Friday, August 5, 2011

Ten Reasons to Attend the Midwest Birding Symposium!

Friday, August 5, 2011
5 comments

Look at your calendar right now and check the third weekend in September, 2011. Specifically, look at September 15 through 18. How's it look? Clear? Then grab a pen (not a pencil) and write the following in LARGE BLOCK LETTERS over those dates: MIDWEST BIRDING SYMPOSIUM.

Here are ten reason why you really need to attend this year's MBS.

10. The MBS only happens every other year, so it's always freshy-fresh, never stale.

9. We work really hard to make sure that it's The World's Friendliest Birding Event—everyone is welcome, even non-birders! Beginners, especially, are encouraged to come.

8. We love making connections between bird watchers. Since the 2009 MBS more than 275 marriages have happened as a result of the event. [Not really, but that sounds impressive doesn't it?] Seriously though, everyone makes new friends at the MBS. We guarantee it! If you attend and leave without making at least one new friend, we'll refund your money (please see Reason #1 below).

7. We've arranged for another appearance by a Kirtland's warbler. You can see a photo of the Kirtland's that joined us in 2009 here. If the Kirtland's does not make the scene, we've got an Eskimo curlew flock on speed dial.

6. Our list of speakers is bodacious. Al Batt (one of Saturday evening's keynote speakers) will make you laugh until you cry/snort/beg for mercy/race to the restroom.


5. Three words: Sunset Boat Cruise! Plus other exciting extra activities.

4. Our Birder's Marketplace features more than 60 vendors, selling everything a bird watcher could possibly want. And then some.

3. Our Conservation Raffle will raise funds for bird habitat acquisition and other worthy conservation causes. The Ohio Ornithological Society has promised to match this funding, up to $10,000! Wow! Items in the raffle include high-end optics, an iPad, birding festival passes, and [yes, it's true!] an autographed photo of actress/activist/birder Betty White!


2. Being on Lake Erie, on the charming grounds of Lakeside in September is incredibly beautiful —just like being in Tuscany, but with better birding and no language barrier.

1. It only costs $100 to attend the Midwest Birding Symposium. Your last speeding ticket or dinner out was more expensive and less enjoyable. Don't fight the urge. Come join us!

5 comments:

On August 5, 2011 at 2:02 PM pambirds said...

I'm all registered & looking forward to it!!

On August 5, 2011 at 4:38 PM Marilyn Kircus said...

That sounds wonderful. I'll have to try and get there for the next one. I just need to be volunteering nearby and save all my coins over the next two years.

On August 5, 2011 at 6:35 PM Lynne at Hasty Brook said...

You had me at Al Batt.

On August 6, 2011 at 10:59 PM Unknown said...

I'm so excited to meet those people on the list. My only trouble is that I can't go to all of their presentations simultaneously. I'm also excited to meet your other official bloggers!

On August 23, 2011 at 5:02 PM Julie Zickefoose said...

You know, Reason #1 is unexpectedly persuasive. That's an amazing value. I mean, I can drop a hundred bucks at the grocery store without even thinking about it, so why would I hesitate to pay that for four days of fun and fellowship? That's a no-brainer.


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