Hi John.
That is a great idea! Not a new one - but great. In fact, we did have a joint MENA/FENA combined show it Canandaigua, NY in 2011!! I think everyone felt it was very successful. Although the numbers were than the greatest for either, the whole show aspect is not about how many pieces are on display. We even co-ordinated our banquets so that everyone who wished could attend both events!
We also had a joint show in Fort Mead, Fl several years ago. I would say it was not quite as successful but it happened!! We also had shows at the same location in Nebraska. (that one was fun - if I think about it - I will send you a letter I received about that one!!)
As you well know, we have a committee that selects the locations for the MENA event and it would not be too much to encourage FENA to join in (or vice-versa) I do think we are scheduled out a little further than they plan but it would not be hard to do, if both parties would be willing to sit down and discuss it.
FENA would be more than welcome to have their National Show in my home town Rushville, IN in 2014!!
Maybe JWB and reach out to them!!
GTE