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SELEM VI-- Read this thread

hakzaw1

hakzaw1

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update july 19. (for my plans)
http://laserpointerforums.com/f57/going-going-gone-76152.html#post1097359


Its that time once again.. the best laser enthuasists meet(or LEM) is happening again in Newton , N.C. Aug 16 to 19. Much the same as last year including a return of Dr Sam Goldwasser. Many hours of full color lasershows by some of the best in the biz. Thousands of $$ is door prizes some worth more than 600$(QS FB3). You can see videos at You Tube which will give you a better idea of what is seen in A PRIVATE SETTING.


Do an advanced search using the word SELEM for a title only search.


Ask any that attended.... dont take my word for it. I am looking for ride sharers from Texas. PM for more--TY for reading.


hak
 
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Hmm... if I end up not going to california, I'm definitely going. Only a ten hour drive :tinfoil:
 
I will plan on going and promote the event regardless but If I dont find three to split gas I may not make it this year....sad.
 
Dammit! Make it in April when NAB Las Vagas is on and I can claim it on tax or get the company to send me! lol
 
hakzaw1 said:
I will plan on going and promote the event regardless but If I dont find three to split gas I may not make it this year....sad.
Click to expand...

I really hope to see you make it! I wouldn't be going if it weren't for you.
 
I would love to make it to it this year. It falls right in the middle of my busy season for work though. Hopefully I'll see a bit of a break where I can get away to attend.

Thanks for the heads up, i'll keep an eye on the thread for updates if any.
 
^^^ mucho grabass guys for the kind words.

Hope all of you can do SELEM or if not ,any other LEM. They are really a ton of fun and there is more to tell all about these than I can describe.

They have a room set aside for BS&T - nobody really has to 'sit' on what they offer- just put prices on most stuff and your username so any wanting to BSorT can find you and do the deal- its basically the honor system and for the two I attended works well.


Dr Sam is wanting to make this one and will be doing some kind of semi-formal lecture/Q&A- session.

Pangolin usually has CEO Bill Benner there to show off the newest SW and pass out some free goodies. Pango may send one of thier other guys but all are very interesting to hear.


Some bring thier DIY PJs that are not quite ready and the pros there help them make progress. Scanner tuning, near & far-field alignment- and much more is explained.

Helping do the set-up and tear-down at the venue is a learning experience too. Newcomers are advsed to come early (like Thursday morning) and try to stay late ( Sun. eve) and try to help-- this is especially a good idea for those who can't bring or dont own a PJ(yet).

there are many ways to keep your expenses down- car-pooling- sharing rent -cars, squeezing extra attendees into a room or suite can bring the cost of lodging to as low as 25$ per nite (+tax) or lower-- no need to sleep in your car.


Those driving and sharing rooms may want to bring along an airbed-& some bedding rollaways are there but maybe not enough and I never sleep well on them anyway.

Four ( or even five) in one of the two room suites is one of the lowest prices while still being fairly comfy.. about the only time spent in the rooms is sleep time.

Actually it IS possible to get the lodging down to ~$20 per nite by wedging four into a regular room. one in the bed and three on airbeds- it has been done but I really like the suites with full kitchen and two queen beds in the second room. Theres a couch and room for two airbeds on the floor.

Okay.... this part is important-- while pay-at-the -door is allowed it is a nice thing to pay way in advance so those in charge dont end up paying for much more than thier fair share. I find that once your 60$ is sent to buffo this will force you to make the commitment-- occasionally some cannot attend at the last minute- It has happened.

Most are happy with thier attendee fee going to help support the event- they get thier shirt in the mail..

You should work out the lodging plan for yourself and book your room IN ADVANCE-- you must tell them that you are SELEM to get our special rate.


Those seeking ride or room sharers need to make a post in this thread and at PL if you are a member there too(Meets n Greets board). This is not something you should put off.

You can lurk at all the posts & threads about past SELEMs to get a feel for the event.

Those flying in (one came from the Netherlands last year) can arrange for a ride to SELEM with others- this may be in the form of a shared rent car.. there seems to always be someone with room to give rides to and from the event and the HIE.
Get cell #s from all that you may need to contact BEFORE you get there. Get Buffos number and add it to your phone!!

a record attendance has been set almost every year-- i hope this year we will be over 100 laserists-- there is no need to own a PJ, or be an ILDA or PL member-- but
most find handhelds after owning many to no longer give you your laser 'fix' so PJs are the next natural step-- pointers are the gateway laser 'drug'. lol

You can bring all the handhelds you want BUT the use of them needs to be very respectful, especially during others lasershows and outdoors at the venue and hotel.

So thats it in a nutshell- pay your 60$- give buffo your shirt size(s) and make a plan to go.. you are setting yourself up to not go by putting your plan off. Start today...
you will no regret.. just ask any SELEM vet.


