Sorry if "blow it" sounded harsh. I only meant it in the strictest "financial availability to the most possible people" sense.

The F2F was great - the only thing missing was more Buffista goodness.

Organizers (past, present, people who have done this sort of thing): At what point are we going to be paying premiums for late decisions, especially wrt prom space and hotel?

I think it would still be prudent to get dates set soon, so that people can ask for time off. I think waiting may actually result in decreased turn-out, if people can't get time off. So, let's say, date vote in 2 weeks or so? The 10th and 11th? How does that sound?

At what point are we going to be paying premiums for late decisions, especially wrt prom space and hotel?

This completely depends on the city and part of the city, it's the reason why it's important to pick a city relatively early. If it's a high tourist area then 10-18 months in advance for good rates, or to get the choice venues. If it's an area that is less tourist related then you can push that down quite a bit, sometimes as low as 4-6 months.

There's nothing interesting outdoors in Vegas.

Not true. Red Rocks Canyon is to die for. Piling into a car and heading out toward Primm is Shopping Mecca. The high desert is glorious.

I adore Vegas, as is well known. I will also take any opportunity I can afford to visit Seattle, a city I love.

And of course, there's the Bay Area. I've handled a few parties and put a few people up at my place, in my time. Would be happy to do so again.

Also, there are decent hotel rates to be had, even in the City proper, if you know where to look.

Would be happy to do so again.

Deb, (help) organize or put people up?

t Process-Girl

Also, there are decent hotel rates to be had, even in the City proper, if you know where to look.

We stayed at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel when we went to SF last year, and paid just over $100 a night. Not really a bargain accomodation, but a good value for the price in terms of amenities, location and just sheer shininess.

The Francis Drake Hotel says "Complimentary High Speed Internet Access in all Guest Rooms."

Do you suppose this means that they have high speed internet access in all the guest rooms?

Tommy, that can be hard to say, though I would put it at higher probability than somewhere that says "modem jack on phone"

Do we have any local Buffistas in Vegas though? I personally enjoyed my stay there in October 2001, but for people who don't like staying inside hotels/casinos all day there wasn't a lot else offered. My one drive away from the Strip was sufficiently hassle-full with traffic and heat that I gave up on seeing any outlying sights.

Would be happy to do so again.

Deb, (help) organize or put people up?

Both, depending on what's needed. But I'm not into grabbing control of something that isn't mine to grab - just letting you know that, if that's a point in having it here, I can and will do hotel research, menu planning, activity stuff, and a kickass BBQ. Maybe a spa day, or a trip to the wine country, or a discount outlet shopping thing...

Don't mind me. Babbling. Trying to write - sorry if that sounds disjointed.

Anyway. Point is, help to whatever degree offered if needed.

BTW, I'm going to be in San Diego for an overnighter in August, and the hotel prices are actually slightly higher than SF. That made me blink, bigtime.