Hundreds Attend NABA Convention at DoubleTree Hotel in Bay City
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The National Association of Breweriana Advertising, N.A.B.A., held their 36th annual convention at the DoubleTree Hotel in Bay City last week. It was hosted by Michigan's Dog-Gone-Good Chapter, D.G.G.C. of N.A.B.A.
A total of 251 people from 29 states attended the convention. Dan McShane, President of DGGC, said, "Our convention was a huge success, thanks to all the people that helped us over the past four years." According to McShane plans were in the works since 2003 when it was voted at the board meeting in Minnesota that Bay City landed the 2007 spot.
McShane continued, "Four years to prepare, was not long considering the DoubleTree was still under construction. Returning from Minnesota, we contacted the Bay Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, who were great to work with. They introduced us to Tim from the DoubleTree and we got started. The people at the DoubleTree were Great from that point on, all the way through the planning stages then the convention itself."
NABA conventions normally average from 200 to 300 people. For NABA members the convention runs from Tuesday through Sunday. Starting on Tuesday, McShane held an open house to show his private collection of vintage Kolb brewery memorabilia to fellow conventioneers.
(Right) Freddy Youngs and Robert Kolb attended the open house. Youngs, 91, worked for the original Kolb Brewery in Bay City. Kolb was a beer distributor for approximately 50 years.
On Wednesday a "Traditional Micro Brewery Tour", on a Mitchell Motor Coach was offered. Which was perfect timing for Bay City. McShane said, "By the time 2007 rolled around, Bay City not only had a Brew Pub, Lumber Barons, but we also have a new Micro Brewery the Tri City Brewing Company." "Adding in the Redwood Lodge in Flint and Black Forest in Frankenmuth, completed the tour."
Conventioneers went on luncheon cruise Thursday afternoon, on the Princess Wenonah. Thursday evening a Brew Masters dinner featured brews from Lumber Barons, matched with foods prepared by the chef at the DoubleTree. Marty the "Brew Master" and Matt the "Chef" were given a standing ovation at the end of the meal. McShane said, "Dinner was absolutely fantastic!"
Friday a private "members only" auction was held. For more information on joining N.A.B.A. Click Here!
Saturday, August 4, 2007 was the free-admission, Buy-Sell-Trade Beer Show that was open to the public.
Over 70 dealers were set up to buy sell and trade. The Grand Ballroom of the hotel was filled with all kinds of old and new brewery items.
McShane said, "We would also like to give a 'tip of the hat' to the downtown restaurants. The Pig Gig was also an added bonus for our people." "Special thanks to everyone who helped us look good and make NABA 2007 a success!" Added McShane.
According to McShane the N.A.B.A. showed interest in returning to Bay City around 2012. "We were told Bay City raised the bar." said McShane.
The next four conventions will be in Quad Cities Iowa, New Ulm Minnesota, Madison Wisconsin and Pittsburgh PA.
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Julie McCallum, Entertainment Editor |
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