Suzi, I didn't see anything in the contract stating that the expense of the prom space was based on the number of hours that we used it. Do you recall if they stated anything verbally?

If possible, I think we should try to request the room until at least 11pm. If three hours total is what they're basing the cost on though, maybe we can push it out from 7 - 10 to 8 - 11pm instead.

(thank you, too, Nicole!)

Nicole, I believe the only added expense of extending the time frame is added bar cost. I will ask her about shifting the hours.

Java, what kind of post-prom options were you thinking? There aren't any clubs near the hotel so anything outside would likely be a cab ride away.

Maybe we can check on the bar area for hanging out after prom but since we're looking at a possibe small-ish group and a big hospitality suite, we might be fine just going back there.

Also, do you want me to wait on the credit card stuff until they have us under the correct group name?

My experience has been that people aren't ready until 8 or 9--if there's any way to shift it a bit later I think that would be great. HS is definitely fine for the after party.

Ok, I have left her a message with a few questions - will let you know about shifting the timing and clarification on the $600.

Ok - answers...

1) Can we split the rooms held for Sunday night between Sunday and Thursday? Some people would like to arrive early.
Yes; we can make this happen! Please make the requested changes on the contract, and place your initials right next to it.

2) We would like to shift the timing of the party Saturday night to 8 - 12 (or at least 11).
Yes, change and initial

3) I'm not sure what a lounge set-up is for the party. If that means a few tables and chairs with room to set-up food/bar plus space to dance, then we should be good.
Yes; that's it indeed!

4) How does the bar work? From the catering menu it looks like there is a $100 charge for the bartender. Then we can either have a per hour/per person charge or a hosted bar where each drink is tracked. Either way, there is a 24% service charge.
We can do a cash bar or a host bar for the reception.

5) Does the $100 bartender charge count against the $600 minimum?
A bartender fee does apply, which is not part of the food and beverage minimum.

Should we do 8 - midnight for the prom?

8 to midnight for Prom sounds good to me. I expect I'll want a couple hours to decompress after the exciting day I'm sure to have, before the exciting evening!

OK, sorry for the late notice, but I've finally gotten everyone else to nail down their crap so I can make plans that don't need to be changed at the last minute.

Chicago-istas, I would love to have dinner/drinks and whatever else we can come up with on Friday night. I will be staying in Northbrook, but I have a car with nav, and I don't have a fear of driving in downtown Chicago. Let me know what works for most people and I shall go with the flow.

And now Matilda is constantly reminding me that we need to make another playdate with her friend Lilly and her friend Iris, so if the economy ever either improves or at least stops decaying so badly I fully expect another generation of eager F2F attendance.

JZ (and everyone else) I just saw this and yes - F2F 2.0 Sesame Place Edition!

I very much want to go to a F2F. My cousin says they're swell.