I have received a boatload of comments over the last few days.
Everyone has been in support of my decision to cancel the upcoming Soiree' in light of the threats.
I want to make this perfectly clear, I would do it again in a heartbeat if the situation presented itself again. The safety and security of the guests are the ONLY things that matter to me.
No party, get together, is worth it if the guests don't feel that they are being watched over.

M&G's are private parties and as such the Hosts are are allowed to "pick and choose" who is invited. The Tampa Soiree' on the other hand, while still being private, has always been open to any and all who asked for an invitation, newbies or veterans alike, as long as they passed our screening.
If someone asked for an invitation, if they passed screening, they got one. If someone didn't get an invitation, it was because they never asked for one.
A party like this is NOT the place to air dirty laundry or play silly "I hate you, you hate me" games. It is a place and time to enjoy getting together with old friends and meeting some new ones.

I want to thank all of you for your unexpected and positive comments.
It makes my old heart go pitter-patter to know that the Tampa Soiree's have been so well received.
Now, as I stated in my informational post below, "the bastards won", this round.
I can't say who threatened us, because they not only threatened me, you, the guests were threatened also. However, things will be different next time and I/we will not be bullied by anyone.

Now for the "announcement"....
Because of you and your outpouring of support, there WILL be another Tampa Soiree'. Just not right now.

But, be of stout heart and patience.

Watch for the Tampa Soiree' #6 (delayed) coming sometime late summer or early fall.

Thanks for you support of the Tamp Soiree',

TampaMG aka bobb3950

It broke my heart to find out that our wonderful host for this years soiree' was not only canceling the bash but is also dropping out from future planning. It is sad, the circumstances that caused the death of the venerable Tampa Soiree'. So much time and effort is dedicated to making these parties happen. Kudos to the host for his tact in these matters as well as tolerance for the troubles that they bring. The question now is, will anyone else be willing to pick up the torch? I do not know all the details of how this particular soiree' was set up, but it has been mentioned that this is not the first one to cause negative repercussions. Perhaps we should take a different look at how the guest list is decided and/or distributed.  
If there is really that much hate out there for these parties, then that says (to me at least) that there may be some improvements that can be made, on both the side of the planner(s) as well as any potential guests. You really need to thinkWhat would cause someone to feel so outcast and alienated that they feel the need to blow things so far out of proportion??) Granted, you can never make everyone happy, but threats like that say that something is going wrong in a big way. Perhaps some input from people on both sides of this situation can help resolve and prevent this from happening in the future! The last time I checked, the aim of these functions was to have fun, meet interesting people and maybe get a little wild and crazy in our own special way, not snub, threaten and harass. Are we going to just shrug and say it was good while it lasted and let it die? It takes a bit of the fun out of the hobby for me at least. For the most part we are passionate people, not bullies. And besides, hobbies are supposed to be fun!
I DO have to say this though: To those that harangued and harassed the host until he folded for the safety of all parties involved, as well as threatened avid hobbyists and providers alike, you need to take a serious look at your own situation... getting LEO involved?! If that is your prerogative, then go ahead and throw stones in a glass house and see what is left to cover your ass.

I was saddened as well when I read the last thread regarding the troubles down in Tampa with safely putting together a Meet & Greet. I read your thread too, and since you asked for thoughts on what we think, here's mine:

I have put together two cocktail & dinner parties this year so far for a couple industry couples to enjoy a relaxing time, get to know others in our hobby, and have tons of fun.

And now I'm a week away from hosting a small gathering for a dozen of us to meet, greet, make a couple extra connections for us each, imbibe, nosh on some food, tighten friendships, laugh and have much fun.
The events leading up to the Tampa gathering cancellation are indeed sad for us all throughout the country who enjoy group gatherings to have fun with each other and get to know more who enjoy our hobby.
I guess my thoughts are maybe I should reconsider doing these things in future months. Safety for all is paramount. Safety for me (and all hosts who spend lots of their own personal time putting these pleasant gatherings together) is equally important.

My heart goes out to your Tampa hobby community.

-Nooner-

Thank you again for your concern for us.  And I am again looking forward to seeing the best of Tampa and nearby friends.

and glad you haven't given up. I have always looked up to you for all the years and time you spent bringing TER members together. You have been doing this long before I came aboard. I was a newbie once and you welcomed me to my very first meet & greet in 2007. I have only missed one of yours in all those years and am glad their are more to come.

Kisses Haley