From the show guidelines:

The proposed host club should look for a show site in their own area.

If an independent specialty show is held prior to the National, and the show site is in another area, written permission must be obtained from the local Chapter Club in the show area. Normally only one independent specialty show is held prior to the National, and this is given by the host club. The host club may invite another show-giving Chapter Club to hold a specialty show prior to the host-club show or on another day following the National. (we did that this year - Friday 10/8)

II. Purpose

These Procedures have been adopted to aid Chapter Clubs in the preparation of bids to host the National Convention and Specialty Show, and also to provide direction in the planning and conduct thereof.

III. Bids

A. Submission

A written bid should be presented to the DPCA President two years in advance of the Convention for which the bid is made. Such bid should include a formal letter from the Club’s Secretary, specifically authorizing its submission.

A Club representative should be present at the Convention at which the bid will be considered to answer any questions and make a presentation at the Annual Meeting. If two Clubs want to jointly host the National, a letter of agreement between the Clubs outlining the division of responsibilities and income must be included with the bid. One of those clubs must be named as the club responsible to the DPCA. This club must be named in the letter of agreement.

B. Information to be included

1. General

a. Club size and stability

b. Proposed Event Show Chairperson, Convention Chairperson, Obedience Chairperson and Assistant to Event Show Chairperson

c. Airport and transportation arrangements

d. Proposed Superintendent or Show Secretary

e. Proposed general Schedule, with dates

f. Other area shows immediately preceding or following

g. Release of Dobermans from other clubs within 200 miles of the show must accompany the bid and the show application

2. Show Site

a. Location

b. Ring sizes and seating arrangements. Suggested ring size for Intersex is 70' x 100' minimum (the London Hall will accommodate 55 X 75 with 16 vendor booths and plenty of seating for all types of venues - Top 20, Intersex, etc)

c. Provide detailed ring lighting

d. Ring surface - when indoors mats must be provided for conformation and obedience. Mats may be obtained through most Superintendents; however, if unavailable and needed it is the Host Club’s responsibility for procurement with cost to be prorated for each individual usage of the mats, i.e. Host Club Specialty, National Classes, Top 20 events, Judge_s Educational Seminars, etc.

e. Cost of show site, if not included in Convention arrangements (there is no additional cost for us if we fill the hotel)

3. Convention Site

a. Number of rooms which will be reserved for DPCA (approximately 250 required); cost of singles, doubles, extra persons, additional charges for dogs in rooms, damage deposit required; number of crated dogs hotel/motel will allow per room (4 is suggested as a reasonable guideline).

b. Parking and hookup facilities for campers, motorhomes, etc. Parking space for a minimum of 50 motorhomes should be available.

c. Meeting rooms available and cost.

d. Banquet facilities and cost.

e. Exercise areas and facilities.

f. Complimentary suites furnished.

g. Restaurant facilities.

h. Facilities for archives.

i. Facilities for concessionaires. (we had 36 booths in 2001 10 x 8 pipe and drape structure - charged by location - inside show hall, just outside hall in lobby and in adjacent meeting room (30' away and on main hall to participants' rooms)

Additional comments to questions I asked:

We do not have a requirement for a major hub airport. I believe it is understood that it should be easy for global travelers - so, that usually means International Airport but you're right - Colorado Springs is neither. The entry was lower in CS this year, coincidentally. Not sure if that contributed, but I bet it did!