Where Would You Like To See A Butch Femme Planet Reunion

[WolfyOne]

I thought I'd put this out there and see what others think.

I personally don't have a preference at this time, but may as time goes on.

[Apocalipstic]

OK, I'll bite :)

I really enjoyed the Bash in New Orleans, because we had more of the hotel and pool, there were great restaurants on the same block and it was drivable for us.

Las Vegas freaks me out, though I know that is the #1 pick for most people.

What about Nashville, or Chicago, Atlanta, New Orleans, Louisville, Austin, St Louis?

[Kimbo]

I'll bite as well..

Two places for me, Atlanta or New Orleans.

Atlanta was one of the friendliest places I've ever traveled to. I would love to see an event there.

New Orleans would just be a blast for any event--seems extra fun for a B-F type of event. I'd love to go back to New Orleans...I'd definitely stay longer.

[HumV4me]

I would love to see a union of sorts somewhere on the beach... this way we could plan more outings like harbor cruises... vollyball, rollerskating, bike riding, Femme Bonding in the sand, cabana bois, suntan oil, drinks, pools, jacuzzis, spa's... and of course the events programs.

I'd like to see an electrical bull riding for both the Femmes and Butches... hehehe... now theres something unique and different.

JetSkiing... Boating...

OHHHHHHHHH how about an Etiquette free dinning experiance of seafood... crablegs and shell fish... mmmmm yummy, this way if someone licks their fingers, it's ok.

Anyhow, how about on the beach somewhere????

[WolfyOne]

I've never been to New Orleans or Atlanta, so both places sound interesting to me. Oh heck, traveling always interests me. It's the money part of the traveling that hurts because you always spend more than you want to.

[The_Lady_Snow]

I think we should have a big ol hoot and nanny in Topeka Kansas home of Westboro Baptist Church..

Give Reverend Phelps and his clan something to really get all riled up about..:hangloose:

[Bit]

Well.

:hrmph:

I am just heartsick. :blues:

I cannot believe y'all forgot to mention Wichita. (w)

I shall endeavor with all my broken heart to forgive you. :sigh:


...Oh come ON, you don't REALLY think I'm serious...

:giggle:

[Bit]

Give Reverend Phelps and his clan something to really get all riled up about..:hangloose:

:superfunny:

*whew* Well, alrighty then! :cheesy:

[Medusa]

I think we should have a big ol hoot and nanny in Topeka Kansas home of Westboro Baptist Church..

Give Reverend Phelps and his clan something to really get all riled up about..:hangloose:



This is actually a FANTASTIC idea.

(not kidding)

[The_Lady_Snow]

This is actually a FANTASTIC idea.

(not kidding)


See as I see it, the more we are seen in those kinds of states, or places not the usual loud cities, but the smaller ones, bring in money, show em how nice we are and how we are just like them..

THAT is my gay agenda...

Not hiding:freak:

[Bit]

This is actually a FANTASTIC idea.

(not kidding)

Snow has a way of coming up with the outrageously audacious, yes? Startles the laugh right out of me by the sheer unexpectedness!

If y'all decide to bring our mountain to that spurious Mohammed, I will certainly do everything I can to be there--and so will Gryph.

[Paphigleo]

Count in Me and the :Moose:

[Cyclopea]

God Hates Phelps!


:tease:

[Bit]

Count in Me and the :Moose:

Cool! Can we hitch a ride? lol!

{{{{{{{{{{Nick}}}}}}}}}} hi hon!

[Paphigleo]

Cool! Can we hitch a ride? lol!

{{{{{{{{{{Nick}}}}}}}}}} hi hon!

well of course!!! You've never minded the fur before! :D

as for G-d hates Phelps... I tend to see it a bit differently... such as :

One must imagine that any Diety, G-d, G-ddess would get annoyed and embarrassed when folks such as Phelps, Bush(W), Faldwell, Roberts, ad naseum; Declare their righteousness in HIS/THEIR name(s).

I can see it now. G-d sitting with His head in His hands, looking morose *shakes head* everytime He is invoked in the name of *their* causes.

Makes ya feel kinda bad doesn't it. *sighs*



Some folks just don't have the sense G-d gave to poo.



(((((((((bit))))))))) love ya's!

[JustLovelyJenn]

Hmmm, I am gonna follow this one for a while... one of these years I will get a vacation... maybe...

[WolfyOne]

Topeka in all our glory and niceness to boot. Do you think we'd find a hotel willing to take us all in? Maybe we need to do some research on what we could do activity wise besides sit in or hang out at Phleps' church. Count me in even if it's just a weekend gathering in Topeka.

[Rufusboi]

Well, selfishly, I would like it to be in Texas, maybe Austin this time.

Rufus

[Words]

My vote would be for New Orleans.

