2009 and 2010 National Conferences? Anyone know when/where?

[TankerT]

I know the information is floating out there somewhere... but I can't remember where to look.  Does anyone know where to look or have this information handy?

[Larry Mangum]

2009 is suppose to be San Antonio, Tx.

[Lancer]

When is it going to be on the north side of the country? Traverse City or Mackinac Island, MI would be excellent places to hold the conference.

[davidsinn]

When is it going to be on the north side of the country? Traverse City or Mackinac Island, MI would be excellent places to hold the conference.

+1 for Mackinac

[JC004]

When is it going to be on the north side of the country? Traverse City or Mackinac Island, MI would be excellent places to hold the conference.

+1 for Mackinac

me too.

[Smokey]

Mackinac Island !!!!!!

You can't even go into the Grand Hotel there to look around without having to pay.  They won't let you past that big front porch without putting their hand out.

[TankerT]

Mackinac Island !!!!!!

You can't even go into the Grand Hotel there to look around without having to pay.  They won't let you past that big front porch without putting their hand out.

Didn't they try having the GLR conference there a few years back.... and practically nobody came?

Now, I like Mackinac Island... but the cost of getting there will probably rule it out.

[Major Carrales]

When is it going to be on the north side of the country? Traverse City or Mackinac Island, MI would be excellent places to hold the conference.

I tell you what...move that National Capital from Washington, DC to Dallas, Texas and we'll talk. 

Come on really, don't you Yankee's already have everything else? 

[TankerT]

When is it going to be on the north side of the country? Traverse City or Mackinac Island, MI would be excellent places to hold the conference.

I tell you what...move that National Capital from Washington, DC to Dallas, Texas and we'll talk. 

Come on really, don't you Yankee's already have everything else? 

Wha?

I wouldn't exactly equate Washington DC with Mackinac Island, MI.  Big difference from the rural midwest to a gigantic metropolis on the east coast.

[Eclipse]

Mackinac Island !!!!!!

You can't even go into the Grand Hotel there to look around without having to pay.  They won't let you past that big front porch without putting their hand out.

Didn't they try having the GLR conference there a few years back.... and practically nobody came?

Now, I like Mackinac Island... but the cost of getting there will probably rule it out.

The GLR conference >was< there, and that was a big complaint - expense & access.

It was so far North that it basically precluded "day players" from attending, and whether you're on the island or near it, hotels around there aren't cheap.

[TankerT]

The GLR conference >was< there, and that was a big complaint - expense & access.

It was so far North that it basically precluded "day players" from attending, and whether you're on the island or near it, hotels around there aren't cheap.

Ah yes.  That was the year that WWWeb wanted it there, so they had that survey that had three paragraphs touting the island and the resort next to the first vote button, and the second voting button basically said "Wisconsin Dells Wisconsin at Location Y."

/It was quite obvious where WWWeb wanted the conference... and everyone voted for the Island... as it sounded great.
//Wisconsin Dells is pretty nice though... and can be more affordable... but not the most easy place to access for the entire Region, as it is a bit northwest.

[IceNine]

While holding it in these places that we are want to visit from time to time is it really cost effective to host these conferences in some of the most expensive places in the country given the amount of sightseeing that these conferences allow for?

I mean you can go out at night or for lunch or whatever but if you are truely taking part in the conference is it conceivable that you will get your monies worth of the city to justify paying an extra 60+ for a hotel.

I do understand that in most cases the cities most capable of housing a conference of this size are the larger ones but aren't there alternatives all over?

[davidsinn]

While holding it in these places that we are want to visit from time to time is it really cost effective to host these conferences in some of the most expensive places in the country given the amount of sightseeing that these conferences allow for?

I mean you can go out at night or for lunch or whatever but if you are truely taking part in the conference is it conceivable that you will get your monies worth of the city to justify paying an extra 60+ for a hotel.

I do understand that in most cases the cities most capable of housing a conference of this size are the larger ones but aren't there alternatives all over?

What about Indianapolis? Dead nuts center in the middle of GLR. Fairly cheap to visit. Low crime. Easy to get to because of all the interstates and US highways. A genuinely nice city.

[flyerthom]

When is it going to be on the north side of the country? Traverse City or Mackinac Island, MI would be excellent places to hold the conference.

+1 for Mackinac

me too.

How about Scranton PA or the ever so scenic Poconos? Heck, if it's good enough for NASCAR,,,   

[IceNine]

While holding it in these places that we are want to visit from time to time is it really cost effective to host these conferences in some of the most expensive places in the country given the amount of sightseeing that these conferences allow for?

I mean you can go out at night or for lunch or whatever but if you are truely taking part in the conference is it conceivable that you will get your monies worth of the city to justify paying an extra 60+ for a hotel.

I do understand that in most cases the cities most capable of housing a conference of this size are the larger ones but aren't there alternatives all over?

What about Indianapolis? Dead nuts center in the middle of GLR. Fairly cheap to visit. Low crime. Easy to get to because of all the interstates and US highways. A genuinely nice city.

Honestly as long as the city is easy to get to and has a nice hotel with capacity to handle the volume we should be using those cities.

Indy, and Cinci come to mind.  Chicago, and many others.  I just don't see the need for vacation spots as conference points. 

I guess the other point is that it should have an airport with enough flights in/out to accomidate everyone.

[KyCAP]

The World Equestrian Games will be in Lexington, KY in Sept - October 2010.  Sounds like a good place for the National Conference.   

www.feigames2010.org

[TankerT]

I guess the other point is that it should have an airport with enough flights in/out to accomidate everyone.

The number of flights is somewhat important, but the overall costs of those flights can also be key.

[Dad2-4]

If '09 is supposed to be in San Antonio, I'll start planning now!

[Major Carrales]

Fellows,

I think the idea of moving the conference is the best one.  Pratically, even if it were held in centrally located St. Louis; that is too far away from home for me to justify a non-family vacation or NON-ES CAP function.

Since it was in Florida this year, San Antonio this year.  California would be a good choice for the following.  Rotating around the country bring it into everyone's range once every 8 years or so.

Frankly speaking, the National Conference is something I think is great to attend, however, we ahve Wing and Region Conferences to "fill the gaps" and attend regularly.  I think I woudl like to go to the National Conference only once every 5 years.  As finances dictate.

[Smithsonia]

How about holding it at the Air Force Academy? During the summer, rooms are available in Dorms, facilities are first rate. Weather is good. Gathering and teaching areas, top notch. Denver and Colorado Springs near by. The best mountain scenery. Center of the country so no one has too long or expensive of a commute.

In fact do it every year at the AFA. I'll drive the 45 minutes and entertain you all with stories of high altitude driving in treacherous winter in Colorado snow stories... which Maj. Joe Corrales, being from Corpus Christi TX., will think of as exotic tales from a forbidden frontier.
With regards;
ED OBRIEN