,


There is a kitchen we can use at the venue so those driving are welcome to bring along anything they want to eat there and avoid expensive resturant food. There traditionally is a big feast at the venue on Friday late afternoon/evening. in years before it has been some awesome BBQ by Mophead and the wife(I helped) and last year we had a big *********/ meatball dinner with salad, fresh toasted garlic bread and more. The food is partially covered by our attendee fees and the rest is done by a tip jar. Any unable to chip in is welcome to 'pay' in the form of kitchen help.

The Holiday Inn Express puts out a pretty nice breakfast to the first meal of the day is free.

Adult beverages are allowed and there are two refrigerators to use at the venue- free ice at HIE so if driving you may want to bring a small ice chest.

Awards (in the form of medals) are given out for many catagories like farthest traveled, smallest PJ, best show, most ghetto PJ(I got that one!) and more.

One of the highlites is the name drawing for the doorprizes- some very expensive items are donated by many- a few worth well over 500$..

a special area is set aside for big gas lasers- some that would prolly would never see in person if not for SELEM..VERY COOL to see these.

The nice knit button collar shirts are monogrammed with each years SELEM LOGO- all full-paid attendees get one( more if wanted at a fair price)

Non lasergeek guests (adults) can come with for free- but if they want to do the friday feast it is hoped that some extra $$ will be put into the jar.
Any guest that is into lasers should pay the fee. Children are not really a good idea-
You

Excellant photo/vid op-- networking at its finest-- make forum-only friends into friends that you have met in person... so bring your biz cards if you have them--special arrangement need to be made in advance with Buffo. We have had many younger laser geeks come with a gaurdian and they seem to do very well.

ALL attending will sign a standard waiver before enerting the venue. This allows us to go on stage and see the shows from a perspective that is impossible under normal circumstances. The balcony is a "Hot Zone" and spcial care needs to be take up there- but soemof the best vids and pics come from the balcony.
Bring your own safety kglasses and wear them as much as possible in the balcony..

Study up on the possible dangers that high power lasers pose to your cameras-- you may want to use your back-up camera and protect your best one from damage.

PM any questions that you have.

the event is in Newton NC show starts Aug 17 (set up 16th) tear down is late Sunday afternoon/early evening.
A few stay and leave early monday..


Len


and there is much more but just a few of these make the trip worthwhile.
just as any SELEM vet.
 
Ohhh. I forgot about the entrance fee. You know. Your right Hak. I'll be there no matter what. If I'm going to go I may as well pay up front for everything and then I won't have time to back out. I'll put selem on my priority list even if I have to fly in.
 
loved last year,

Going again this year, but it's only a 50 minute drive for me! :)

Gas lasers were outstanding last year.
 
Im starting college this fall so I may not make it this year :(.
Ill try to find a way to get there even if I have to walk :tinfoil: JK :P
It will more than likely be a last minute decision if i can make it.

... PS someone post some pictures from last year. :thanks:
 
lazerman121 said:
Im starting college this fall so I may not make it this year :(.
Ill try to find a way to get there even if I have to walk :tinfoil: JK :P
It will more than likely be a last minute decision if i can make it.

... PS someone post some pictures from last year. :thanks:
Click to expand...

Zach...
you are the map guy... you need to do that again either way. we need your enthuasism..len
 
I have been to many LEM's

SELEM is among the best there is

If you can swing the cost at all, go

You will NOT be disappointed

Peace,
dave
 
daguin said:
I have been to many LEM's

SELEM is among the best there is

If you can swing the cost at all, go

You will NOT be disappointed

Peace,
dave
Click to expand...


Thanks DAG,

It can be an expensive weekend- however there are ways to trim the cost and if you are as lucky as me you might win a door prize that will offset some of the cost- a few are passed out with a value of ~$500..

ONE way to reduce travel cost and be able to bring some gear or trading/FS items is to carpool.. I am currently looking for several willing to equal split gas from Central TX- anywhere from DFW down to Houston ( or even further south. Also I have one potential ride sharer from N.O. La so if we get two more I am happy to start from La..

WE only spend time in the hotel for sleep and damn little of that- It is possible to keep that below $100 by room/suite sharing. Can be as cheap as $25 per nite plus tax.. the HIExpress puts of a fair morning meal so you only have to pay for lunch and dinner- those in a suite have a full kitchen so food to cook can be carrried to the hotel.

A SuperWalmart is next door- there is a big kitchen at the venue for use by those willing to not leave a mess.

The next 9 weeks will fly by- send in your shirt size and the attendee fee ($60) N O W !!!and make it happen-- I can provide the PP addy if you want-

read more in my post above- PM for questions- Dave knows LEMs- SELEM is one to do..
youtube SELEM--google SELEM-- read!! then do it!!
 
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