Who's going X MARKS CONVENTION

[michael steinrok]

I need to know all the xmarkers who are interested in going. To make a formal deal out of this I think I need at least a hundred of the rabble. We can go with a much smaller number of course, but I need to have a # when I'm making arrangements . Start thinking about March or April.

Also I need help here. I'm completely on my own and in uncharted territory. "There be monsters here". Please indicate any knowledge and eXpertise in this area and if you would be willing to help organize once this thing starts.

PM any friends that haven't posted in a while and let them know what we're up to and this is real.

[ronstew]

Weekend - maybe.
Week day - no.

A more definite date would be most helpful.

A big turn-out would be great, but 100 including sweethearts seems pretty optimistic.

[Kilted KT]

not sure if I'll be able to make it, but I'd be more than willing to help make arrangements!

[Mr. Kilt]

My wife and I are definitely interested in attending. I just don't know when my vacation time will be until next February. We should have at least a week in April, though.

[John M.]

The two of us are very interested.
Just don't know what our finances will be like by then. Just know that we'll do all we can to get there.

[Schultz]

I'd most likely be down for something like this. My wife and I are very much looking forward to travelling together and this is a perfect excuse.

[Alan H]

I won't be going, but I have a suggestion or two. I did something like this once before, with a different group.

Pick a hotel. Just PICK one. Make it middle-of-the-road, and reasonably large, at least fifity rooms...it doesn't have to be the Bellagio (expensive) or Luxor and it doesn't have to be Motel 6, either. Get something like Circus-Circus, which while it's at one end of the strip, is moderate in price. Yet it's nice enough that those that want to live in luxury won't feel like they're roughing it. Alternatively, get something that's off the strip a few blocks and stay there. But whatever the case, just PICK ONE, otherwise you'll be back and forth with people that can't be sure they're coming until three weeks before the final date and you'll drive yourself insane.

Just pick a hotel, and tell them that you can guarantee selling some small number of rooms, like about eight to ten. The guys that make up their minds, pay up front and get cash on the table get whatever discount you can get. Those that have to wait until three weeks before the event pay whatever the going rate is. For Gods sake don't try to wangle a discount on 30-40 rooms, you'll go insane with the arrangements and might wind up being responsible for the cash for those that don't fill up.

Also, be warned.... only about half the guys who say they are interested will actually show up. Be Very Careful about up-fronting any money.

[davedove]

I'm real interested in attending, and since we're talking 2007, I'll be ready for a trip by then.

One of the first things to consider is lodging. Is everyone going to be on their own, or will you try to work a deal with one of the hotels?

Deals with the hotels usually involves guaranteeing that a certain number of rooms will be booked with us paying for anything short of the mark.

Just letting everyone handle their own rooms is easier for upfront planning, but then you have to deal with coordinating meeting places. Coordinating would be facilitated by coming up with an activity schedule.

A third option would be to pick a hotel and let everyone try to get rooms on their own there. If that hotel gets booked up, people can try neighboring hotels.

Whatever is decided, a schedule would be a good idea anyway. It would list events with their time and location. Perhaps when it's developed it could be posted here at Xmarks.

[michael steinrok]

This was posted to me privately. I think this sums up our situation.



Let's have our convention at the Flamingo Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip during the weekend of the Las Vegas Celtic Society Highland Games. The 2006 games were on the second weekend of April, but in 2007 the second weekend in April will be Easter, so the games might change date by one week. We will find out the exact date as soon as possible.

We should have a booth at the games to promote the web site. We will need volunteers to man the booth.

We should have a banquet on the Saturday night, and a golf tournament on the Sunday morning. Beyond that, I think it is best to let people come and go as they please.

Here are some reviews of the Flamingo:

http://www.cheapovegas.com/vegas_ca...p?hotel_id=1043
http://www.epinions.com/Flamingo_Hi...isplay_~reviews
http://www.hotelsuperportal.com/Reviews-02955.html

The Flamingo is not a great hotel, but for most people it will be fine. Mostly what you use your hotel for in Vegas is sleeping. For a hotel on the Strip, the price is reasonable, and the location is hard to beat.

So, who thinks they will be there?

[ronstew]

Pending the actual date (somebody should be designated to contact the Games society) I'll put a 50% likelihood that the wife and I will attend. If I start seriously dieting now, I should have my Xmarks kilt ready by then.