Sounding Out An Idea

[anaxcrosswords]

Most of you will be unaware, but in crosswordland we have occasional get-togethers, usually 3-4 times a year, where solvers and setters meet. These are typically at favoured pubs, and to be honest are just an excuse to mingle and drink.
Today I had the (ridiculous, to me) idea of an annual event that takes the concept much further, with solving / setting workshops, Q&A sessions, retail stands for dictionaries, crossword books etc, maybe even incorporating the Times Crossword Championship. I thought the idea a bit bonkers, but many of my cryptic crossword colleagues seem to think otherwise.
I just want to throw the idea out there to gauge how crossword fans feel about the idea. If there was an all-ticket event spread over 2 days, maybe costing around £15 (but sweetened with discounts for book purchases), is it the sort of thing you'd be interested in? Meeting setters, meeting solvers, learning about crosswords?
I'd be very grateful for any feedback.

[scorpiojo]

Will there be cake? ;o)

[tonyav]

And beer ?.

[Mamyalynne]

If I were more more mobile and able to travel I'd be thrilled at something like that - but alas not.

I'm sure the idea would work if well publicised.

[scorpiojo]

..and rum?

[tonyav]

Anax, I'm not really a crossword fan but it sounds like a good idea to me.

[Toorak]

and g & t?

[scorpiojo]

.,and Pringles?

[tonyav]

With sausage rolls and pork pie.

[scorpiojo]

..and pickled onions...

...I would definitely go

[tonyav]

Sounds great doesn't it.
I like those sweet little pickled onions.

[scorpiojo]

..silverskins? Maybe a cocktail sausage or two?

[Patsy33]

Yes, but Tone, what about the crosswords?........

[tonyav]

..silverskins?
Yep, thats then, jo.

Maybe a cocktail sausage or two?

Definately.

this has made me hungry, think i'll go and raid the fridge

[anaxcrosswords]

Let's just assume there will be food/drink outlets, eh? :)

[tonyav]

Patsy33 Yes, but Tone, what about the crosswords?........

Well I could mingle with the crossword fans, Patsy ;-)

[scorpiojo]

Tone can be my drinking buddy ;))

[Lie-in King]

It sounds great for diehard fans, though not really my cup of tea to be honest.

[shoota]

Crosswords are for squares...

[dannyk13]

LIke Mamyalynne I am unable to travel but I would have loved to attend such an event.

[Buenchico]

They take such things seriously on the other side of the pond!
http://www.crosswordtournament.com/info/brochure.htm
(Scroll down to 'Schedule').

Anax's idea sounds like a sound one to me (even though I'm rubbish at cryptic crosswords). Putting his own name behind it (which is well known to, and frequently cursed by, those who try to solve his clues) would give it an element of credibility. His contacts with several of the country's 'heavyweight' newspapers should enable the event to achieve some free publicity (as would a well-written press release to journals such as The Oldie, for example).

Perhaps (other than the possibility of incorporating the Times Crossword Championship into the event) there could also be the opportunity for a bit more competitiveness included. e.g. a pub-style non-cryptic quiz and perhaps a cryptic one too? Getting people to join up into teams (if they've not already come as part of a group) would help to increase the 'social' aspect of the event.