Bearing in mind what happened there, I think it would be great to show some solidarity.

Words

[Duchess]

I think we should have a big ol hoot and nanny in Topeka Kansas home of Westboro Baptist Church..

Give Reverend Phelps and his clan something to really get all riled up about..:hangloose:

Lady "S" you RAWK:hangloose:..How about after we get their panties in a wad we swing by Atlanta?..:thumbsup:

Duchess

[Just_G]

Contrary to popular belief, there is actually more to Topeka than just Fred. There are gay bars, gay people, and everything....I know, hard to believe since it is the midwest, but I swear it is true! :winky:

I am just 45 minutes east of Topeka, so you let me know if that is what you decide...I have friends that live there that can help me set things up.

I, personally, like the idea of New Orleans...I have never been there. Of course, I am all for Austin too! Maybe even some day right here in Kansas City, Missouri. We had a mini bash here back in like 2001 or 2002; it was a lot of fun. I had the meet-n-greet at my house...haven't had that many people on my deck since then!

As long as I get to spend time with the people I know and love...and do a few body shots, I dont' care where we have it....count me in!:hangloose:

[Medusa]

Contrary to popular belief, there is actually more to Topeka than just Fred. There are gay bars, gay people, and everything....I know, hard to believe since it is the midwest, but I swear it is true! :winky:

I am just 45 minutes east of Topeka, so you let me know if that is what you decide...I have friends that live there that can help me set things up.

I, personally, like the idea of New Orleans...I have never been there. Of course, I am all for Austin too! Maybe even some day right here in Kansas City, Missouri. We had a mini bash here back in like 2001 or 2002; it was a lot of fun. I had the meet-n-greet at my house...haven't had that many people on my deck since then!

As long as I get to spend time with the people I know and love...and do a few body shots, I dont' care where we have it....count me in!:hangloose:



I remember that party at your house! My my MY how things have changed since then! (I think I was the a**hole who accidentally put a lit ciggie on your banister too :( )

I love the idea of New Orleans, there is such a rich history and culture there and the city really could use our convention dollars. Plus, it's accessible to folks of all classes and its a GREAT party city!

[PinkieLee]

*If you build it, they will come*

Yep, you tell me when and where... momma will be there.
Just sayin'!

[Just_G]

That is only because I said I was going to be there...and that there would be body shots! :winky:

[Just_G]

I remember that party at your house! My my MY how things have changed since then! (I think I was the a**hole who accidentally put a lit ciggie on your banister too :( )

That seems like it was a lifetime ago! I don't remember the cig on the bannister...hmmm, there have been so many since then!

[PinkieLee]

That is only because I said I was going to be there...and that there would be body shots! :winky:

Ok, you busted me. If YOU are there, I am there, and bodyshots are there... how can I possible refuse! Damn the pressure, arm twisting and a whole lotta sweet talking me ~ I'm so weak!

[Apocalipstic]

Kansas is pretty centrally located :) That would be cool! Snow, that's a great idea!

Glad to see lots of requests for New Orleans, I agree with Words. It would show our support for their meeting industry, which is stuggling.

My main request is a swimming pool, that is always one of my fav parts.

[dixielady]

My selfish request would be Atlanta or somewhere kinda towards the east side of the country, since I live in NC and am terrified of flying. ..lol

[FeminineAllure]

On a ship. A cruise. All inclusive!:titantic:

[dixielady]

ooh ooh ooh! a cruise would so totally rock! ..lol

[June]

My top picks are NashVegas and New Orleans. Whatever we do, I hope it will be really accessible cost wise for the hotels and have less focus on 5 changes of clothes per day and more focus on spending time with each other.

And cake. We need a lot of cake.

[SassyLeo]

My top picks are NashVegas and New Orleans. Whatever we do, I hope it will be really accessible cost wise for the hotels and have less focus on 5 changes of clothes per day and more focus on spending time with each other.

And cake. We need a lot of cake.

Agreed on both counts.

Maybe cupcakes. The coconut kind.

[Random]

My top picks are NashVegas and New Orleans. Whatever we do, I hope it will be really accessible cost wise for the hotels and have less focus on 5 changes of clothes per day and more focus on spending time with each other.

And cake. We need a lot of cake.

You know.. this brought a thought to my pretty foggy head...

I think it would be wonderful if where ever it was held.... If there could be some sort of arrangement for us (the cooking/baking crazies) to cook a group meal for everyone...

Thinking top chef like.. but with no one going home.. just the mass enjoyment of good food..

[June]

I volunteer Ms. Cyn to make a Bajillion Coconut Cupcakes. Second?

[Medusa]

Im SUPER excited about Juney letting us raffle off a 30-minute cuddle session with her!

Because she LOVES to cuddle that much!

