Which will be the best tiki convention to go to this year? - General Tiki

S Swanky Tiki Socialite Hapa Haole Hideaway, Knoxville, TN Joined: Apr 03, 2002 Posts: 5398	S Swanky Posted posted on Tue, Jul 10, 2012 9:46 AM I have certain biases based mainly on not being a normal guest at most events. I am working a lot. But, here is my advice. Since you are in Indiana, you might be better off to attend a Tiki event where you are more likely to meet peopel from Indiana or at least the East Coast where you might see them again in Dayton or Chicago or where ever. That would mean Hukilau or Luau at the Lake seem best, though there are smaller things to do instead. Tiki Oasis is huge. There are lots of people and chances to meet peopel, but, TC people may be hard to find. I'd say TC people are a small percentage and Tiki-philes even smaller. Oasis casts a BIG net. But you can connect with TC people there and true tiki-philes there. But, the chances to meet and mingle are a bit reduced due to size if you are a bit shy or not in the know. Hukilau has one gigantic thing that say YOU MUST GO, and thet is the Mai-Kai and the Mai-Kai full of Hukilau peopel and performers. There are a lot more room parties and small group things going on there that will make it easier to meet people. Meeting new TC people at Hukilau is often my favorite part. The penthouse parties (which are not exclusive, but often sponsored by booze vendors) are way laid back and easy ways to meet and mingle. Plus the vast majority of attendees are from the East Coast. Luau at the Lake I have not attended, but, from my observations it is all about the meet and mingle. A small event which is aimed at the members of the FOM being together in person to talk and have fun. It seems to be one social event after another, and has a strong contingent from your area. The actual Tiki content is less than other events, but Lake George seems like a great vintage jewel to visit. So, in terms of getting a great Tiki event, with chances to meet TC people from your area and have some top notch Tiki-centric events is going to be Hukilau. To just plain meet lots of people from your area in a Tiki location, Luau at the Lake. Tiki Oasis if you want BIG. You can make of that event what you will, as in meeting people, meeting TC people, and catching Tiki-centric events and LOTS of vendors and just lots to do. But I'd say it is very CA-centric crowd and is a small percentage from your area.

I have certain biases based mainly on not being a normal guest at most events. I am working a lot. But, here is my advice.

Since you are in Indiana, you might be better off to attend a Tiki event where you are more likely to meet peopel from Indiana or at least the East Coast where you might see them again in Dayton or Chicago or where ever. That would mean Hukilau or Luau at the Lake seem best, though there are smaller things to do instead.

Tiki Oasis is huge. There are lots of people and chances to meet peopel, but, TC people may be hard to find. I'd say TC people are a small percentage and Tiki-philes even smaller. Oasis casts a BIG net. But you can connect with TC people there and true tiki-philes there. But, the chances to meet and mingle are a bit reduced due to size if you are a bit shy or not in the know.

Hukilau has one gigantic thing that say YOU MUST GO, and thet is the Mai-Kai and the Mai-Kai full of Hukilau peopel and performers. There are a lot more room parties and small group things going on there that will make it easier to meet people. Meeting new TC people at Hukilau is often my favorite part. The penthouse parties (which are not exclusive, but often sponsored by booze vendors) are way laid back and easy ways to meet and mingle. Plus the vast majority of attendees are from the East Coast.

Luau at the Lake I have not attended, but, from my observations it is all about the meet and mingle. A small event which is aimed at the members of the FOM being together in person to talk and have fun. It seems to be one social event after another, and has a strong contingent from your area. The actual Tiki content is less than other events, but Lake George seems like a great vintage jewel to visit.

So, in terms of getting a great Tiki event, with chances to meet TC people from your area and have some top notch Tiki-centric events is going to be Hukilau. To just plain meet lots of people from your area in a Tiki location, Luau at the Lake. Tiki Oasis if you want BIG. You can make of that event what you will, as in meeting people, meeting TC people, and catching Tiki-centric events and LOTS of vendors and just lots to do. But I'd say it is very CA-centric crowd and is a small percentage from your area.

Post #643464 by Swanky on Tue, Jul 10, 2012 9:46 AM