This is more of my evolving picture of the conference and a request for your
reactions and comments than an update.

It is less than 6 months before the conference and the gathering is beginning to
take on its own life and form. Unlike the first two in Las Vegas, the topics and
issues covered in the presentations and workshops is broader and more
representative of how alchemy is influencing our lives today. This is not to say
that the previous conferences were not exciting and worthwhile. After all they
included practicing alchemists sharing their laboratory methods and secrets as
well as a Hollywood celebrity doing research for his new movie involving
esoteric practices such as alchemy.

In Los Angeles, we will once again have alchemists sharing their practices and
procedures in workshops and the presentations will be even more representative
of all esoteric disciplines. Every workshop and presentation, however, will be
focused on transformation and transmutation.

Do you know the difference?

We are also expanding the vendor (exhibitor) area to include an even wider range
of services and products. I like this feature because even with the info
available on the Web, seeing the people responsible for creating the goods is
very helpful in deciding if it is of value to your needs and goals. There is a
large enough area at the LACC to include vendor spaces as well as a
global/ethnic-like bazaar of related items for sale. Any ideas or wishes for
what you'd like to see included? Let me know!

We're looking for sponsors to support the conference and its ongoing community.
Currently a publishing company that focuses on alchemical texts - Salamandar &
Sons as well as the New York Open Center have done so. Any ideas of companies or
people you believe would be interested? We are discussing a commission for
people who identify and work with conference sponsors. Fun and money combined.
Interested? Let me know.

What is an example of the conference's ongoing community you ask? Well, I'm glad
you asked. The most important feature from my perspective is an online group of
people and organizations interested in what alchemy is about and what it has to
offer about the questions and issues of our lives. There is information to share
and learning to experience between conferences. Yes, there will be a 2010
conference and more. But, don't you go to learn and meet interesting people.
Wouldn't you like to continue to stay in contact globally and locally with
people of similar interests? Many participants would and have asked for a way to
do this. We are discussing possibilities. Do you have requests or ideas for this
ongoing communication? Yes, you've heard it before...let me know :)

More to follow...

Duane