Wentworth,
I will have more photos in a few days as my Virginia Orchid Society buddy, Allen Black, sends his over to me. He has a very nice site up with lots of quality photos. I don't doubt that he will come through with MUCH better stuff than my snapshots!
The nice thing about this gathering was that it was for paph/
phrag lovers only! The entire vendor area were slippers, slippers, slippers!!! Most popular modern and new crosses as well as species were available for purchase. Many of them at very reasonable prices.
I have not attended any of the other Slipper Alliance gatherings including the Paph Guild in January on the left coast. The future of the Paph Guild is in question with the passing of Norris Powell. He was a big organizer and promotor of the event. Who knows, maybe daughter Patti will continue the fine tradition! I believe the Paph Guild may be a two-day event but I'm not sure. Online details of their program are hard to come by!
The speaker lineup was superb! I believe it may be worth a trip over next year! You could also couple it with a National Botanical tour,
Smithsonian, D.C. sights. 2007 will be the 400th anniversary of Jamestown, VA and events are planned throughout the year in Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. That may be a nice time to come over as well! Heck, come for the
Forum in both '06 and '07!!!
I'll forward the new photos from Allen Black as they are received.