2007 Convention: Dearborn, Michigan

The following links can be used to access the program for the 2007 Convention, and to register and provide background information. Each file is a Word document and will open in a new window.  You can also book your hotel accommodations on-line at:  Hyatt Regency Booking
     

Program

 Registration Form Information Form
 

We announce the location of the 2007 ISASC convention in Dearborn, Michigan, with great anticipation. Renowned for being the hometown of Henry Ford it is the world headquarters of the Ford Motor Company.  Not to be missed is the Henry Ford Museum with Greenfield Village which brings the American Experience to life celebrating yesterday’s traditions and today’s innovations.  We will come together May 17th through May 21st to further our own traditions of enhancing the pleasures of collecting through exchanging information and forming friendships with fellow scale enthusiasts.

We will be staying in the elegant Hyatt Regency located in the heart of Dearborn with all the amenities offered by a four diamond rated hotel.  Just minutes from area attractions it will serve as our convention headquarters.
 


The convention activities kick off Thursday evening in a grand style with a tour of Fair Lane.  Completed in 1915 the 31,000 square foot, 56-room stone mansion was the residential estate of Henry and Clara Ford.  The home and surrounding grounds record the private life and varied interests of Dearborn’s most famous citizen.  The evening will continue with dinner at Fair Lane served in the Music Room.  The gracious ambiance will set the mood for the evening for getting reacquainted with old friends and meeting new ones.
 
Friday will bring to mind the old song “two out of three ain’t bad”!  Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the very best of Dearborn by selecting two of the following three options, the Henry Ford Museum, the Ford Rouge Factory Tour and Greenfield Village.  It won’t be an easy choice.
 

 



The Henry Ford Museum highlights the people and ideas that have changed our lives.  The Ford Rouge Factory Tour is a firsthand journey into the innovation of American manufacturing. 
 

Greenfield Village brings to life the sights, sounds and sensations of America’s past.  To enhance the spirit of the day consider having lunch at Eagle Tavern in Greenfield Village.  Built in Clinton, Michigan, in 1831 the tavern served as a stagecoach stop for many years.  Today the tavern provides a traditional 19th century dining experience from food and drink to social etiquette, customs and historically clothed wait staff.

The day will have an individual stamp on it as everyone will be able to plan their tours and lunch schedule to suit their own interests and curiosity.
 


The informal Friday night get-together officially opens the convention with a warm welcome to all.  It is the time to catch up with old friends, meet the first time convention goers and build the camaraderie that lasts throughout the weekend.  It is the time to share albums and tales of new acquisitions as well as seek sympathy for the ones that got away.  It is a refuge where no one tires of scale talk.

Saturday morning we will have several informative programs on scales and weights with an emphasis on Michigan scales and their manufactures.  The afternoon is devoted to the perennial favorites of convention goers, the traditional Silent Auction and “Let’s Make a Deal”.   The gala reception and banquet Saturday night is a convention highlight.  The program continues Sunday morning with the time honored Show and Tell allowing members to share unusual or intriguing treasures from their own collection.   The business meeting which is open to all members finishes out the morning.  The official convention wraps up with the farewell luncheon.

This year the optional trip on Monday should prove to be an outstanding event.   We will have the privilege of viewing the collection of member Jim Dietrich.  Housed in a barn, stacked to the ceiling, the collection consists of thousands of scales described as “the rare, the ordinary and the extraordinary”.  The afternoon will be spent browsing Frankenmuth known as Michigan’s Little Bavaria.  Founded in 1845 it takes great pride in preserving its German heritage.  We will have lunch at the Bavaria Inn taking time to enjoy its stunning landmark the 50 foot high Glockenspiel topped off with a 35 bell carillon.

The convention is always a rewarding way to connect with your fellow scale collectors.  Many members consider it the main appeal of belonging to ISASC.  If you have not attended conventions in the past, please consider this year’s convention.  As always, we welcome our regular attendees to join us.  Convention Committee members Utz and Shirley Schmidt and Greg Moss have been hard at work to ensure a successful and exciting convention.  President Peter Laycock, along with all the board members, extends a personal invitation to join them in Dearborn.  So make your plans now and get set to enjoy another truly remarkable convention.