WEE!

[June]

Im SUPER excited about Juney letting us raffle off a 30-minute cuddle session with her!

Because she LOVES to cuddle that much!

WEE!

Ix Nay on the Uddle Cay.

[Linus]

On a ship. A cruise. All inclusive!:titantic:
Hrmm.. some people are afraid of water (not me but K is) and those things can be expensive, no? otherwise, I'd say a tall-ship cruise :cheesy:

I like the idea of a spring time Reunion as well. Great way to start the summer with a bang and less likely to conflict with many other events. :)

[SassyLeo]

Im SUPER excited about Juney letting us raffle off a 30-minute cuddle session with her!

Because she LOVES to cuddle that much!

WEE!

Wow you are brave ;)

I get first dibs.

Oh wait, I don't have to bid...I've got:


http://www.kittyhell.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/hello-kitty-jelly-belly-jelly-beans.jpg

From the factory, here in CA

[Medusa]

Wow you are brave ;)

I get first dibs.

Oh wait, I don't have to bid...I've got:


http://www.kittyhell.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/hello-kitty-jelly-belly-jelly-beans.jpg

From the factory, here in CA






OOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :awww:

[rubber.ducky]

can I have a chocolate cupcake? I am highly allergic to coconut,... it sucks.. I love the idea of a cruise.. I would need a lot of dramamine... oh I just LOVE New Orleans!!!!! Austin the city of my heart!!!!! but you know.. I dont care as long as I get to go and meet all of you wonderful people!!!!

[WolfyOne]

Did someone say cake......*perk*

[Miami]

Hey, how about a bash in South Beach? We can all go to Lincoln Road, which has Halo and two other clubs, PLUS an outdoor venue. I think it would be great!

[June]

Did someone say cake......*perk*

See. If you Bake it, they will come.

Keep in mind, it takes more than cake though. There are Hotel and Venue deposits that need to happen. They don't care how fricken cute and cuddly we are, they just want us to show them the money.

YouTube- M.I.A., Paper Planes - New Uncut Video, Lyrics

[Medusa]

And don't forget our "ruckus" deposit in case someone pees in a potted plant

[Diva]

You know.. this brought a thought to my pretty foggy head...

I think it would be wonderful if where ever it was held.... If there could be some sort of arrangement for us (the cooking/baking crazies) to cook a group meal for everyone...

Thinking top chef like.. but with no one going home.. just the mass enjoyment of good food..


OMG I love this idea more than my Scrackbook Room!!!

I would want to cook for the masses, too!!! That makes me happy!

And a Texas Sheet Cake for Junish, The Cuddle Queen......:princess:

:twitch:

[Apocalipstic]

If we do go New Orleans or here to Nashville or anywhere else South, we probably need to avoid the middle of Summer so June and her cake will be there! :)

Red velvet anyone?

Oh and I agree with June on all the clothes..though it is fun to play dress up around people who appreciate it and don't think we are freaks.

[Medusa]

I think it would be fun to do a real pajama party too!

[Apocalipstic]

I think it would be fun to do a real pajama party too!

That would be fun and comfortable...and a great excuse for more cake! Maybe Vanilla or Lemon?

:chocolate:

No matter where we go
I am wearing comfortable shoes
so there!

[WolfyOne]

How about a back to nature first reunion. There's a place I think in Texas, rainbow something or other. We can rent cabins or bring RV's and tents. The cost will be low and we can really get to know each other that way. If a weekend of camping doesn't tell you something about others, I don't know what will. No one has to get dressed up. Or perhaps it would just make for a great weekend with others from BFP for those interested in something like that.

And we still can eat cake.

[Apocalipstic]

How about a back to nature first reunion. There's a place I think in Texas, rainbow something or other. We can rent cabins or bring RV's and tents. The cost will be low and we can really get to know each other that way. If a weekend of camping doesn't tell you something about others, I don't know what will. No one has to get dressed up. Or perhaps it would just make for a great weekend with others from BFP for those interested in something like that.

And we still can eat cake.

*Turns deathly pale*

Camping?

[WolfyOne]

*Turns deathly pale*

Camping?


There are places that have all the amenities of home.....just saying.

[Apocalipstic]

There are places that have all the amenities of home.....just saying.

Gulps and breathes deeply....

If you say so! :)

Comforts of home like a bathroom, refridgerator and roomservice?

:eek:

[Just_G]

I am quite the camper in the summer time, but the idea of swatting bugs, sweating with no a/c, and sharing public showers with all these folks is not exactly how I want to get to know them...lol

I am with Apoc on this one...room service, private sleeping quarters, private bathrooms, and a/c sound perfect! :hangloose:

[WolfyOne]

Gulps and breathes deeply....

