9 replies to this topic

[AlanB]

Based upon the results from MrFSS's poll, as well as the fact that at least 3 members of the planning committee would not be able to attend a gathering during July, the committee proposes the following weekends in September and October for the first AU gathering in Chicago.

If anyone is aware of some major convention being in town that would dramatically drive up hotel prices on any of those weekends, please let us know in a post and we can eliminate that date from consideration. I've already eliminated three major holiday weekends from consideration when I setup the poll, those being Labor Day, Yom Kippur, and Columbus Day weekend. While Columbus Day isn't quite as big a holiday as say Labor Day, it is also the weekend of the Chicago Marathon. That would most likely drive up both hotel prices and train prices.

We do ask that everyone who votes please pick both a first choice and a second choice, just in case we do find out that the first choice weekend is a bad weekend to be in Chicago. The poll will remain open for three weeks to give everyone a chance to vote. After that we'll announce the final decision so that people can start making plans for getting to Chicago and staying in Chicago.

[PerRock]

Sept 28th is my b-day, we could hold a party..... but I still think summer is best for us who are in school (or don't know what their plans are for next year...)

peter

[diesteldorf]

There is also a branch of Hostelling International very close to the station. It is similar to being in a dorm but is comfortable. Only runs around $33 per night and, if you are a member, can be cheaper when using a "Buy 1 night get 1 Free" coupon.

http://www.hichicago.org/

[Superliner Diner]

If anyone is aware of some major convention being in town that would dramatically drive up hotel prices on any of those weekends, please let us know in a post and we can eliminate that date from consideration.

If a veteran meet planner may say something here, let me suggest that you also check the schedules of sports teams. It is good to be able to avoid events such as home baseball or football games. Unfortunately Chicago has two baseball teams in town just like New York, and the schedule usually has one team at home while the other is away. But the idea is that important series, particularly if either team is in the penant race in September (or playing in post season in October) could also be an issue with getting hotel rooms and experiencing crowds on the CTA and METRA.

And this time of year is also football season, so you may wish to avoid Sundays when the Bears are in town.

[AlanB]

If a veteran meet planner may say something here, let me suggest that you also check the schedules of sports teams. It is good to be able to avoid events such as home baseball or football games. Unfortunately Chicago has two baseball teams in town just like New York, and the schedule usually has one team at home while the other is away. But the idea is that important series, particularly if either team is in the penant race in September (or playing in post season in October) could also be an issue with getting hotel rooms and experiencing crowds on the CTA and METRA.

Actually I did check ball games and there is no way to avoid them. Our best hope is that we're planning far enough ahead, such that most people can book their rooms now even if they aren't exactly sure that they can make it. Anyone who waits to the last minute will probably get clobbered, especially if either of the baseball teams does look like they're going to the playoffs.

[RailFanLNK]

I just stayed at the HI Chicago Hostel. It WILL NOT be for everyone, but for me...its perfect. I even walked to CUS with luggage in hand. The cab fare was $5.00 one way if I remember correctly. If we have younger members here which I think we do, (costwise) they can eat there for free (breakfast...continental) and they have all sorts of sights at discounted prices if you stay at the Hostel. If I remember correctly Kingston Mines was $3.00 off, Hancock building was $8.00, Sears Tower $11.00, Musuem of Contemporary Art $5.00. Also, the HI did have meeting rooms. I did not check to see how much they rent for, but thats always an idea. Also, if there's more than 10 people in your group, you can stay for $27.00 per night if I remember correctly.

Al

[PerRock]

If I do come I'll be staying @ my grand FAtherss, which is on the southside (way south) so can we not start the events till later in the day (say 9 or 10)


peter

[Sam Damon]

September and October are football season, so if I'm still working for Channel X, I most likely can't make it. OTOH, should I change jobs between now and then, I may be able to make this get-together.

Any weekend the committee decides is fine with me, because, as I said, if I'm still in the TV newsbiz, prep football will be happening then.


EDIT: I'm abstaining from voting. I have no idea what, or if I'll be working whatever weekend you folks figure out.

Edited by Sam Damon, 14 May 2007 - 09:38 PM.

[AlanB]

Just a friendly reminder for those who've yet to vote, to get your votes in this week. I'll be closing the results out next Saturday or Sunday. This must be done so that we can move ahead with planning activities and such, as well as to allow those who can make it on the date selected to start booking things now, while prices are still low.

[AlanB]

The voting is now closed. I'd like to thank all who did cast a vote to help us pick a date that seemed best for our members.