Venue for 2009 Yorkie Meetup

[tinav]

Annapolis, MD is very dog friendly...lots of out door eateries...I was there last yr and loved it...just me and the furbutts.


Tina

[tinav]

do we have a voting post......


tina

[Izzy Princess]

Originally Posted by Reese1

Well I didn't go this year for several reasons, the distance being one of them, but we did attend the year before in Ann Arbor. I realize that wasn't planned by YT though.
I think realistically it's going to be difficult to pick a location that will work for everyone coast to coast. Maybe two would be the answer, I don't know.
I know we would love to go next year and meet tons of people and Yorkies from YT!
I love the idea of IL,IN, MI, TN, NC or SC.

Just another thought, if you do want to make this more about chilling out and spending time with just the group, then it seems to make sense to try and find a place that is easily accessible to get to and affordable to stay.

Hey you should have come with me and Jodie - I live in Cleveland and hooked up with Jodie in Toledo (she's in Michigan) and we drove the 14/15 hours to get to KC in the car with 3 furbutts and a packed car and it was a blast. It was great sharing the costs too with gas and hotel!

[Reese1]

Originally Posted by Izzy Princess

Hey you should have come with me and Jodie - I live in Cleveland and hooked up with Jodie in Toledo (she's in Michigan) and we drove the 14/15 hours to get to KC in the car with 3 furbutts and a packed car and it was a blast. It was great sharing the costs too with gas and hotel!

Oh I wish I could have and I'm sick that I missed it this year. The drive was one factor, but I really want to go next year and I think depending on where it is, if some of us can hook up to make the trip, that would be great!

[peanut]

I think if we have it on the east coast we should either have it in Tennessee or Kentucky, if you look at the map both states are centrally located to most states in the east and it wouldn't be to hard of a drive. Look at the map and try to find somewhere that is close enough for everyone to drive if possible, so everyone that whats to come can and bring more babies with them.

[mistyinca]

Originally Posted by marcerella02

while i agree.. i think it is being a bit unfair to those who for whatever reason coudlt' go last year.. it doesn't mean they are less committed or less serious about this coming year

I think Cindy's idea of the $10 vote is a good one. Those who end up going, their $10 applies to their registration. Those who don't, just lose it. That way, you get people who are more serious about going to vote. I'd even say make it $20. If they have more to lose if they don't follow through, they'll only vote if totally serious.

[mistyinca]

Originally Posted by LuvMySissy

I will again volunteer my organizational skills to coordinate the next meet up. I am the only original committee member from the very beginning of the planning stages who continued on the committee and attended the meet-up. I am also hoping that Lisa with all her wonderfully organized spreadsheets and Michelle who handled donations for the raffle and goodie bags will also be on the committee again.

Although I really like the idea of Nashville - last year when this process began, the decision was made to start at the central point of the US and then do one on each coast in subsequent years. For that reason only, I think that rules out everything in the middle of the US (Texas included) for at least next year. Personally, I would rather plan just one coast one year and the next coast the next year. That way if folks want to do both, it is much more reasible that two in one year.

Also, the time of year was decided to allow those who want to travel as families to be able to do so. Although holidays weekends can be good, prices definitely go way up for anyone traveling (both gas prices and flying/trains) and sometimes even hotel accomodations are more during holidays weekends.

The campground idea only works if the weather cooperates completely and also does not allow for any indoor activities or pre-arranged groups meals. In my mind, that also cancels that out (even with chalets and cabins available).

And finally, I do think the location for next year should be determined primarily by those who actually attended this meet-up!!!!!!

Okay - that is my complete two cents (at least for now)!!!!!

I'd like to help out with planning this time around too. If it ends up being in San Diego--even though that is 1.5 hours away from me (I have a sister who lives down there)--I can do some of the location work.

[Tnyorkiemom]

Originally Posted by mistyinca

I think Cindy's idea of the $10 vote is a good one. Those who end up going, their $10 applies to their registration. Those who don't, just lose it. That way, you get people who are more serious about going to vote. I'd even say make it $20. If they have more to lose if they don't follow through, they'll only vote if totally serious.

well not meaning to sound mean or anything....but if you are gonna have to pay to vote...i quess i wont be voting....that doesnt mean im not going...but it might if it is on the west coast....im gonna have to stretch that dollar 20 feet to make it on the east coast....we have alot of money going out this summer....so i guess i wont get to guess......and that stinks ....cause i bet there are more of us that cant pay to vote that will probably show up...JMO

[Tiger's Mom]

Originally Posted by crb

Kansas City was great. We would just like to change the location each year, so we're not always going back to the same place.

I agree, we need to go to a different location every year so it will be so much more fun!

[Tiger's Mom]

Although camping sounds wonderful, I still think a hotel is soo much better . .so they can provide the best amenitites (group meals, a microphone, tables for vending, etc) . . .camping might just be too much work and there's always the problem of what if it rains

[chattiesmom]

Originally Posted by mistyinca

I think Cindy's idea of the $10 vote is a good one. Those who end up going, their $10 applies to their registration. Those who don't, just lose it. That way, you get people who are more serious about going to vote. I'd even say make it $20. If they have more to lose if they don't follow through, they'll only vote if totally serious.

Thank you very much. Applying the "voter fee" to registration is a fantastic idea. The meet-up should most definately be open to all YT Members worldwide, both donating and non-donating. But the selection process and event organization should be conducted by ONLY those willing to show a commitment -- both an individual commitment to come and a commitment to the meetup as a whole.

The the venue/location process is just open to everyone then there will be mass confusion, and hurt feel

[chattiesmom]

Originally Posted by Tiger's Mom

Although camping sounds wonderful, I still think a hotel is soo much better . .so they can provide the best amenitites (group meals, a microphone, tables for vending, etc) . . .camping might just be too much work and there's always the problem of what if it rains

Des, I agree 100% that camping is not viable for most of our members. However, a Resort that offered camping, cabins and hotel would be ideal. People who were on a budget and couldn't afford the cost of the hotel would have the option to camp or get together with other YTers and rent a cabin. We would still have all the amenities of a hotel plus the additional lodging options.

[chattiesmom]

Originally Posted by mistyinca

I'd like to help out with planning this time around too. If it ends up being in San Diego--even though that is 1.5 hours away from me (I have a sister who lives down there)--I can do some of the location work.

I, too would like to be involved with the planning/organization of the 2009 International YT MeetUp.

[dinolover]

Originally Posted by chattiesmom

I, too would like to be involved with the planning/organization of the 2009 International YT MeetUp.

I would also like to help with planning. I understand that I am a very recent member but I love planning. I feel I could be a good asset to the planning team....sounds like I am at a job interview haha.

Once again I agree with the $10 fee. Some of us have spent more than that eating lunch and these $10 will go a lot farther.

[daisy mae06]

Originally Posted by Gingergirlsmom

Jodie, I know I wasnt there this year, but...

I think this years committee did a wonderful job. Everyone seems to have had a great time, you all worked hard, and donated your personal time. Bravo. I would be very happy to leave it all in your capable hands again. Whichever year the meetup lands on the East Coast, you can count on us to be there.

You are so Right Judy they did a Great GREAT job!