If you say so! :)

Comforts of home like a bathroom, refridgerator and roomservice?

:eek:


How about a bathroom with a shower, a fridge and someone will cook, but you don't get the room service. What you get is a wonderful experience in nature and more bonding than you ever could have dreamed possible. Oh and pajama party around the fire pit.

[Diva]

Diva doesn't camp.
If Diva DOES camp, she camps at Motel 6. Now THAT'S roughin' it. :twitch:

[WolfyOne]

After great searhing, here's the place in Texas and it's gay friendly.

http://www.rainbowranch.net/home.htm

[PearlsNLace]

Apoc, room service could be arranged.

However, hotel locations may be better for a bash simply for the folks who need special accomodations. Even cabin camping can seem uncomfortable for lots of reasons (steps being one of them)

Now, Wolfy, you wanna go camping? Then lets plan a BFP camping trip, outside of the bash. Smaller scale, cheep, ect. It would need its own thread, Im thinkin.

~Pearls. Have tent. Ready!

[WolfyOne]

Apoc, room service could be arranged.

However, hotel locations may be better for a bash simply for the folks who need special accomodations. Even cabin camping can seem uncomfortable for lots of reasons (steps being one of them)

Now, Wolfy, you wanna go camping? Then lets plan a BFP camping trip, outside of the bash. Smaller scale, cheep, ect. It would need its own thread, Im thinkin.

~Pearls. Have tent. Ready!

This place in Texas has a house for rent that sleeps 14 with air conditioning. Also has RV's to rent. Cabins also have air conditioning.

Wolfy, who wouldn't have to bring a tent to a place like this.

[Duchess]

How about a back to nature first reunion. There's a place I think in Texas, rainbow something or other. We can rent cabins or bring RV's and tents. The cost will be low and we can really get to know each other that way. If a weekend of camping doesn't tell you something about others, I don't know what will. No one has to get dressed up. Or perhaps it would just make for a great weekend with others from BFP for those interested in something like that.

And we still can eat cake.

Love the camping idea. I'm still wearing my pearls Wolfy.. :)

[WolfyOne]

Diva doesn't camp.
If Diva DOES camp, she camps at Motel 6. Now THAT'S roughin' it. :twitch:



Diva, I think this place is better than Motel 6. Somewhere I read there's a big screen TV there. A big kitchen in the house and you make this wonderful cake that I didn't get to partake in at your last party.

[SassyLeo]

I am quite the camper in the summer time, but the idea of swatting bugs, sweating with no a/c, and sharing public showers with all these folks is not exactly how I want to get to know them...lol

I am with Apoc on this one...room service, private sleeping quarters, private bathrooms, and a/c sound perfect! :hangloose:

Yes me too.

I do like camping...but I'd rather be nice and fresh for ya'll.

:)

[WolfyOne]

Love the camping idea. I'm still wearing my pearls Wolfy.. :)

You looked at my link, yes. Oh and I wouldn't expect any less from a duchess, pearls all the way.

[Apocalipstic]

How about a bathroom with a shower, a fridge and someone will cook, but you don't get the room service. What you get is a wonderful experience in nature and more bonding than you ever could have dreamed possible. Oh and pajama party around the fire pit.

OK, I could deal with no room service I guess
are there lot's of plugs?

around the firepit with scorpions?
Can you tell I am not outdooresy? Laugh!

Diva doesn't camp.
If Diva DOES camp, she camps at Motel 6. Now THAT'S roughin' it. :twitch:



Apocalipstic has never camped either!

Motel 6?????

:double twitch:

Apoc, room service could be arranged.

However, hotel locations may be better for a bash simply for the folks who need special accomodations. Even cabin camping can seem uncomfortable for lots of reasons (steps being one of them)

Now, Wolfy, you wanna go camping? Then lets plan a BFP camping trip, outside of the bash. Smaller scale, cheep, ect. It would need its own thread, Im thinkin.

~Pearls. Have tent. Ready!

Perfect! a mini camping reunion for the intrepid outdoorpeople! :)

This place in Texas has a house for rent that sleeps 14 with air conditioning. Also has RV's to rent. Cabins also have air conditioning.

Wolfy, who wouldn't have to bring a tent to a place like this.


Shared bathrooms?

[WolfyOne]

apoc, no shared bathrooms if you rent one of the cabins. Look at my link and when you get there click on RV rentals to see the big picture.

[Diva]

I guess my personal point is:


I'm not camping. Period. The end.

[Duchess]

You looked at my link, yes. Oh and I wouldn't expect any less from a duchess, pearls all the way.

