2012 Int'l Meetup: March 16-18, 2012

I could room with someone. Making a commitment like that would also get me off the fence about going:)

Raemani usually coordinates all that- roommates, rides from the airport, etc. I’m sure she will post something soon!

As more info regarding the meetup gets posted, will a subforum be set up? It would be nice to keep all of the stuff about it in one place.

Great idea…and done now!

When I called Aloft, they said they had a shuttle to and from the airport which was available throughtout the day. So there is that option as well for those arriving by air without a car available. I’m assuming that rides are available to events, etc. If not, we should probably make some rental car plans. Can anyone comment who has been to a previous meetup? Any idea of a headcount on this thing, just curious.

durzo

Don’t know about a headcount yet, but the rule is NO GWCer IS LEFT BEHIND. A bunch of us rent cars, and there’s always a spot for someone. Drivers do accept after-dinner bribes at the hotel bar. :slight_smile:

Booked my room and already bought my tickets. Today is the 16th so 2 months to go! Can’t wait to see everyone again. Will actually get to hang out on Sunday as my flight doesn’t leave till 7 pm. I am really excited, and I wonder what new plans Chuck, Audra and Sean have for us this year.

Flight purchased. Room reserved. Little Spock blocked out his calendar. We’ll be there. Now I need to catch up on the podcasts!

Frenchie

Once we get a little closer I will start a list of who has a room and is looking for roomies, and match people up. I also gather a list of who is arriving when and who has cars and arrange rides from the airport.

Once we are all there we just all jump in whichever car, but I help get you from the airport to the hotel and match everyone up with roomies as needed

If they have a shuttle that is new, it used to be only a local shuttle…and likely doesn’t run on weekends.

We have never run out of room in cars, in fact last year I had an empty car most of the the time. As I said in another post once we get a little closer (about a month out), I will start keeping the list of who is arriving when, who does and doesn’t need a ride or a room mate.

I normally only have to worry about getting people from the airport (and sometime to), once we are there we let everyone know when we are leaving, all meet in the lobby and jump in cars. With the exception of the stuff closer to/in downtown we are not normally all that far from the hotel.

Woot! Flight booked! I’ll be in Thursday morning through Monday afternoon! Now all I need is a roomie and a rental car.

So a few questions since I am a meetup virgin.

  1. What is a good estimate of spending cash to bring? I’ll be on a budget, but i know there are drinks, dinners, excursions, etc. What’s a safe yet reasonable amount to bring?

  2. How much unscheduled/down time is there?

  3. Is it acceptable to go all fanboy on the crue when meeting them for the first time? I, uh, I’m asking for a friend. I’d never do anything like that.

You give a holler when you want to start compiling that data…I booked a double room just to cover folks who either missed the boat, or just don’t have the cash, so that’s a start.

Bring a few hundred dollars if you can. If not, no big deal, there are plenty of affordable spots around. and stores to stock up on snacks, drinks, etc. As for “down time”…you won’t want any. Believe me when I tell you that you’ll most likely find yourself talking and laughing and talking some more and not wanting to leave for your room every night…at 5AM. No shit, it’s almost painful to drag yourself away from everyone. But you can always take off and chill out whenever you want, too. Remember, this is a group of friends, you’ll be one too the moment you arrive, and all you have to say is goodnight and you’ll get hugs and handshakes and off you may go for the evening. :slight_smile: As for the Crue, just remember to never look then directly in the eye, or address them by their first names unless they have acknowledged you first, Ha! They’re the friendliest and most hospitable folks you’ll ever meet. Walk right up, introduce yourself, and you, my friend, are all set. And don’t miss the tour of the podcast room!

Their vision is based on movement. Stand really still.

Scopehound… Last year I started talking to Audra and I didn’t even realize who she was until she introduced herself a little bit into the conversation. I was slightly nervous and trying to make conversation with people at the meet and greet before the podcast as I didn’t really know anyone. I went on a lark as I was already in Texas. She just came up and starting talking to me. I did get a little fangirl as once she said who she was, but she was totally cool and introduced me to Chuck. I definitely had a bit of surreal mindset that these people who I had been listening to for years on my iPod, I was now talking to in person, and being part podcast in a hotel in field in Texas. The surreal sensation started to pass, and then it was just total coolness hanging out with all these people who you have something in common with. Plus it wasn’t just the Crue I got to meet… so many other people associated with the podcast and the community as whole. You will have such a great time. Plus if you are staying at the Aloft, it an awesome hotel.

I am totally a lurker on the boards but I want to work on that… so I booked a flight to attend. Everything I have seen and heard, confirms that this is a group of people that I would love to get to know. I haven’t booked the hotel yet, but if anyone is interested in a roommate let me know. Warning: I do plan to sleep at least a little over the weekend (it’s better for everyone).

Well, welcome aboard the Starship Interwebs, then, Jeans…and I might add, I’ve stumbled through your fair town many a time. I trust Raemani will be her usual amazing self in coordinating the roster of rooms and rides, so fret not on that one. And we’ll see you in March, fo shizzle!

I am DYING to see the schedule for this shin-dig. :slight_smile:

So I tried to reserve my room today and, wouldn’t you know it, they’re sold out of the GWC rooms. So I’m trying to decide if I should get a room at the regular rate, or try to find someone who already has a room and needs a roommate for friday and saturday night. Anyone?