I got the idea that it might be all built in booths and stuff - but it wasn't a big picture so that could be way off

That's why I want to check it out tomorrow. Seriously, it's no infringement. I've got time to kill in the morning and if it means not having to vacuum or do laundry in that time, I'm as happy as you can be when going to a funeral.

Sounds good to me, Sail. And thanks again.

"Cry havoc and let slip the boobs of war!"

Okay, I'm meeting the event manager for the Great Dane in about an hour. I'll be taking pictures. They're setting up the patio with the furniture today, so it's the perfect time to get pictures.

Afterwards, I'm going over to the Quality Inn with a copy of the original proposal that the regular sales coordinator sent me yonks ago. The assistant sent me a contract for the room for the 20th (this was just in case, remember) and now she wants to charge $500 instead of $250. Of course, she seems to think we'll be hosting 100 people. ::shrugs:: I'll set her straight on that. But it also asks for a non-refundable deposit and any cancellation will prorated against the $500 for the number of days left before the event. Of course, I'm not signing anything unless they feel fit to change the day to the 21st and get the dollars for the correct number of people correct. I'm still tempted to tell these folks to go to hell, but we want a F2F and we would prefer prom in the same building. So, I will be as polite as I can and see if I can weedle the 21st out of them.

If not, them I'm going back to the Great Dane and ask them to hold the room. If that requires a deposit, I will do that. I won't set the number of hours we'll reserve the room, though, until we've had a chance to talk about it here.

ETA: By going back, I don't mean right away, today. I want you guys to see the pictutres. But, it will have to happen quickly. I'm worried about the rooms getting snapped up and we get stuck with the 20th.

Stopped at the Great Dane. Took pictures. [link] Garden Patio is a little expensive: $500 per hour. Event room is only $275 (only!) per hour. Food and drinks are part of the $275.

Shannon was unavailable. I sent an e-mail that included the original proposal Katie (their real sales coordinator) sent me. Requested clarification as Katie set us up in Ballroom B, Shannon in the Blue Quill Ballroom. Are they the same thing or different rooms? Told her we really, really wanted the 21st. Requested reply phone or e-mail by tomorrow so I could let the Great Dane know for sure.

Now, I'm off to Green Bay. Taking computer. Hope my SiL has wireless. Otherwise, I'm dark until 9-10 tonight.

My favorite part is the pic of your dad at the end :)

Sail_Dad! Thank you for all the efforts Sail. Food and drink included in the $275 sounds workable. Do we have a guess of attendance?

Laura, last time I asked for a show of hands we had 25 folks who thought they could attend. As we know, at two months before the F2F that can change, but I wouldn't expect it to change drastically.

Update time:

Even though we had a smaller group than Shannon realized, there is no room available for the prom on the 21st. I told her we just couldn't do the 20th and would look to the Great Dane to host our prom.

Based on that, I told her to leave our room block in the Quality Inn. It's closer to the Great Dane than the Candlewood. I figure the less stumbling we have to do, the better. Same amenities as Candlewood, plus fresh towels daily and free breakfast.

In the meantime, I'll be calling Tim later to let him know we want to reserve something with them. Big question is, at the $500 price tag with a two hour minimum for the patio are we interested in reserving it for any amount of time? For one of the rooms, we could probably swing 4-5 hours easily. Oh, one thing to note--we can have our own music in the room. Can't on the patio, because half of it is still available to the public. Thoughts?

I say room, not patio since we'll want our own music. Have we done anything about an AV system for music? Full Compass is in Madison and I'm planning to have dinner with my sales rep while I'm in town, I may be able to swing a deal on the audio system if needed.

Definitely the room. Having our own music is essential! How will we get twirly Jilli and belly-dancing smonster otherwise?