You're always flashin' your link. How could I miss it? :tease:

Are you bringing the portable potty. I don't squat..:princess:

Duchess

[Just_G]

I camp all the time....I want to go on vacation, which usually means staying in a hotel, working the local corner, and being buddies with the hotel bartender. ;) (btw, the Motel 6 does not have a bar...just sayin')

[Duchess]

I camp all the time....I want to go on vacation, which usually means staying in a hotel, working the local corner, and being buddies with the hotel bartender. ;) (btw, the Motel 6 does not have a bar...just sayin')



Working the corner? Do tell..:canoworms:

[Apocalipstic]

NO camping

NO Motel 6

It's a vacation for us too.

edited to say: I am not trying to influence the opinion at large, just me from my me place.

[WolfyOne]

I guess my personal point is:


I'm not camping. Period. The end.




OK, it was only a suggestion. It's all only about suggestions right now. I only put it out there to see what others thought. It was an inexpensive way for everyone to meet and greet each other for a first reunion without one person having to put out money to hold a hotel for all of us.

Back to thinking about New Orleans

[Duchess]

NO camping

NO Motel 6

It's a vacation for us too.

Can I bribe you with MAC makeup?

[Apocalipstic]

OK, it was only a suggestion. It's all only about suggestions right now. I only put it out there to see what others thought. It was an inexpensive way for everyone to meet and greet each other for a first reunion without one person having to put out money to hold a hotel for all of us.

Back to thinking about New Orleans

Camping near a hotel with shuttle back and forth?

[Apocalipstic]

Can I bribe you with MAC makeup?


Ohhh see now that is not even fair! :)

Maybe in the cabin if we can redecorate a bit?

[Apocalipstic]

Maybe a hotel in a third-tier city like Chattanooga or Topeka might not be as expensive?

Way more expensive for flights though.

For the camping, we would have to fly to DFW and rent a car and drive the rest of the way.

[Linus]

What if we had a hotel near a beach where we could have a big bonfire at? Kinda get the best of both? Make the event more of a laid back thing.. (e.g., do we want slut night and/or a dress up night?)

[Apocalipstic]

What if we had a hotel near a beach where we could have a big bonfire at? Kinda get the best of both? Make the event more of a laid back thing.. (e.g., do we want slut night and/or a dress up night?)


I am always down for beach!

What beaches are easily/cheaply flyable and not hella expensive?

Tampa/St Pete
Ft Lauderdale

Where else?

[Duchess]

I love the Chattanooga idea. I know there's lots of good sightseeing and great parks, but not sure about the nightlife.

Duchess

[Linus]

I am always down for beach!

What beaches are easily/cheaply flyable and not hella expensive?

Tampa/St Pete
Ft Lauderdale

Where else?

The flying bit will depend on where you're coming from. And that is always a challenge. Something near a major city helps a lot. A few things that would likely have to be considered:



Small city vs. large city? (airport, flexibility for costs)
location, location, location
time of year (weather can have a huge impact depending on time of year)
how long
just party or do "stuff"
formal parties, not so formal or in-between?
adult vs family events?

[Diva]

OK, it was only a suggestion. It's all only about suggestions right now. I only put it out there to see what others thought. It was an inexpensive way for everyone to meet and greet each other for a first reunion without one person having to put out money to hold a hotel for all of us.

Back to thinking about New Orleans


I know....I didn't mean to shoot you down...I just can't do it.

BUT....maybe you should organize a camping thing for those who love to camp at a separate time......then you could get your camping fix, and 'Lipstic and me, and those LIKE us, can have our fru~fru vacation! ;)

[Random]

I volunteer Ms. Cyn to make a Bajillion Coconut Cupcakes. Second?

Lol.. Toasted or Raw?

[Random]

OMG I love this idea more than my Scrackbook Room!!!

I would want to cook for the masses, too!!! That makes me happy!

And a Texas Sheet Cake for Junish, The Cuddle Queen......:princess:

:twitch:

It's your get togethers that brought it to mind.. I thought.. how fun would it be to cook with Diva, and the Awen.. Then I wondered how many other people loved to cook and how cool would it be to team up on a course and serve a good meal to our peeps...

ppsss.. I also do this black forest cheese cake cupcake... that work instead of coconut?

[suebee]

I LOVE some of the ideas here! Showing Phelps et al that we can be gracious visitors would be nice. Maybe we could all go to their church Sunday morn?

I like the direction the camping is going in. Affordability is a must for me. So an established tourist destination would probably be the best. My favorite place is Key West. If we book far enough ahead of time, and in off-season, I bet we could fill an establishment. There was one place I stayed in once: I think it was called the Rainbow House at the time (Okay, it was the early ninieties) - It's female-only, is pretty much a closed campus type of thing - two blocks from the beach, and one block from the main drag. There are LOTS of restaurants and bars in Key West, boat tours (including a great glass-bottomed boat), and if we had our own place we could have it catered if we wanted to stay on the grounds for an event.

