I was unable to attend the meetup in KC but I am hoping to be able to make it to the 2009 meetup. Even though it's hot, I really think the summer is the best time to hold it. Like others have said, schools out and things are just generally "slower" than in the spring and fall. I have been on many, many planning commitees for things similar to this before, and if I could share just one piece of advice...You can NOT please everyone! If you try to make everyone happy, nothing is going to get decided. I think the best way to handle it is to get a listing of a few places, take a poll and go with whatever wins, no matter what.
That said, here's my 2 cents on the location. I agree that having somewhere that's near that most members is not the best solution. If people are really serious about coming, they're going to come no matter where it is. Cost is a very important factor- think travel expense, hotel room, actual fees to hold the convention, shopping, dining, etc.
Personally, I think we should consider holding it in KC again, at the same location. I wasn't there to experience it first hand, but maybe someone who was can comment...Was the hotel welcoming? Did they accomodate everyone's needs? I think having it in the same location at the same time every year would make planning easier, people would know what to expect when they got there, and maybe the hotel would be even more willing to work with us knowing that we're coming back next year. |