I have been away from home, so I missed a lot of this...I didn't read the whole thread...so ignore me if things were already covered.

I think I read someone mentioning the Fall.....but I think last year it was planned for June 21st because most schools were out (so those w/ kids in school didn't have to worry about anything regarding that), early summer (nice weather (hopefully), those planning vacations still could (other than the meet-up)etc, etc.

As for why KC was picked last year...I just don't remember. I know Lisa had family there and I think Jodie did too. (and it was the DEAD center of the US - I remember that). I think that is why it was picked....plus the fact it was near a major airport, dog friendly and had a lot of attractions. I know, I wouldn't have EVER picked KC (I had never been) and I know I wasn't too sure about it at first either...but it was pretty much clear that was the place to go...I know that one was mentioned over and over in the planning process...and it sounds like it was a great location.

As far as people NOT attending that said they would....I don't think that is really an issue. I know if they paid, wasn't that non-refundable...so that money was still going toward the event. I know, I was all gong-ho to attend...but found out at Christmas that we were having our family reunion around that time...then found out when it was and how many house guests (if any) I would have, etc. Things come up that really can't be helped. (sad) And people shouldn't be looked down upon for things like this (that is out of their control) coming up. --I mean, you do not know how many times I threatened to just be gone that weekend and miss my family who was flying in. Seriously! :cool:

I LOVE Cindy's idea and I think (if she is up to it), she should be a big part of the planning committee! Cindy, you are great...and above all, you are a voice of reason and you truly think of everyone and everything! YOU GO GIRL!

I still think that there should be a vote ($10 like Cindy mentioned...so that is a good start on the planning and cost)! I think if more people had a say, maybe more people would be more apt to attend.

I don't know if those who attended the KC meet-up should be the only ones w/ a say....we are a huge group....I think Cindy's idea ROCKS!

As for location...I don't remember it being written in stone that each year would be one on one coast, center, vise/versa, etc. Yea, the concept of being fair is always nice, but in reality...it normally never works out as planned. With that being said...if we could get a census on some areas...check out those areas (dog friendly, dog rates, attractions, etc)...then go from there.

I know a lot of people keep mentioning certain areas because THEY want to go there....and that is great. That is how places get found.....but, we have to look into all locations. AND I think the biggest thing would be the cost (dog rates at hotel, places that dogs are allowed, etc)...afterall, these dogs are the reason for these meet-ups!

I think that it is great to try that...but you have to remember too....it is a lot farther for someone on one coast to fly/drive to the other....AND if a location can be found w/ good rates, good attractions, dog friendly and where it isn't outragiously priced per dog to stay...that HAS to be looked into (no matter what location)!!!!

And I agree w/ Jodie....just because there is a "cluster" of YT members in one area, doesn't mean that is the best area...we have to look at everyone, everything, etc.

There were several husbands and boyfriends - some spent more time with us than others. ;) Sunnie's man seemed to be a big help with 4 yorkies in tow

If a meetup is to grow and be successful and well attended each year, it seems like a bit of after-meetup evaluation would be in order. Why not ask the members who said that they wanted to attend and then did not if they would share their reasons before jumping in to the planning phase of the next meetup.

In my particular circumstances, I had a serious injury last October that is still causing me problems. I held out hope through March and into early April that I might be ble to attend, but it didn't work.

Everyone would have a reason, legit or not, for not wanting to go to certain state, or too far from home. We all agree we cannot please everyone. I still thing the fair thing to do is have it right smack dab in the middle and here are the States: eastern North Dakota, western Minnesota, eastern South Dakota, western Iowa. OR, we can have TWO meet-ups a year. One on the west coast and one on the east coast. How about it guys?? hmmmm!

I forgot to add, that we should vote on this.........meet once a year in the middle or twice a year at the east coast and the west coast. NOT "where". The "where" should be then be voted on by everyone. :)

I was there! And Lisa did such a great job planning everything and she did include an evaluation form for all of us to complete. And maybe those should be gathered and gone thru before anything is definitely decided.

I am so sorry you weren't able to join us. And I am sorry again if I offended you or anyone else, I have already explained myself between that post you quoted and this one :)

I like the idea of something "in the middle." I would have liked to come to KCMO but found out about it too late.

I'm going to Yorkie Day in PA on July 12 and can see if those running it would be willing to poll the group for interest. Thoughts on that?

You are completely missing the point. My point is that if a large number of people were excited about the meetup and then didn't/couldn't come -- there may be valid reasons that should be taken into consideration when planning the 2009 meetup.

The people who did attend and did fill out the evaluations cannot offer any input as to why the vast majority of YTers did not attend. The poeple who did not attend need to share their reasons so that those planning future events can use this information make necessary improvements and adjustments.

I didn't go this year but would love to try to come this next year.

The main problem for me would be having a date for the Meet Up. My job requires us to put in for our vacation in Nov/Dec for the next year. It also goes by seniority first. And with my dept down to a quarter of it's size the remaining people have alot of time under their belts for seniority and weeks of vacation.

if you guys do vegas definitly count me in! Anywhere in the chicago area would be good too!

Of course, Rocky and Bella are the final say in if we could go or not, were still working on the fact that it's OK that there are other doggies on this Earth, a concept they really aren't to crazy about

I would like to know who is in the committee and who selected them, and why wasn't there a vote for the committee. I am sure there are more people on YT that would love to be involved in the planning.

The committee was formed originally last year based on the only people who volunteered to undertake the planning. Two original members left the committee and two others were added who offered to fill the void.

The committee is: myself, Sukoshi's Mom (Lisa), MyFairLacy (Michele), IzzyPrincess (Cyndi) and YorkieChick1 (Nanci).

And from what I've seen you did a wonderful job! I feel confident that it is in good hands.:)