IMO, the convention is about getting away from regular family life for a weekend, recharging the batteries, and BS'ing with guys in our "peer group" over a burger and beverage.  Hard to do that online.

I've found that most of these regarding the convention are similar to emails I receive from people trying to make money from the convention. 

Isn't this website the on-line convention?

Tim and Phil make an awful lot of sense, don't they?

Jim

Boulder, CO

Dad to Cole, Luke, Trev & Delaney

Regional Coordinator, DaddysHome Inc.

Father's Day is MY day.  I get to do what I want when I want.  One thing I don't want is to be glued to the computer screen.  A random day in February or March when the wether is crappy and there isn't anything on TV would be better, not Father's Day.

************************** My wife asked me if I had signed up for the 401k yet. I told her I hadn't. She asked me why and I told her I couldn't run that far.

To start with, we already have a very successful convention format in place that works well for most folks.  We have been looking at more and different ways to open the convention to more folks and ways to help dads attend that wish to, but can’t for many reasons.  While I agree that looking into more types of technologies to bring the convention to a broader audience, I don’t think we have to make wholesale changes to the format with a date change and format change away from what works and has been working.

As to changing the date to Father’s Day, bad idea, the only other day I can think of that would be worse to hold the convention would be Mother’s Day.  Holding the AHD convention on Father’s Day would reduce the attendees and not increase attendance.  Like has been mentioned, it is a day for US and to share with our own fathers if we are lucky enough to be able to do so.  I’m not hanging around a computer screen to participate in a convention.

Is there a particular reason you make this suggestion?   Either way if you don’t feel comfortable making an open post and let the members of this forum know who you are, feel free to contact me directly and I would be happy to discuss this with you further.  Like I said, we are always open to new ideas and ways to bring the convention to a broader audience.

Mike Stilwell

President, Daddyshome, Inc. - The National At-Home Dad Network www.daddyshome.org

fleetsuper@msn.com

I agree with Mike and all the other guys above that an in-person convention NOT on an important holiday is the best way to go. But, creating some online components such as a podcast (of which I know virtually nothing about) would be a great way to get guys involved who can't make it AND, at the same time, expand the educational components of the convention to those who were there and those who were not.

So, who's volunteering to create a podcast of some of the convention sessions this year?

Al Watts

Vice-President, Daddyshome, Inc. - The National At-Home Dad Network www.daddyshome.org

I agree that a we should have a SAHD convention. The idea is frenom and more, but i think the box holding it is to small. I mean let's just look at this for a second. There are nationally recongized days, some not recongized, organization, convention, non-profit organiztion, etc. of all sorts. I think the point i'm getting at is.... our econmoy sucks and we are doing the best we can also. How about a little feed back of appreication. We are not asking for much but just the notion for someone to say "Hey. you're doing a great job and your part for the future." Most of us might not be a SAHD forever but still it is a job just like anyone else only our pay check isn't green pieces of paper in our pocket. It's laughter, smiles, warmth, love, and such. Let's get really organized. Get sponsors, chapters in every city and town possible. Non-profit organization can and do change peoples lives. I joined this site just the other day and before i did i felt like i was alone in most of the things that has happened in my marriage but i found i'm not. There are tons upon hundreds out there and dozens of sites like this one. My dad once said to me that it only takes one person to make a change. I figured out what he meant when i was around twenty or so. Ever since then i've been looking, waiting, and trying different ways to be one of those people with ever chance i got. I think this is one of those times and i'm hoping that this one will be one of the big one. Let's have a our own convention, park event, or holiday day..... may not be today, may not be tomorrow but if we don't try then we willing never know if it was possible. Organize our groups. Hey i may have to go back to work tomorrow full time but at least i would know that for other men (or women) like me... there would be a place for them with fellowship and support. A place and organiztion to seek advice amoung other things. If you are for this then reply. If enough of us are serious then i would be willing to dedicate my time and energy to help move us forward to a new day. the day for S.A.H.D. day!!!!!

ikon43, you have just described the very organization that runs this website and produces the at-home dads convention! I love your enthusiasm and think you should seriously consider attending the convention this year in DC on Oct. 8.

Daddyshome has 27 chapters in U.S. and Canada, maintains the most popular website for at-home dads (this one) and produces the longest-running fatherhood convention.

And we're just getting started.

Get involved and help us help the over 2 million at-home dads who care for their families everyday.

Al Watts President, Daddyshome, Inc. - The National At-Home Dad Network www.daddyshome.org

I happen to notice that right after i had posted. I have a large group of close relatives in DC so my plans is to attend. I also would love to do anything i can to help the organization. I think this is one of the most exciting experiences i have every had. Both fatherhood and this site. In the last couple days i found it to more informative than anything else i have seen thus far. The funny thing about the convention is that it's the day before my birthday. I think it will be my gift to myself to be there.

Glad to hear you'll be coming to the Convention!

The best thing you can do to help out is tell every at-home dad you know about the convention. Twist some arms and get them to come! It's a life-changing experience and more than worth the time away from the family.

If you want to help out even more, please contact Robb and Kevin, Convention Co-Chairs, at convention@daddyshome.org. Let them know a little about you and what you might be able to help out with (maybe you would like to sell sponsorships, for example). If you'd like to help out our organization, feel free to contact me at president@daddyshome.org.

Look forward to meeting you in October!

Al Watts President, Daddyshome, Inc. - The National At-Home Dad Network www.daddyshome.org

Great to hear that you will attend.  Please spread the word and ask the other DC dads to come out of the pantry for a few days and also attend the convention. 

Hogan, Board Member At-Large