Just for the sake of discussion...
Historically the Convention has been held during the Winter months to tide everyone over to Spring events, sort of like the Sports Shows that appear every Feb. & Mar., something to look forward to attending when there ain't nothing much else going on and you've got Cabin Fever and some loose change burning a whole in your pocket.
For my money, and I have suggested it in the past to slim interest, have the Convention, Show & Sale the same week as the National Shoot, run the Shoot the first part of the week and the Convention, etc. the last few days leaving Sunday for travel. No matter where the National Shoot is there is a large meeting center close by and it would potentially bring in more members as it would be held during the mid-Summer months and not conflict with any School breaks, ending or starting days. I think it is doable and should be considered in the future, with $ tight and travel $ slim it makes a lot of sense to combine the two.
Best regards and give it some thought!
'Ol Gabe
NCOWS #925