Hello all,
So I was thinking about taking the plunge (but hopefully not into the Atlantic) and join you all in March. Some advice needed. Is Thursday evening to Monday morning the way to go?
That’s what the cool kids do
If you are coming from across the pond those are the minimum times I would suggest. I’m not sure if I qualify as an expert, though. I’ve only been to one GWC meetup.
~Shooter Out
Thursday to Monday is a great choice. That worked well for me for the first meetup, as it gave me some time to get settled upon arrival.
I would say you would not necessarily need to rent a car. I normally keep a list of those that are renting cars so you can get around to the various events (only the podcast takes place at the hotel itself).
In addition I help arrange getting people from the airport to the hotel, and in the past we have normally been able to get everyone from the airport with no need for cabs (and at least last year only 1 additional trip back to the airport).
So I would say you likely don’t need to rent a car, unless you really want to. If you want to DM me your arrival time/airline information (like carrier and flight number), and a cell phone number I will add you to the list and as we get closer I match people up who are arriving about the same time - and in the past at lease 1 person who was arriving about the same time was renting a car, or some very kind GWCers (Gryper and/or Topgun) were willing to go pick up folks.
Well the further away you come the more this is the most feasible option.
The first year I did Friday to Monday - and I was a wreak during the podcast (It was much later due to us watching the BSG episode) - by the time the podcast ended I had been up almost 24 hours.
Last year I went down on Thursday and came home on Monday - it was much more relaxed and I wasn’t nearly as tired. Even though I was up late on Thursday, I was able to sleep in a little bit and was refreshed when I lead everyone to the Rover (I am not sure Juan/Sean and Chuck believed me when I said I was bringing the cavalry - there were 5 cars and like 15 people with me). So yes I suggest Thursday to Monday, esp if you are dealing with timezone changes and long plane rides - and I am only an hour different and a 3 hour plane ride.
Thank you all for your input.
Time to find the travel time/price sweet spot, I guess.
Thanks for coordinating all of that Raemani. I will be taking Friday off from work and will be happy to taxi people from the airport to the Aloft if you need an extra set of wheels.
I live 5 minutes from the hotel and 15 minutes from the airport so it shouldn’t be too difficult for me to manage.
So if you are interested at all, just let me know! 
Very generous of you to offer Flik! I’m sure some will need the ride. I’m not coming in until Friday this year so won’t be able to help on Thursday for the early arrivers.
I, however, can do some taxiing on Thursday. I arrive around 4 p.m. and have a rental, so if you’re arriving around the same time and need transport to the hotel, hit me up.
agreed, i will be arriving around 10:3o am thurs. morn and i can put a few peeps in my rental. also i will be back there around 330pm thursday, so if u need a ride let raemani know and she will help set u up, like the Pro she is
Thanks to all 3 of you for volunteering to help. I will add you to the list of “those that will have wheels and are willing to play taxi :)”
I will miss hanging out on Thursday. But I can add you to the list for the later arrivals (are you renting a car?)
I sent Raemani a DM, but also add me to the willing to taxi ppl list. I’ll be arriving Thursday night (not sure exactly when, as i will be driving a good ways) so Friday I would be more reliable for giving rides.
The more I read this thread, the more excited I get! Yay! I can’t wait to see the peeps I’ve already met and meet new ones! I can’t believe how many new people are saying they’re coming! THIS IS SO FRAKKIN COOL!
Raemani
That sounds great… I will be happy to contribute gas money to whoever volunteers to drive us a around.
Will send a PM to the organizers when I get my flights booked. Taking a shuttle/taxi to the hotel is no problem… just wanted to know what was happening during all the meet up fun.
I’ll miss hanging with you and everyone on Thursday too. I’ll make sure you have my flight info once I book it and will be renting a car. I am definitely willing do pickups Friday afternoon and rides over the weekend. Saturday morning I’m going to try to have brunch with my Aunt and Uncle. But I’ll be back in time to take riders over to the Rover or to Sweet Basil for dinner. 
Target approved my time off request so…“Gryper is go for March, I repeat, Gryper is go for March”!!!
European delegation +1. Hotel reservations next.
Sounds like it’s going to be “GWC International Meetup 2011: Sexy Accent Edition”
You still owe me a beer. :D;)
And here I thought that the swedish accent was forever connected to “We care about the small people”.