Anyone who can step forward for KC planning? KC seems like a good possibility too (Southwest hub, right?).
I thought it [Toronto] was dropped primarily because it's so insanely expensive to fly into.
It will be spendy to fly from the far corners, but perhaps there will be tradeoffs. Existing in TO will be cheaper than DC or LA, places I've found more expensive, dollar for dollar, even before the exchange.
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
Steve's or Long and McQuade? Public transportation is good here. People who live in the city tend to be carless.
KC would be awesome. We should harass Erin into doing it.
I think Erin volunteered to plan KC.
I know I said I was rooting for Minneapolis, but ooh.
Jess, that appears to be an expired link.
As I said previously, I'll volunteer to be point person for Central Texas (Austin/San Antonio are only an hour or so apart so I could coordinate on the ground either place fairly easily.)
Also, to pimp Texas a bit further, there's a fantastic urban/country mix in Central Texas. It would, for example, be possible to stay in a fairly scenic spot for slounging and Buffista-intensive-activities, and be close to more urban delights like museums, shopping, and a hugely eclectic nightlife scene.
IJS.
Cereal to add:
I also endorse Java's RFP idea. I'm all for the apple/apple comparison.
I think a few the one she posted here is an excellent one to use as a foundation.
Toronto: John Sweden
Kansas City: Erin (?)
Minneapolis: Juliana
Austin/San Antonio: Astarte
New Orleans: Heather
Cleveland: Deena
Heather volunteered to plan NO, and (ahem) I've volunteered to plan Cleveland like 3 times now.
I love Austin. I would be distracted there by a large contingent of my friends who aren't Buffistas, but that's moot. It's a great little city, as is San Antonio. It will be quite hot, though, in May. I know some people were concerned about that.
I have always wanted to see NOLA, but again, I can see heat being an issue there as well beause, well, swamp. Kansas City intrigues me, Don't know enough about it to say much more...but isn't it also quite hot? I love the heat, but I don't want people to be miserable.
So I'm thinking my vote would be for a little bit north--I've never been to Minneapolis or Toronto or Cleveland and would be equally happy there.
I did want to say, though, that DC is not always as hot in May as it was this past weekend. (And, in a desperate bid for 2007, New England is gorgeous in May!)
There are a few people who could help with KC, including ND and Aurelia, plus isn't Gudanov near there?