I connected up with Nick Braccia who is one of the organizers of this year’s APBA Convention scheduled for July 20-22, 2012. He graciously answered a few questions about the event.
The APBA Blog: How did the idea for the 2012 convention come about? What APBA fans are the driving forces behind it?
Nick Braccia: It was a group of APBA buddies decided to run a convention this summer. The Game Co. was not going to run one. John Herson really didn’t want and when we approached him, he said “go right ahead”. We have his full support.
The group of people running this start with Francis Rose. He has run two conventions in the past, so he was an obvious choice to be the front man. The rest of the group consists of myself, Michael Davidson (Pengy), Dom Provisiero, Randy Eagan, Roy Langhans, Jim Sce and John Kalous.
TAB: I see that there will be a tournament as usual. Will it follow the normal structure and rules as it has in past years or will you shake things up a bit? Will there be any other fun events planned?
NB: We are going to make some changes in the tournament, but we have not finalized anything yet.
The Game Co will not represented at the Convention. That’s why there will be no Q&A on Friday night about the Game Co. There will be no bashing of the Game Co either.
TAB: I know it’s early but what has the response been so far from APBA fans?
NB: There are over 20 people registered already. We are hoping for 85-100.
TAB: Is there anything we as APBA fans can do to help make this a successful and fun convention?
NB: In order for the Convention to be successful, we need folks to attend. It is always a great time. Meeting the people who post on BTL and the other APBA sites is always great.
TAB: Finally, if anyone has any questions, who can they contact?
NB: Any questions they can contact me or visit the website.
Nick Braccia enjoys playing solo and has a large collection of APBA and Skeetersoft sets. He was a Police Officer in Stamford, CT for 37 1/2 years.
Thanks to Nick for taking time to answer some questions and for helping organize this year’s convention!
Hoping to be a part of the convention again this year…….. Our group had a great time meeting everyone last year. Glad to see that there will be a convention this year!!!