Where will/should nationals be?

[Shana]

Originally posted by Gene F
Let's look on the practical side. Most teams have already created and secured funding for a team budget assuming that Nationals would be in FL. For this reason I would say let's keep it FL this year.

The problem for a lot of Western teams though is the fact that they have to raise a whole lot of money so they never are prepared for finals, no matter where they are. Your team, and maybe other teams that are closer to florida have the money but for the teams that have to fly across the country our funds are never secure. If they move NATS this year I don't think it will hurt teams to much. In fact it will be giving teams all along the west coast a much needed break especially since there are a lot of rookie teams coming from these states. I believe it will be a nice change to move them this year because of all the problems teams are having for fundraising.
If NATS end up being in Houston thats the middle of the country so people have an equal opportunity. If you really want to know the problems though of fundraising talk to a team this year at NATS. When I did it was really eye opening to see that they might have huge teams but could only afford to send 3 students and 2 engineers even though they fundraised up the wazoo. So try to keep an open mind about moving the NATS. I'm sure FIRST isn't sitting in their offices thinking "how can we make it as hard as possible for them" all they really want are fair prices. If you are worried about funds though I suggest you start fundraising in case it does move, which is most likely. Believe me it may be tough to get the money but it can be done.

~SHANA~