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2015 Convention:  Omaha

Located on the Missouri River smack-dab in the center of the US, Omaha was founded in 1854, and quickly earned its nickname, the “Gateway to the West."  It introduced itself to the world when it hosted the 1898 World’s Fair.  Today it is still attracting visitors from all over with its strong emphasis on cultural attractions, modern architecture and historic landmarks preservation.  It is in this hidden gem of a city that we will meet together May 14th through May 17th for our 2015 ISASC Convention.

Convention Central will be the Omaha Marriott located close to downtown and Old Market in the city’s historic quarter.  Situated in the refurbished warehouse district, Old Market boasts cobbled streets lined with handsomely preserved buildings housing eclectic shops, antique emporiums and unique local restaurants.  It is here that you will experience the pulse of the city.  As an added bonus to explore the area the hotel offers a complimentary shuttle within a five-mile radius of the hotel. 

The weekend will get off to a splashing start Thursday night.  It is a night we will find ourselves surrounded by scales.  Fish scales, that is!  We will spend the evening at the Kingdoms of the Sea Aquarium, part of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, recognized as one of the top in the country.  A highlight of the aquarium is the underwater stroll through the Shark Reef.  It is a thrilling way to experience being on the ocean floor with large sharks and sting rays swimming overhead and zipping by beside you.  

Dinner will be a catered buffet served right inside the 70 foot long Shark Tunnel.  And no, shark isn’t on the menu!  The evening will be enhanced with a special presentation for our group, explaining the workings of the aquarium, related to what it takes to maintain a realistic environment for ocean fish in the middle of the United States.  After dinner you will be free to wander through the aquarium at your leisure. 

Friday will be a relaxing day, with “no long bus rides."  In the morning we will visit the scale collection of Les Schneiderman, which is within minutes of the hotel.  Be forewarned!  The Schneiderman Museum is more than just a scale collection.  Add the apple peeler, ice cream scoop, coffee grinder, twine ball holder collections, and you still haven’t mentioned them all.  Plenty of time will be made available to enjoy it completely before having lunch in a restaurant close by.  The afternoon is yours to visit the museums, gardens and other attractions available in Omaha.  Small tours will be set up to some of these places for those that have special interests.  Friday evening will be the traditional collector’s get-together as the official welcome to the convention.

Saturday morning there will be several informative programs with scales and weights being the main topics of discussion.  The perennial favorites of convention goers, the Silent Auction and Let’s Make a Deal, will round out the afternoon.  This is one of the prime places to acquire scales you are looking for.  Some members even view it as an opportunity to sell their duplicate scales or “excess inventory." 

The pinnacle event of the weekend will be the gala reception and banquet held Saturday night.  Sunday morning will continue with the always poplar Show and Tell.  The business meeting open to all members will finish out the morning followed by the farewell luncheon.

Consider spending extra time in the area as top attractions include the Henry Doorly Zoo, The Strategic Air Command Museum, Omaha Botanical Gardens and the Joslyn Art Museum.  The Missouri River Front with its Heartland of America Park featuring a Lewis and Clark Exhibit is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon. 

Another worthwhile visit is to the Gerald R. Ford Birthsite and Gardens.  Accredited by the Smithsonian, the Durham Western Heritage Museum presents displays relating to the history of the US and the Midwest.  For a city of its size Omaha offers the visitor plenty to see and do!

Locals like to say Omaha offers a “natural high,” providing an almost airborne experience by walking over the Missouri River on the one-of-a-kind 3,000 foot-long suspension Pedestrian Bridge.  The camaraderie that develops in the course of every convention is something akin to a “natural high."  It comes from sharing this special hobby with others who understand your enthusiasm and passion.  If you have not attended conventions in the past, we hope you will come and experience this for yourself.  Your Hosts Janice and Les Schneiderman are looking forward to showing off their city and Les’ collections.  They, along with President Bob Hayden, and all the board members, extend a personal invitation to join them.  So mark your calendar and make your plans.  Travel the Road to Omaha and we’ll see ya there!

       Photos courtesy of the Omaha Conventions and Visitors Bureau