A few things about the ANA Convention (and this thread):

• Playing of the American National Anthem before Nepalese National Anthem
• Out of respect of the host country, which, in this case, is the United States, the Star Spangled Banner must be played. This was a very good decision by the organizers and it follows international protocols
• Forums
• As expected, forums started later than usual.
  
• The quality of the forums was a lot better this year, because of the solid contents. The intelligent community in California did a very good job bringing different perspectives and initiating a knowledge base for the Nepalese community.
• Overall: B
  
• Cultural Program
• Very well organized compared to other years
  
• धेरै लामो भयो।  Enough said.
• Overall: C+ (Better than last year)
  
• DJ Nights
• Music was fine. A regular DJ night, as expected. There needs to be a better protocol in terms of ending the DJ night, because there seems to always be dissatisfaction
  
• What's up with the fights? We Nepali people love our दगां फसाद , but this is ridiculous.
• Overall: C+
  
• Fashion Show
• Best organized program of the convention, two years in a row.
• I was thoroughly disappointed this year, however, with the awkward moments during the show itself. The folks did an excellent job, but there seemed to be a slightly uncomfortable feeling in the contestants, which could have been avoided if there were more rehearsals.
• Overall: B+
• Concert
• Did not attend because of the crowd
• Sports
• Communications about sports results could have been done better
• Overall: C

• Venue
• EXCELLENT! It was very convenient to get to
• It would have been even more excellent if they could have gotten soccer and basketball venues that were close to the BART, but one can't get everything
• Overall: A

• Security
• It was good that the security personnel didn't seem unwelcoming
• Overall: B+
  

Overall, I give this convention a B

Best of luck next year, Boston!

db