Ok... let's try this.. HUGE Yorkie Talk Meetup!! - Page 7 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Yorkiedaze · 05-20-2007, 08:17 PM

Careful you don't plan on meeting at a certain place that may be having a dog show. The hotels are always booked up and prices go up. The dog show here each year is held in July, and boy is it ever busy. All the hotels and motels are book as far away as 50 miles in all directions. Make sure there are no festivals and such too.
I wouldn't make it to the east coast. It would be too hard on the dogs to fly that long and with layovers and all, but will wait to see if a meet up comes to a closer state.

marcerella02 · 05-21-2007, 05:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xena'smommy

I just cast my vote - but was also thinking a committee or committees would be really helpful to start to get everything organized once you have decided on location(s). 1 year is not that far if you have enough people attending and space reservations are required. Also, if there ended up being two with a huge turnout, the following year could be centralized!

i think a committe is a great idea! once it has been decided if we are going to go with one or two meetups we will for sure have to get a small group together to work this meetup. Sadly the poll is dead even .... we'll have to watch it over the next few weeks... i'm so torn... i would LOVE to have one but i know a central location works well for those that are central and those that can afford to fly, where as if there was an east/west more people would be able to drive to the meetup.. thus i'd hope more could attend.. it will be interesting to see over the next few days which option comes out as the leader!

marcerella02 · 05-21-2007, 05:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Katys mom

The idea of a vendor booth charge is standard business practice. But, things need to be looked at financially too. If you split it into two groups would there be enough vendors to pay for 2 YT convention locations?

i see what you all are saying about the vendor booths... i suppose if the cost for renting a place is so large, it would make sense to charge the vendors...and i guess if the cost is small.. you can still charge the vendors and then the cost is covered..

marcerella02 · 05-21-2007, 06:14 AM

i gotta tell ya... Chicago is looking great... i've been doing a lot of looking around the internet and many times Chicago has been named the #1 Pet Friendly City in America... did you know you can take your dogs with you on a boat cruise of Lake Michigan... lol.. how much fun would THAT be? and the SHOPPING!! lol.. well as of today it is my number one pick... but i'm gonna keep searching

LuvMySissy · 05-21-2007, 06:15 AM

If Lebanon, KS is the central point of the US and the concensus is on one point, we should look into either St. Louis or Kansas City. They both have several convention centers/meeting places. If it were KC, I could help some since I'm pretty familiar with the Kansas part of KC.

The East/West doesn't sound bad, but I know I want to meet all the YTers. Planning for fall doesn't leave much time and for those with kids in school it makes it more difficult. For an event as large as I think this could get, we will probably need a year for planning and to secure a facility. Vendors almost always pay a fee for a table, but I'd like it to be as reasonable as possible as it costs lots of $ to have inventory on hand to bring.

What about a central location for the FIRST YT Fair in 2008, then a West Coast for 2009 and East Coast for 2010. If we planned something like that and everyone knew about it, then those that don't want to travel too far, or can't afford plan travel will also not lose out.......

xxmxaxrxyxx · 05-21-2007, 06:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cockerduchess

This sounds like alot of fun! Kansas is right in the middle

I don't fly so I'd have to drive hopefully it will be close enough we can go.

yeah Kansas...we are smack in the middle...how fun would that be!

marcerella02 · 05-21-2007, 06:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LuvMySissy

If Lebanon, KS is the central point of the US and the concensus is on one point, we should look into either St. Louis or Kansas City. They both have several convention centers/meeting places. If it were KC, I could help some since I'm pretty familiar with the Kansas part of KC.

The East/West doesn't sound bad, but I know I want to meet all the YTers. Planning for fall doesn't leave much time and for those with kids in school it makes it more difficult. For an event as large as I think this could get, we will probably need a year for planning and to secure a facility. Vendors almost always pay a fee for a table, but I'd like it to be as reasonable as possible as it costs lots of $ to have inventory on hand to bring.

What about a central location for the FIRST YT Fair in 2008, then a West Coast for 2009 and East Coast for 2010. If we planned something like that and everyone knew about it, then those that don't want to travel too far, or can't afford plan travel will also not lose out.......

i feel so torn between one or two!! i know that in some repects having one will both include more and exclude more... i'm just going to sit and watch the poll for a bit

i wish it wasn't SO close...

Txgurl06 · 05-21-2007, 06:27 AM

ks is about 7 hours from me i think. but i could try it would really depend on my mom and when he was.

Rocco'sMom · 05-21-2007, 06:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marcerella02

i gotta tell ya... Chicago is looking great... i've been doing a lot of looking around the internet and many times Chicago has been named the #1 Pet Friendly City in America... did you know you can take your dogs with you on a boat cruise of Lake Michigan... lol.. how much fun would THAT be? and the SHOPPING!! lol.. well as of today it is my number one pick... but i'm gonna keep searching

I vote Chicago too!!!

Jenn218 · 05-21-2007, 06:48 AM

Chicago would be okay, but there was just one in Michigan...not too far from Chicago really....so how about another location. We've already done the north.

