie Dends, Catasetina, others) is always amazing and Alan Koch (Gold Country Orchids- various topics) was an outstanding speaker too.

I was in charge of bringing speakers to Texas for a while, but still keep my fingers in the pot, and am probably forgetting a bunch of folks.

I think you're being modest. Your YouTube videos are very informative. Start packing your bags.

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by DeaC

I think you're being modest. Your YouTube videos are very informative. Start packing your bags.

Thanks for that! Much needed today.

[Roberta]

Also consider Ron Parsons, the photographer. He doesn't have plants, but he has amazing photographs, many in-situ, from orchid travels in many parts of the world. He lives in the SF Bay area.