Just running with the idea.

Sue :floatbee: would kinda like to go!

ETA: Pearl's Rainbow: It's all coming back to me! >>>clicky<<<[/ (http://www.pearlsrainbow.com/)I][/B]

[Linus]

There was one place I stayed in once: I think it was called the Rainbow House at the time (Okay, it was the early ninieties) - It's female-only, is pretty much a closed campus type of thing -

That will exclude any transmen from the event.. and I'd really like to go. :) Please.. :rrose:

[suebee]

That will exclude any transmen from the event.. and I'd really like to go. :) Please.. :rrose:

Shit! Well, there are lots of establishments in Key West. It's such a fun place! I sure don't want to see anyone excluded! (would love to meet you Linus - and a buncha other transmen I know here!)

(f) KEY WEST (http://www.keywest.com/) (f)



ETA: If we reserved an entire establishment, some flexibility might be possible. The reason I thought of Pearl's is that it has several buildings, but is still a little community within itself, with other accomodations really nearby (like - across the street) for those who wanted something different, or a little more privacy. Just thinking of how to accomodate everyone.

[Hudson]

Maybe a hotel in a third-tier city like Chattanooga or Topeka might not be as expensive?

Way more expensive for flights though.

For the camping, we would have to fly to DFW and rent a car and drive the rest of the way.

I love the Chattanooga idea. I know there's lots of good sightseeing and great parks, but not sure about the nightlife.

Duchess


I'm way over in Jerusalem (Atlanta) and all but I read this and wanted to mention Mountain Top Cabin Rentals (http://www.mountaintopcabinrentals.com/) in the north Georgia mountains. They are gay/queer friendly (note the HRC/Equality logo on the home page) and the cabins are beautiful and very well-appointed. They have specials during different times of the year and maybe people could pitch in and rent out a few of them? Most cabins sleep at least 4, some as much as 8 or 9, but they may have occupancy limits so I'm not sure if it would work for a 'bash' but it might be worth looking into renting some cabins for people who know each other or want to or who just want to have a big orgie together in the area. There are outdoor activities (horseback riding, fishing, etc.) for those who are into that and you're close enough to Atlanta to go into the city to hit the bars, shopping and nightlife. It's not that long a drive to Chattanooga either.

[NotAnAverageGuy]

Dallas, Austin or Houston, if we have it any of these places I can go

[Kimbo]

I know....I didn't mean to shoot you down...I just can't do it.

BUT....maybe you should organize a camping thing for those who love to camp at a separate time......then you could get your camping fix, and 'Lipstic and me, and those LIKE us, can have our fru~fru vacation! ;)


I need the fru fru too..gowns & tuxes aren't much fun around a camp fire...that is assuming there would be an event that calls for cleanin' up a little.

[Random]

I think it would be fun to do a real pajama party too!

With Popcorn and bad B movies????


*swoon*

[Random]

Dallas, Austin or Houston, if we have it any of these places I can go

I love the idea of Austin...

[Random]

I need the fru fru too..gowns & tuxes aren't much fun around a camp fire...that is assuming there would be an event that calls for cleanin' up a little.


Nods...

I love the idea of cabins or beach parties...

But I love the idea of spa days, shopping, and getting all fancied up even more...

[Softhearted]

:nothingtoadd:

[pajara2]

Chattanooga doesn't have much of a nightlife. It has a reasonable mall or two, but not anything too fru-fru. Sightseeing is mostly going to be nature. Don't get me wrong...I...love going there, but I believe we need something with more diversity to really attract everyone.

Key West isn't the easiest to get to. You'd have to fly in to Miami and then jump another plane to the Key, or rent a car and drive in. Driving the whole way would involve at least a full day possibly two days for most of us. Although I love the Keys don't see how do-able they would be.

What about doing a cruise? They depart from Galviston, N'awlins, Tampa, Miami, somewhere in CA and some even from up north somewhere. Years ago I booked a group of co-workers and we got a fantastic price. They have some 4 day cruises for folks that can't get away for a whole week. There's shopping, fine dining, gambling, shows, sightseeing, pools, beaches, a little something for everybody! Lots of the lines are very gay friendly having "Friend of Judy" get togethers. (And sorry if someone already mentioned this, I didn't read all 7 pages.)

Otherwise, N'awlins, DC, Atlanta, would be awesome!

A

[Apocalipstic]

If we are looking for a city hotel with stuff to do and a pool where all of us could stay, the Galt House in Louisville is hard to beat for price and location and it is flight accessible.

Chattanooga is expensive to fly to, though it is lovely. For the hard partiers, Pajara is right, no nightlife other than what we could stir up.

Seems like a Southwest Hub might be the way to go?

