What about piggybacking larger trade shows? Does the ETS foundation show up at any tradeshows? Maybe share a booth with the manufacturers of some of Mr. Ritter's products. Have a seperate room for a keynote speaker. A "nominal" charge for the speaker, but the individual pays full cost of the convention entrance (if any). Conferences on Hurricane Prepardness, and C.E.R.T. come to mind.

This would greatly reduce the planning needed, but could be more expensive. It would still need the 50 - 100 guaranteed participants to pay off (probably, I don't have exact numbers..)

Maybe we could get Les Stroud.. he seems popular here...