Does that make a big difference?

It does, in terms of having somewhere to stop where you're not just in the sun. Also, simple things like walking on the shady side of the street, or wearing lighter fabrics and light colors, and avoiding being in the sun in the middle of the day, can make a big difference.

I'll happily help with local organization in the Central Texas (Austin/San Antonio primarily) area if that's chosen.

I'll actually be happier to help with a NOLA site, because that's what I'm pulling for personally. I probably would be more useful closer to home, though.

Hee. Hil and I have opposite answers. But yeah, it's not like walking around The Mall, it's like walking around a mall.

I could help with Ann Arbor. Or, well, Detroit, though I have no car so I wouldn't be as helpful. But I would do what I could, and stuff.

Major props to ND for being point man.

So, here's the two big overall dates that I'd like to set. I know they will sound early, but trust me on this, it's really a good idea, I've been working with booking conferences for a few years.

Sept. 1, our city is chosen. This is also when our local point person comes in.

Nov. 1, hotel chosen and ballroom/hosp suite booked.

When do you want city proposals, ND?

edit: I mean, when should we have the narrow list of possibilities, and when should those possiblities turn in their proposals.

Look at me, I'm all cryptic and stuff.

Let's split the time and say July 15 for the narrowing of cities. We can bat around ideas as far out as mars until then. July 15 we'll narrow it down to the top 3 or 4.

I vote Mars.

Let's split the time and say July 15 for the narrowing of cities. We can bat around ideas as far out as mars until then. July 15 we'll narrow it down to the top 3 or 4.

Sounds good. Gives enough time both for batting around ideas and for figuring out the final choice. And I agree with everyone who's been saying they'd rather get this planned early.

I dunno, is Mars in the midwest?