[Medusa]

I wanted to give everyone a tiny little clue here:

I am working with some folks to try to see if it would at ALL be feasible for us to have a bash in 2010. Something before school starts. It might not be fancy but Im sure that if we all work together we can make it happen, and besides, seeing each other is what its really all about.

And Wolfy? I LOVE to camp but yes, accomodations must include a cabin with air-conditioning. The thought of hanging around by a campfire with a guitar, some drinks, and smores is totally enticing!

[Just_G]

The cruise idea is a fun one, but I am afraid (and please correct me if I am wrong here), obtaining a passport might be difficult for some of the trans/ftm/mtf folks on the site.

I have a friend that is trans, and his drivers license still has the F on it...so I am not sure how easy getting passport would be with birth certificates being ammended or not and all that technical stuff.

Just thought I would throw that out there.

On a side note, I would be ALL for something in 2010!! PLEASE!!!:bowdown:

[Linus]

The cruise idea is a fun one, but I am afraid (and please correct me if I am wrong here), obtaining a passport might be difficult for some of the trans/ftm/mtf folks on the site.

I have a friend that is trans, and his drivers license still has the F on it...so I am not sure how easy getting passport would be with birth certificates being ammended or not and all that technical stuff.

Just thought I would throw that out there.

On a side note, I would be ALL for something in 2010!! PLEASE!!!:bowdown:

Passports are required now for all travel into and out of the USA.

[Just_G]

Passports are required now for all travel into and out of the USA.

Right, that is why I think a cruise would not be a great choice. It might be too difficult for some to obtain said passport to travel outside of the US.

[pajara2]

The cruise idea is a fun one, but I am afraid (and please correct me if I am wrong here), obtaining a passport might be difficult for some of the trans/ftm/mtf folks on the site.

I have a friend that is trans, and his drivers license still has the F on it...so I am not sure how easy getting passport would be with birth certificates being ammended or not and all that technical stuff.

Just thought I would throw that out there.

On a side note, I would be ALL for something in 2010!! PLEASE!!!:bowdown:

Oh wow, I didn't even think about the passport issue. Damn that sucks overall...no international travel. Thanks for pointing that out. Something to think about...wow.

A

[Linus]

Right, that is why I think a cruise would not be a great choice. It might be too difficult for some to obtain said passport to travel outside of the US.

Oh wow, I didn't even think about the passport issue. Damn that sucks overall...no international travel. Thanks for pointing that out. Something to think about...wow.

A

And those coming into the US? :cigar:

I travel constantly for my job and still have my old photo (two years before my transition started) on my passport (Canadian). I have yet to be stopped at any border (US/Canada/Mexico). I also carry a letter indicating that I'm trans from my doctor.

Even travel within the US -- on planes anyways -- you are required to put gender and legal name on it. Never had issue with it and all -- including Customs and TSA -- call me "sir".

I do think that given that the audience here is likely mostly American and that it will likely be a US oriented Reunion that the need for a passport will be minimal and it's not necessarily a trans issue but a cost issue for some to get one (given the current economic climate).

[Just_G]

Well, I was just putting that out there because I know that just getting a driver's license switched from one state to another was rather difficult for a couple of my buddies here....let alone getting a passport with all the info they ask for these days. Maybe it is a US thing...don't really know. Anyway....

So, New Orleans or Austin sound fantastic to me!

[PearlsNLace]

[QUOTE=Ben-Her;11030]Mountain Top Cabin Rentals (http://www.mountaintopcabinrentals.com/) in the north Georgia mountains. QUOTE]

I LOVE the idea of this place, cool beans!
:waitinggirl:

[WolfyOne]

I wanted to give everyone a tiny little clue here:

I am working with some folks to try to see if it would at ALL be feasible for us to have a bash in 2010. Something before school starts. It might not be fancy but Im sure that if we all work together we can make it happen, and besides, seeing each other is what its really all about.

And Wolfy? I LOVE to camp but yes, accomodations must include a cabin with air-conditioning. The thought of hanging around by a campfire with a guitar, some drinks, and smores is totally enticing!


It's ok if it's not fancy and I'm sure whatever you can come up with will be great for a first outing. Working together is what we all do best. I like that we can come together as a group and make things happen when we need to. Thank you for working so hard to make things better for us.

As for camping, check out my link. Perhaps a bunch of us can get together next year before it gets to hot or after the heat subsides. The house there that sleeps 14 is priced right and it has air and heat. Even a place for fishing. Would make a wonderful road trip from your state and mine and anyone that lives in TX. Did I mention fishing, lol.

[Apocalipstic]

Fishing???? lmao. It just keeps getting better. Please tell me there will not be a Femme's fish cleaning luncheon.


:vampire:

[Apocalipstic]

Adding, I am fine with not fancy!

