First, the good news! Our Canadian Astrophotography Schools (CAPS) event is still GAME ON! This event was started last year, and every indication is that it is an event that “has legs” and will continue to be a premier attraction to photography enthusiasts from far afield. The biggest benefit to RASC Hamilton Centre is that it has the potential to generate as much, if not more revenue, and at the same time, an exponential reduction in volunteer manpower to accomplish.
CAPS is a full-emersion, 2-day school where students get hands-on instruction from leading experts. It appeals to both hard-core deep-space imagers, as well as those interested in “skyscape” artistic photography and Planetary (including Solar) photography. Whether the interest is learning hard-core scientific imaging or skyscapes using simple light-duty equipment, there is something for everyone!
Even better news, RASC Hamilton Centre members (in good standing) can enroll in any of the 3 courses for ½ price! More details to follow.
OK, now onto the bad news. On Friday, March 3, the Board of Directors and AstroCATS Committee met in a special session to discuss concerns about lackluster Exhibitor participation in the upcoming AstroCATS Trade Show. With only 10 weeks until show-time, we needed to make a difficult decision to either forge ahead, or cancel the event. After reviewing potential consequences, in terms of financial and professional responsibility, we felt that there was a risk that we would not be able to deliver a rich experience to either paid attendees or the exhibitors.
Our decision was to cancel AstroCATS 2017. As of this writing, exhibitors who had already signed-up have been notified. We have already received feedback that supports the decision we made. Most interestingly, a major factor was that some exhibitors state-side, were concerned about crossing the border during the political turmoil that has been the focus of media attention of late.
I cannot even begin to do justice to passing on my gratitude, to the AstroCATS committee, who have volunteered countless man-hours of their time. In particular, Andy Blanchard, David Surette, and John Devonshire, who have given so much to make AstoCATS a success during the previous 4 years.
Over the next few days, our AstroCATS and CAPS website will be recrafted to reflect todays announcement. After a few days, we invite you check our progress, and you can learn more about enrolling in one of the courses at:
http://hamiltonrasc.ca/CAPS/courses/ Clear Skies!
Gary Bennett
President, RASC Hamilton Centre
