A LOT of people arrive on Thursday, so by Friday morning, although there may not be a pre-planned event per se, there will be a hotel full of GWcers catching up, meeting for the first time, heading out for breakfast, etc. Friday night of course is usually podcast night, so you want to be all settled in and rawkin’ before then Sunday night we’re mostly all still around and kicking back at the hotel enjoying each other’s awesome company with the help of the lovely Aloft bartenders. We basically own the lobby all night, and many good times are had by all.
Well, I just bought tickets. Having some phone difficulties at the moment (left my charger in Iowa), but once I have a working phone again, I’ll call to reserve a hotel room.
Right now the plan for me is to arrive Thursday afternoon and leave Monday afternoon. Who needs a roomie?
DM me here or on twitter If you wanna split a room for those days.
I’m considering going to this one. I’ve listen to the meetups in the past and they always seem to be a lot of fun! I live in Houston, so the trip itself is only about 3-4 hours. My real question would be since I’m so “new” to participating in the community, how to fit in with everyone who already knows each other so well =)
Well, picture this: You walk into a room with 40 people you’ve never met. Within 20 seconds you’ve heard snippets of 20 conversations about 20 shows/movies/books/funny/scifi/etc stuff you’ve been totally into yourself for years. Oh, and you’ve already been approached and welcomed by 10 or 15 people before you’ve even sat down.
Fitting in isn’t even a term that has meaning here. Every year new people arrive and make instant friends and awesome memories. Don’t sweat it even one bit.
Honestly, I felt the same way two years ago when I went to my first meetup. I am not a super extroverted person; I prefer much more to be an observer. So the thought of meeting 50 + GWC-er’s in person at one time was completely overwhelming. I didn’t go to the first meetup because I let my fears keep me away. But you have nothing to worry about. It is true what others have said, you will be instantly welcomed. The meetup is all about hanging out, chatting with others who share your interests, field trips (to cool museums, tattoo studios, or whatever your interests are), and getting to know people you have only talked with online in person. The live podcast on Friday night is a great way to ease into it, and people cos-play that night as well, which is fun. There is partying involved, but it is not anything excessive or crazy from what I recall. I have become friends with people I previously only knew “online”, which honestly has been an unexpected surprise. I have never regretted attending the meetup- I am only sad I did not go last year, due to previously scheduled family trip. I have decided now that March meetups will be kept open for GWC in the future!
Quick note: the meetup schedule of events will be coming out in the next few weeks. We’re still tying down some details, but I wanted to let you know that things may likely start a bit earlier on Friday this year and we’ll probably have events through Sun afternoon as well. Don’t worry if you can’t make everything, but if you’re considering arriving late Fri or earlier Fri, you might want to plan for earlier.
Has anyone else booked for additional days (like arriving the 15th and departing the 19th)? The person I talked to said that their standard rates would apply for the nights of the 15th and 18th, which didn’t sound quite right. I said I’d call back tomorrow after I had a chance to get this straightened out.
THURSDAY NIGHT!
8ish PM - 4ish AM (or until everyone passes out)
Room 231 (has been requested, we will see on the day)
The 2nd annual Club 231 Thurday blowout will be in full effect. Bring drinks for sharing and drinking. Bring any media you wish to share.
Last year was awesome, this year even better. If this is your first meetup, Club 231 is a great place to meet a large number of people in 1 place before the official events get started. If you are a returning GWCer and remember last years experience (I can remember the first half or so) you know it’s the place to be.
Just bought my tickets, arrive early Friday afternoon and leave early Sunday evening, so it should be a fun and intense weekend. I will be missing out on the Thursday pre-festivities, but I am sure there will be great stories to hear. Can’t wait to have my lovely girly drinks at the Aloft Bar!
So has anyone centralized (or will they) everyone looking for roommates? I’m gonna be there Friday and Saturday nights and I need a roomie. If anyone is interested, let me know.
Sunday night we’re mostly all still around and kicking back at the hotel enjoying each other’s awesome company with the help of the lovely Aloft bartenders. We basically own the lobby all night, and many good times are had by all.
