Advice on starting a Star Party

[supernova1965]

Hi all

I am thinking of starting a weekend Star Party sometime in winter 2010 at Mt Britton in QLD west of Mackay. I am looking for any and all advice on how to setup and have a successfully organised Event.

Thanks in advance :stargaze::astron::campfire:

[iceman]

Hi Warren

Some questions you'll need to start considering..

Who is your audience?
General public or just amateur astronomers?
How big do you want it to get?
Catering?
Toilets/amenities?
Power?
Insurance?
Budget?
Talks/workshops?

These are just a few of the things you'll need to answer.

[supernova1965]

Hi Mike



I have talked to 2 of our local group up here and they are keen I think it would only be aimed at astronomers at first.

At first I would like to get a feel for how the site is before figuring out how big it could get but the sight has a large open area with a ladies and gents composting toilet and water but drinking water would have to be brought in there are no showers which is why I was only thinking of an 1 night affair from the research I have done so far there would be no cost for the camping itself yet to be confirmed. Power would have to be BYO and Catering would have to be over an open fire like really getting back to nature as there is virtually no structures and no lights of any kind I was thinking it would be a very low budget as far as I know the only costs would be getting there and food and drink. I was thinking of a bring what you need situation for the first one and see if the people that came wanted to do it that way or get more serious in future years.

Insurance hadn't even entered my mind would that be a need for an informal get together as I have described above if so I will need to think some more. I would really like to end up with an event where I could meet some of you guys if possible and at present I have very limited funds and that is why I was thinking of trying to attract some of you guys up here:D:welcome:. Talks and workshops is another thing that didn't enter my mind. Gee this kind of thing could quickly become very complicated I had hoped it could be like a great get together camp with very little prep by a central organiser.

[iceman]

It really depends how formal you want it, and how big you want it to get.

If it is just an informal get together, then you don't need to worry about most of those things - it'll be just like the monthly new moon get togethers at the Pony Club, or at other places every new moon where members of IceInSpace get together.

If you want another "star party" on the AU calendar then it's a big thing to take on!! :)

[ballaratdragons]

Hi Warren.

No matter how informal or low key an event you want to hold, insurance is a must.
Any accidents or damage and you will be personally responsible as you are holding the gathering.

Regardless of how small, or 'friendly', or even if just a few turn up, insurance is a definite!

Astro insurance isn't as expensive as you may think.

[thunderchildobs]

If you want a formal or large event, make sure it doesn't clash with existing events. Remember the Qld Astrofest floats around late July to late August.