Well, Marley and I finally made it back to Florida from Savannah early AM on Wednesday. I’m only now having time to sit down, collect my thoughts and feelings about GhoStock: Resurrection and put it into words. First, I cannot adequately express my sincere gratitude to everyone that attended - our guest speakers, our vendors, and, of course, the attendees. I’ve really missed hosting these events, and especially missed Savannah. I’ve also missed introducing friends to this amazing southern city. I’ve hosted many GhoStock events. In fact, we were one of the first recurring paranormal conferences dating all the way back to 2005. This one was… different than the others. In past years, I had a small, but dedicated staff of people that helped me organize the event, from setting up investigations, to working with the hotel, to running the registration desk. I was always very hands on with the event, but more so this time than any other time in the past. I still had my staff workers this past weekend (thank you Ken, Starr and Chris!), but it was much smaller this time around. As such, even more of the responsibilities fell upon my shoulders. This event was the most stressful for me in the weeks leading up. But while my stress level was at an all-time high, I’m not complaining. GhoStock: Resurrection was very much a “trial by fire” for me. I was subjected to numerous challenges every step of the way, unlike anything else I’ve ever experienced, and I handled each to the best of my abilities. Now I can reflect back in retrospect, and say that I have grown as a person from this experience. Can I call this event a success? So far, based on the overwhelmingly positive (as in 100% that I have seen) it appears to have been a resounding success. Everyone that attended seems to have had a blast; forging new friendships and strengthening existing ones. Then I read remarks like this one from Sheree Griffin Kimball… “This event changed my life. VERY profound experiences yesterday. I cannot adequately express my gratitude....” I read things like that, and any lingering doubts vanish as my eyes well up with tears. Yeah – this event was a success! If just one person walks away feeling the event changed her life?... then all the hard work is worthwhile. Are there things I would have changed if I could hit rewind? Absolutely. Hindsight is 20/20 as they say. I wish attendance from the local Savannah community would have been stronger. We sold $10 day passes to try and get locals to come out and explore the vendor room and see the lectures. And we did sell a fair number of them. But my philosophy is that happy vendors = a successful event. One of my goals continuing forward will be figuring out how to get more locals in the door for the benefit of our vendors. But seeing people laugh and have a good time, make new friends, enjoy this STUNNINGLY beautiful and historic city called Savannah, and walk away thinking they benefited and learned something new by being a part of it? Well… I’ll keep at this as long as people keep coming back and enjoying themselves! In spite of all the NONSENSE drama circulating right now regarding other events, I promise you this - we’ll have NONE of that at GhoStock. As I said during closing remarks, unless someone is detracting from the enjoyment of others at our events, no one is “banned” because they associate with so-and-so, or attend another event. GhoStock is a drama-free zone! If you’re going to bring drama or create it at the event; if you can’t just turn off the ego for three days, let down your hair and have some fun? Then please do everyone a favor and just stay home. The gears are already in motion for our next GhoStock. We’re looking at dates this fall. I have many new ideas for the next event, and I’m eager to hear your ideas as well. If you attended the event, please give me constructive feedback – what did you like? And more importantly, what did you NOT like?? LET ME KNOW! – it’s the only way I know what to change! In closing (and this is the scary part, because I’m always afraid I’ll forget someone) I must thank my staffers. First, Ken and Rhetta Akumatsu. You two have faithfully stuck by me through the years, through the thick and thin. In my darkest hour, you never turned your backs on me. Your dedication and hard work means more to me than you can ever know! To Chris Gostkowski – another long time staffer. You are a great friend and you always pull through for us. Looking forward to partnering with your charity work for future events! To Andrea Carder, Karen Makshanoff, and Dave & Susan Jacobs – our attendees / guests turned staffers. THANK YOU for helping work the registration table! I would have been (and you can quote me on this) “totally screwed” if you all had not stepped in, rolled up your sleeves, and demanded to help. You’re all awesome and I won’t forget your generosity! To Chuck and Ann Marie Coverly. Chuck brought down all his DJ / Karaoke gear for the social events Friday and Saturday nights. He KJ’ed for us Friday night and ran the VERY popular photo booth in the foyer during the Dead Man’s Party. He’s also a skeptic to boot, but for some reason, he and Ann Marie seem to enjoy our crazy company! We love them! To DJ Dedman… not only was your panel presentation VERY well received, but you’re also a hell of a DJ to boot! To my personal cheerleader, wife, confidant, and partner in crime, the amazing Marley Gibson! Thank you for supporting me and believing in me every step of the way. I couldnt do this without you! To the rest of our speakers, attendees, and vendors – YOU are the ones that make GhoStock the awesome event it is! Pat yourselves on the back, get some much needed rest, and we’ll see you all next time! ;) -Patrick Burns March 13th, 2014
Posted on: Thu, 13 Mar 2014 07:38:17 +0000
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