david spade on coffee? scary.

I like that analogy… a great visual.

To your points on the kids on the floor – see my post following yours.

I’ve done way too many shows for way too many associations to offer any optimism that things will change regarding being kid – or more accurately – parent-friendly.

It’s naive to suggest that there’s little risk to SCAA in letting toddlers toddle. Too many things on the floor that can burn, poke, prod, chop and otherwise harm. And waivers? Puleeeeeze. When it’s your kid and s/he gets hurt, all that waiver means is that you’ll be on Nancy Grace claiming you didn’t know the danger. Cigarette? Hot coffee?

And associations, by their very nature, are loathe to take risks.

But we’ve both spoken our piece on that.

Really, parents should get together and talk to David at CoffeeFest. Convince him to take the lead on being parent-friendly. If he thinks it will be worth it in the long run, he’ll make the changes without too much difficulty. If he does so and gets positive feedback (and financials), then SCAA will have to follow. But don’t ask SCAA to lead regarding show policies. That’s not an association strength and you’ll turn blue waiting for it, especially given their current position.

Note the above doesn’t apply to infants in papooses or backpacks strapped to adults, whom present no danger. Yes, there should be a private room for breastfeeding, or prayer or whatever personal stuff attendees need. And yes, security should be nicer to people.

Btw, I like the podcasts. Eventually someone will come along and act our industry’s David Spade, or worse, Joan and Melissa Rivers. So be thankful while you have Nick and Jay…

if that’s your point, nick, then it’s a point well taken.