I would suggest on leaving from someplace like Ft. Lauderdale, 'cause that's a cheap place to get to.

And, I'd guess, a fair number of cruise options.

As much fun as a Buffista cruise would be, having the F2F on a boat would severely limit people's flexibility in terms of arrival and departure times.

The other thing to consider is that while "destination" cities may be more expensive to stay in, they are often cheaper to get to, simply because, being "destinations," there are more flight/train options.

[edit: And going way back, Toronto isn't on the East Coast of Canada, but it is practically due north from DC/NYC/Boston, which puts it in the East Coast category for F2F purposes, I think.]

And going way back, Toronto isn't on the East Coast of Canada, but it is practically due north from DC/NYC/Boston, which puts it in the East Coast category for F2F purposes, I think.

I guess Toronto is falling between two bar stools, because last year we talked about leaving Toronto for this year's discussion, since it was a midwest city. I don't sense much enthusiasm for coming up here anyway (I think it was only Plei who was keen, as she has family here), so it is pretty much moot, I'd say. No worries.

because last year we talked about leaving Toronto for this year's discussion, since it was a midwest city.

Really? I thought it was dropped primarily because it's so insanely expensive to fly into. I don't remember it being a geographical issue.

Gronk. I think I definitely caught the F2F flu. I have to go to work today, unfortunately, but maybe I can give the flu to all of the people who are making me be there.

DH really likes Toronto- t bob likes carrots - he has been there for work and knows a good music ( read guitar ) store. lots of musicians busking. Funky , comfortable place. No idea aaaabout the public transportation

We have friends in the Madison area. I can't see them at the prom, but we could spend a day with them

Wait... you mean it is not all about Me?

I remember "Toronto next year" talk. And I still think a Canadian destination would be good. And we have someone offering to plan it...

If we're going to go with a "place where someone is offering to plan" approach maybe we should make a list:

Toronto: John Sweden
Minneapolis: Juliana

Any others?

I don't think any city should be knocked out of the running at this point (barring coastal locations, of course). I do think that preference could be given to those cities who have people who are offering to plan or propose (whether or not those people are local to that city).

I also think I am abusing the parentheses today. Apologies.

Good point. Knocking out bad. Having planner good.

I'm one of those who really suffers in heat and humidity, so if we have a F2F at the end of May, I'd prefer a more northerly location. Minneapolis sounds good. 'Course, I can drive to Nashville, so there's that to consider.