Soba.America.E-Newsletter.2017

2. However, the evening started very poorly disorganized. There was no clear leadership
and no clear defined roles for members for the Friday event. Nobody knew who was supposed
to do what. I personally asked the handful of Houston members what is it we have
to do. Even the former leaders had no idea. We were not sure if the restaurant in which
we were being hosted was a cash bar or not. Our wife’s and other guests just sat around
or stood idle trying to figure out if they should buy drinks or wait. There was no sign of
local or national leadership initially for guidance. It was very frustrating to say the least.
SATURDAY GALA:
Just as Friday start, so too was Saturday. There were no clear defined roles for local and
or national organizers;
1. As usual it was very busy and being a highly publicized SOBA USA gala, the organizers
should have anticipated the huge crowd at the gate.
2. Only a few people were designated to take care of several special tables and, as a
result, many special tables, including ours were void of any drink until late in the evening.
Even when we asked repeatedly for assistance, none came. This will not encourage
members to pay top dollar to buy special tables hence a detriment to Soba America
bottom line.
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