I think one of the first things we need to do is to figure out where most of the attendees would be coming from. The purpose of this camp of course would be to serve first and foremost @BanjoBen’s European students. With that in mind:
Where are they concentrated?
How to reach them and poll them to determine where or how far they are willing to go to attend?
How to invite the European students to join this thread?
Determine whether Brexit will be an issue (will it impede travel?)
It makes sense to chose a venue centrally located or otherwise easy to get to. In regards to the upcoming camp in Nashville, I myself will be driving over 700 miles (1100 km) to attend. Others will drive as well and some will fly. I know at least one will be flying from the other side of the country.
Distances may not be as great in Europe and they have a wonderful train system that might be more attractive and practical than flying. But I’m not sure, that’s why we really need to get more Europeans involved here.
As to venue, well Ben is using his own home and property for the inaugural camp, which keeps his cost down, which in turn keeps the price for attendees lower and as an attendee, I’m all for that. @seeligdan has been so gracious to offer his apparently gorgeous estate for the camp gratis and the resulting cost savings is of course a significant cost savings which would be passed on to attendees. He’s also addressing travel concerns getting to and from Sancerre.
Other more centrally located venues will likely incur a significant cost, raising the price for attendees. So, how does the savings in travel costs to a centrally located bespoke venue compare to the travel costs to a more remote venue that’s free? And, students travelling with instruments. @Archie raised a good point about flying with instruments and @johnbmcglade has good info as well . Of course, if someone were to offer up a really cool palace or castle or estate for free right in the heart of where ever the students are concentrated…
Anyway, last time I looked at the map, I think I remember seeing the largest concentration of students in the UK but the question I have is - Are all the European students on the map? I don’t think so.
Can anyone address this? Also, who knows how we can send out a poll or how we can reach and invite European students to join this discussion? It this their camp after all.