So the one in Michigan...was it all held at the hotel? If so, would that be what everyone wants....one place to go to, so there wouldn't be a lot of driving places once we are there? That sounds good to me. - especially for those who will have to fly in.

I am still all for the central.....St. Louis is pretty central and it is a big city.

Missouri: St. Louis, Branson, Springfield
Kansas:
Oklahoma: Tulsa
Arkansas: Hot Springs, Little Rock, Bentonville, Eureka Springs

Regarding vendor fees, I have always had to pay something for setting up a booth at fairs (anywhere from $5-$50 and sometimes just a donation). I think this is because it helps pay for the event, it helps pay for door prizes (the ones I have been to) and it advertises the business and gets more clients.

You can still charge a fee for each person or each family or something. A small fee.....I don't know though. Did you all pay for the YF in Michigan? I wouldn't paying a small fee, but I know some people probably feel that they will be spending their money on goodies and would rather not have to pay a fee to get in. I have been in both situations (free or pay) and I have enjoyed them all.

marcerella02 · 05-21-2007, 06:54 AM

the one in michigan was held at a dog training facility.. it was so perfect...

i agree with the vendor fee... getting into the Yorkie Fair was free for us... so it would be nice if that were the case for everyone who is already going to be spending a lot on getting there

i think we really need to hold off on deciding a city... the poll right now is 50/50 ... which i HATE... lol... iw ish there was one clear winner.. hwoever this thread hasn't even been on YT for 24 hours! so i think we should really give it time and hear from more people who want to come.. where they live and what they think

Jenn218 · 05-21-2007, 07:03 AM

My only fear with having two is that it might just be too much! Especially in one year. Could we get enough YT sellers to go to both within one year? Would there be enough time to prepare for both of them in one year? Would be there enough people come, vendors come?

It would be nice to plan out one for next year, but also plan out one for the years to come. Ideally, it would be great to find that ONE location that is convienent to everyone...because I know that it seems that if you have something one year and then have it again next year, it grows...more and more people know about it and come. - I guess the whole "word of mouth" thing...and too, once you find something/someplace you like, you continue to travel there. You know the location, you know the people, you know the route you can take, you know the time, etc.

BUT if one location just can't work.....it would be nice to already kind of plan out this year and then next year be here, the year after be there, etc. Have some locations mapped out and ready!

I still would love to have one location that is good for everyone...easy for a direct flight, easy to drive to, great location, etc.

If this is going to be a YORKIETALK fair, I guess, the first should be at the location of YT....which is in CA right? I mean, that is how it is normally done, if you are having something for a certain group, it is always at their "homeplace". BUT CA isn't convienent for everyone, I know.

I'm just trying to think of everyone. I wouldn't mind to drive or even fly (I get air miles). The location and date are what makes or breaks an event. AND just because there may be a handful more that prefer one location over another, doesn't necessarily make that location better. So, we really need to look at everything to get this thing going.

Jenn218 · 05-21-2007, 07:12 AM

Quote:

I'm just trying to think of everyone. I wouldn't mind to drive or even fly (I get air miles). The location and date are what makes or breaks an event. AND just because there may be a handful more that prefer one location over another, doesn't necessarily make that location better. So, we really need to look at everything to get this thing going.

Wanted to add: time and location are the most important items to look at when planning an event. There will always be an inconvience to some or a date that won't work, that is a given. I know that when we go to car events, family events, etc...it can be a chore.....the moving around gets to us or some dates don't work because of other events, but that is what happens when we all lead our busy lives.

I would also rather drive than fly, even though I could probably fly for free...just because of Mojo and driving is part of the fun.

doortego · 05-21-2007, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gingergirlsmom

Pennsylvania...I'll travel up to 10 hours by car...as long as I can find a good dog-friendly place to stay.

We'd consider flying, but only if it's in Texas

Texas would be great for me - but I guess its not exactly centrally located, huh??

Txgurl06 · 05-21-2007, 07:32 AM

i think Tx would be great for a lot of us but lol gotta be fair i guess i mean i dont think i would go if it was way way north and i dont think the people in the north are gonna come all the way to tx.

05-21-2007, 06:14 AM	#94
marcerella02 Loved by Layla Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 11,257	i gotta tell ya... Chicago is looking great... i've been doing a lot of looking around the internet and many times Chicago has been named the #1 Pet Friendly City in America... did you know you can take your dogs with you on a boat cruise of Lake Michigan... lol.. how much fun would THAT be? and the SHOPPING!! lol.. well as of today it is my number one pick... but i'm gonna keep searching __________________ http://misscanam.blogspot.com/ Layla 's Simon

05-21-2007, 06:15 AM	#95
LuvMySissy Luv my Angel, too! Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: USA Posts: 9,333	If Lebanon, KS is the central point of the US and the concensus is on one point, we should look into either St. Louis or Kansas City. They both have several convention centers/meeting places. If it were KC, I could help some since I'm pretty familiar with the Kansas part of KC. The East/West doesn't sound bad, but I know I want to meet all the YTers. Planning for fall doesn't leave much time and for those with kids in school it makes it more difficult. For an event as large as I think this could get, we will probably need a year for planning and to secure a facility. Vendors almost always pay a fee for a table, but I'd like it to be as reasonable as possible as it costs lots of $ to have inventory on hand to bring. What about a central location for the FIRST YT Fair in 2008, then a West Coast for 2009 and East Coast for 2010. If we planned something like that and everyone knew about it, then those that don't want to travel too far, or can't afford plan travel will also not lose out....... __________________ Sissy & Angel

