THE QUESTION OF THE WEEK Continued FROM page 22
Linda G. Rowell Cluster Liaison Show Chair CFKC I think it went exceptionally well for the first time in a new facility. The entries were exceptional for all 5 days and feel with a few tweaks here and there, the entries will continue to grow and make for a fun filled week for all involved. The City of Orlando, the hotels, the OCCC, the businesses , all were , for the most part, receptive and accommodating to the dog world. We need to re-think and fine tune a few things as to layout and ring size, grooming, parking, transport from lots, etc. but these are things that should be able to be worked out. The overall experience is what’s important and hopefully most left with a pleasant and memorable stay, looking forward to next year! Armando Angelbello Overall experience was positive for a first time venue and largest AENC entries to date. Top improvement suggestions that come to mind: 1. Parking. Given limited daily parking available in the vicinity of the show building, consider designated Exhibitor Parking Only on Lot closest to the building. Additionally, remedy the issue of Closed Lots with visible empty spaces available. 2. Group Judging Evening Arena. Increase seating capacity significantly, and have x-pens close to holding area for group dogs. Thomas Parrotti The show was not as spectacular as the shows in the past. Great quality of dogs and panel. Tammie Sommerson-Wilcox Having been to both the Long Beach Location and the previous Orlando event there are some nice advantages to the new facility. The loading and unloading area is much larger and allows for quicker and easier loading and unloading. The weather was very cooperative. I believe that the carpet area was new and allowed for better grip on the larger gaiting dogs. The first year in any new location for any event can be challenging. I’m sure they will continue to improve in the areas that are needed. I strongly feel that we should have reserved grooming, so that we don’t have the ridiculous line-up and mad dash once the doors open. I have seen the worst in people during this process. It has been shared with me that AKC does not like the practice of charging for grooming, fine, then do a nomi-
nal charge and donate the profit to a charity. We need to stop this crazy line up the day before and add some civility to the day before the shows begin. Correct me if I am wrong, but this show is taped, which allows for editing of the group judging. Putting such a strict time constraint on the judging does not allow for the proper presentation of the dog that you are showing. This also gives an unseasoned dog a big dis-advantage. There is a lack of non-stop direct flights from the west coast to Orlando. I personally had to book a very expensive flight to accomplish a non-stop for the dogs I was flying with. I’m sure it does not help that it is during the height of tourist season where the flights are at a premium. Rotation East to West is important and I’m sure that the East Coasters are happy to have it closer to home. I do think this show’s focus is directed more towards the international entry. Why doesn’t the World Show or Crufts offer the US competitors the same hospitality that we do for those coming from over seas to the AKC National Dog Show? Happy New Year! Cindy Savioli The Orlando Convention Center is a huge facility with plenty of room for rings, vendors and grooming. It is a great facility for dog shows. As with all shows, some of the herding dogs that need room to move found themselves in the smallest rings. There was plenty to do in the area. Hotel rooms could be found at all price points and with a variety of accommodations. The two biggest complaints I heard were parking and the cost of food. There should be a shuttle bus that rounds to all the parking lots associated with the convention center and also stops in the loading dock area. I hope the AKC continues to hold the National Championship at this venue. MICHELE AND ELLIOTT FEDERMAN We had a wonderful show in Orlando, wow! As with any new site there were issues. Space was the big concern, aisles too narrow and it appeared more space was needed for grooming. Parking was challenging. Who could imagine such entries in today’s economy? Hopefully the event can be moved to the larger hall next year. Overall a great event, we’ll be back. Barbara Miller I’m a big fan of the American Kennel Club. I find the staff unbelievably helpful and friendly. Many of them listen to me when I make suggestions that never come to be and “yes” me to death. Still I continue to pontificate with suggestions to help make the sport a better place; in my mind at least. The Convention Center is huge and well maintained. Unlike some all breed shows the bathrooms were clean with attendants coming and going. Being an ice Continued on page 142
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