The Missouri trappers did a bang up job providing an outstanding time for all in attendance. I sincerely appreciate all volunteers, your hard work and dedication is amazing. The vendors were all well stocked and the 5 gallon camo bucket I carried for supply purchases was filled and refilled for two days straight until I broke out my dolly for the heavy stuff. Demos I attended were informative and enjoyable. Anyone I made eye contact with always responded with a smile or friendly comment. Thanks again!

Glad you had a good time Dan. It is/was a lot of work. It is a good fundraiser for the hosting state however.
We have some kinks to work out, but overall we felt it went well for having it at a new/different facility.

I’m curious. Who would like to see the convention held at this location again in the future?

Not me. Grounds not well suited for tailgating. Also heard some campers complaining about how far bathrooms were away from their camping area. Also concessions sucked. Would much rather see independent food venders. As close as Springfield is to me not sure I would go again to one there. The dealer buildings were nice but that's the best I can say about the place.

The inside vendor space with AC was great. Did not make it to a demo so can not say how that was.

The BBQ area and Friday night auction had plenty of space but the acoustics was not good. If you could understand what was going on, more power to you. My old ears could not sort it out.

And some portable toilets should solve the biggest complaint I heard all weekend from the campers.

I am sure the tail gaters would appreciate more space on grass. Might not be so fortunate with the temperature next time.

All that said, I think it went pretty well for a first time venue and has the potential for some improvements.

Boone county fair grounds were better in my opinion.

I'd like to see Springfield host again Clay.

I agree, the Boone County fairgrounds were a good location. But, they are defunct. Boone County wasn’t without its problems either. Many vendors did not like the dirt floor in the arena portion of the vendor building. However, the MTA had a great relationship with the manager there. Between the NTA conventions and all the fur auctions we did a lot of business there.
Attendance at conventions is driven by the fur market. When we have a coon market especially, Midwest Trappers turn out in droves.

I'll probably go where ever it is in MO, but I liked Springfield better than Columbia.

This was my first nta convention. Having my wife and children as well as my folks who aren’t fans of the heat, so the ac was great and having all the vendors in one building cut down on the walking. The demo area I thought was fine we just made sure we set up where we could see the tv and hear the speakers. We all enjoyed the event and will attend again wherever it’s at in Missouri including back in Springfield

If ya woke up at daylight with a slight urge to go, ya better not roll over and try to catch another wink or two. A feller might dribble on the trot to the pot.

X10 on the porta potties. No complaints otherwise, I had a big ol' time.

X2, my first convention and will attend again anywhere in MO. Thanks to all volunteers hard work!

I think you'll get a better turn out in the Northern part of the state Clay.

I agree Jayme. Our problem is facilities. North Missouri, being the lightly populated agricultural area that it is just has nothing to offer big enough for the NTA event.
Finding a facility for the event is super tough in Missouri.

Clay, are the seadlia state fair grounds not an option?

I loved it. It was much better than Columbia, Little Rock, Hutchinson or some others. Springfield is easy to reach from any direction. There is a lot to do and see in the area besides the NTA so that it is a more family vacation friendly area unlike some other out of the way places. The thing to do would be to arrive on Sunday & hit Branson, Bass Pro facilities, Taneycomo or the White proper, Table Rock, visit the caverns, go down to Eureka Springs and see the Passion Play, time it right and maybe catch a ballgame, The area has a great vacation reputation for a reason. Then from Thursday on head to the NTA. It can be a part of a package rather than a one-hit wonder. I would think it would be a lot easier to interest families with just a little pre-planning. Something for everybody.
Just my thoughts.

I liked it just fine.....was quite a distance to travel though.....those air conditioned blding were great......the heat is always a concern anywhere in Missouri....but those northerners melted down in Marshfield FTA last year but it was comfortable for me...my vote goes for Springfield if MTA does it again if I am still around. Tail gaters are always subject to the elements...their choice though

Liked it all fine other then the no porta potty in camping area. No Pepsi products sucked as well. None of the cold drink vending machines were working either. Some other conventions would bring around ice for sale during the day which was nice as didn't have to do a wally world run daily.

I went to it only because it was in Springfield, I've skipped a lot of events in north Mo. If it's not on I49 or I44, I'm not likely to go north of the Osage River.
The vendor area AC was fine and as Cletis points out the tailgaters choose to be outside in what ever the weather brings. Some porta johns in that area might work too, or signs pointing out the nearest facilities if there are some.
But, the biggest complaint I had was every thing is uphill and way over there- a few golf carts or gators doing trolley service between the hall and the arena would have been appreciated.

This! The Ozarks is a great place to visit and the convention could be just a part of a real vacation. He didn't mention it but just about hour west you could hit the Indian Casinos and lose whatever money the convention vendors didn't get.

We did not check with the state fairgrounds this time.
This convention was about as early as any National I’ve ever known about. When we have checked with the state fairgrounds in the past, the dates were always a week or two prior to the state fair and they were preparing for the fair during that time frame.
It’s something we should re-examine in the future if we decide to bid on another NTA.

My first nta, I really enjoyed it. My son is in a wheel chair and this is the first fairgrounds where he was able to get around with out my help.