05-21-2007, 06:48 AM	#100
Jenn218 Mojo, LilyGrace & Me Donating Member Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: cuddling with my babies<3 Posts: 17,329	Chicago would be okay, but there was just one in Michigan...not too far from Chicago really....so how about another location. We've already done the north. So the one in Michigan...was it all held at the hotel? If so, would that be what everyone wants....one place to go to, so there wouldn't be a lot of driving places once we are there? That sounds good to me. - especially for those who will have to fly in. I am still all for the central.....St. Louis is pretty central and it is a big city. Missouri: St. Louis, Branson, Springfield Kansas: Oklahoma: Tulsa Arkansas: Hot Springs, Little Rock, Bentonville, Eureka Springs Regarding vendor fees, I have always had to pay something for setting up a booth at fairs (anywhere from $5-$50 and sometimes just a donation). I think this is because it helps pay for the event, it helps pay for door prizes (the ones I have been to) and it advertises the business and gets more clients. You can still charge a fee for each person or each family or something. A small fee.....I don't know though. Did you all pay for the YF in Michigan? I wouldn't paying a small fee, but I know some people probably feel that they will be spending their money on goodies and would rather not have to pay a fee to get in. I have been in both situations (free or pay) and I have enjoyed them all. __________________ Hi I'm Jenn Mom to..... Mojo,LilyGrace & DD Kate RIP Mojo FOREVER in our hearts!

05-21-2007, 06:54 AM	#101
marcerella02 Loved by Layla Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 11,257	the one in michigan was held at a dog training facility.. it was so perfect... i agree with the vendor fee... getting into the Yorkie Fair was free for us... so it would be nice if that were the case for everyone who is already going to be spending a lot on getting there i think we really need to hold off on deciding a city... the poll right now is 50/50 ... which i HATE... lol... iw ish there was one clear winner.. hwoever this thread hasn't even been on YT for 24 hours! so i think we should really give it time and hear from more people who want to come.. where they live and what they think __________________ http://misscanam.blogspot.com/ Layla 's Simon

05-21-2007, 07:03 AM	#102
Jenn218 Mojo, LilyGrace & Me Donating Member Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: cuddling with my babies<3 Posts: 17,329	My only fear with having two is that it might just be too much! Especially in one year. Could we get enough YT sellers to go to both within one year? Would there be enough time to prepare for both of them in one year? Would be there enough people come, vendors come? It would be nice to plan out one for next year, but also plan out one for the years to come. Ideally, it would be great to find that ONE location that is convienent to everyone...because I know that it seems that if you have something one year and then have it again next year, it grows...more and more people know about it and come. - I guess the whole "word of mouth" thing...and too, once you find something/someplace you like, you continue to travel there. You know the location, you know the people, you know the route you can take, you know the time, etc. BUT if one location just can't work.....it would be nice to already kind of plan out this year and then next year be here, the year after be there, etc. Have some locations mapped out and ready! I still would love to have one location that is good for everyone...easy for a direct flight, easy to drive to, great location, etc. If this is going to be a YORKIETALK fair, I guess, the first should be at the location of YT....which is in CA right? I mean, that is how it is normally done, if you are having something for a certain group, it is always at their "homeplace". BUT CA isn't convienent for everyone, I know. I'm just trying to think of everyone. I wouldn't mind to drive or even fly (I get air miles). The location and date are what makes or breaks an event. AND just because there may be a handful more that prefer one location over another, doesn't necessarily make that location better. So, we really need to look at everything to get this thing going. __________________ Hi I'm Jenn Mom to..... Mojo,LilyGrace & DD Kate RIP Mojo FOREVER in our hearts! Last edited by Jenn218; 05-21-2007 at 07:06 AM.

05-20-2007, 08:17 PM	#91
Yorkiedaze My hairy-legged girls Donating Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: lompoc, ca. Posts: 12,228	Careful you don't plan on meeting at a certain place that may be having a dog show. The hotels are always booked up and prices go up. The dog show here each year is held in July, and boy is it ever busy. All the hotels and motels are book as far away as 50 miles in all directions. Make sure there are no festivals and such too. I wouldn't make it to the east coast. It would be too hard on the dogs to fly that long and with layovers and all, but will wait to see if a meet up comes to a closer state.

05-21-2007, 06:27 AM	#98
Txgurl06 RIP Skoshi! Love You Donating Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Wichita falls,tx Posts: 3,383	ks is about 7 hours from me i think. but i could try it would really depend on my mom and when he was.

05-21-2007, 07:32 AM	#105
Txgurl06 RIP Skoshi! Love You Donating Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Wichita falls,tx Posts: 3,383	i think Tx would be great for a lot of us but lol gotta be fair i guess i mean i dont think i would go if it was way way north and i dont think the people in the north are gonna come all the way to tx.