[The_Lady_Snow]

I am gonna pretend fishing is really fisting so I can get all giddy and stuff:cheer:

[Apocalipstic]

I am gonna pretend fishing is really fisting so I can get all giddy and stuff:cheer:

Now that?
I can get behind!

(pun intemded)

:thumbsup:

[Diva]

I am gonna pretend fishing is really fisting so I can get all giddy and stuff:cheer:



Loves it when there's Giddyup Snow around.....

[little man]

i know that some of the river cities (st. louis, memphis, nola) have cruises you can book for a day or evening.

perhaps it would be worthwhile to see what kinds of activities people would enjoy and find the city that suits it?

btw...st. louis is a southwest airline hub. just saying. oh, and let's not forget about baseball. there is baseball here, and other stuff.

[Admin]

i know that some of the river cities (st. louis, memphis, nola) have cruises you can book for a day or evening.

perhaps it would be worthwhile to see what kinds of activities people would enjoy and find the city that suits it?

btw...st. louis is a southwest airline hub. just saying. oh, and let's not forget about baseball. there is baseball here, and other stuff.


St. Louis is actually one of the first cities I looked at since it is central to the country, has GREAT convention space, an awesome zoo, the Frontenac, Union Station, Casinos, cobblestone streets, the Arch, etc.

Im leaning heavily toward NOLA mainly because of the pricing at this point. Well, that and the Hurricanes that are available on Bourbon Street. :drunk:

[Just_G]

i know that some of the river cities (st. louis, memphis, nola) have cruises you can book for a day or evening.

perhaps it would be worthwhile to see what kinds of activities people would enjoy and find the city that suits it?

btw...st. louis is a southwest airline hub. just saying. oh, and let's not forget about baseball. there is baseball here, and other stuff.

Yes, St. Louis is a very fun place to visit. They have a fantastic zoo, Union Station, Busch Gardens:thumbsup:, and the Arch. Great suggestion Little Man!

[little man]

St. Louis is actually one of the first cities I looked at since it is central to the country, has GREAT convention space, an awesome zoo, the Frontenac, Union Station, Casinos, cobblestone streets, the Arch, etc.

Im leaning heavily toward NOLA mainly because of the pricing at this point. Well, that and the Hurricanes that are available on Bourbon Street. :drunk:

we actually have a world class zoo (second to san diego, i think) and it's still free. yes, free. it's located in forest park, which was the site of the 1904 world's fair...the art museum is one structure left from the world's fair, as are a few other structures in the park. there's golf, boating, fishing, a few queer bars, a couple of leather bars, yada yada yada. oh, and there's a six flags within a 45 minute drive from downtown, too. ok, i'm gonna stop before i sound like i'm working for the chamber of commerce.

ETA: oh yeah, and it wouldn't be far for me to drive. :)

p.s. can i have the farty smiley for my avatar?

[Linus]

St. Louis is actually one of the first cities I looked at since it is central to the country, has GREAT convention space, an awesome zoo, the Frontenac, Union Station, Casinos, cobblestone streets, the Arch, etc.

Im leaning heavily toward NOLA mainly because of the pricing at this point. Well, that and the Hurricanes that are available on Bourbon Street. :drunk:

I vote for NOLA! :) Having never been and am curious..

[Diva]

St. Louis is a cool city.......as is Memphis......and of course, NOLA.........

And I'm still holding out for Austin.... :cowboy::cheer:

[Apocalipstic]

I think New Orleans is a fabulous choice for many reasons. Yeayy.

St Louis is also a great choice, after January we can even fly there now without having to go though Chicago.

Memphis? Very dangerous city and not much B-F community. Especially dangerous for Transwomen.

Austin? They say its heall cool, never been.

[Medusa]

Another FYI:

I went ahead and typed up a "Request for Pricing" and will be sending it around to probably 30 different establishments in various cities. Right now we are considering:

* New Orleans
* Nashville
* Austin
(and I did find 2 very decent hotels in St. Louis to look at)

It will REALLY depend on how good the deal is and how accessible the flights will be for folks coming from all over. We are also going to do our best to try to have the Reunion party either before school starts or during a cheaper weekend. I realize that the summer months will be hot in any of those 3 cities so we are requesting pricing for several different timeframes.

This process isnt quite as simple as finding a good room rate. We still have to pin down meeting space, parking, transportation access, and many hotels have a minimum food and beverage cost. Im pretty excited about the prospect of us all coming together as a Planet and making this happen.
With that said, we will also need many, MANY volunteers so be thinking about where you would best fit! ;)

Thanks for your patience and we will keep you all updated.:sparklyheart:

[Medusa]

Oh! And dont forget to start planning on how many of the "Cuddle with June" raffle tickets you would like to purchase.

Something tells me they will be a HOTT commodity!

[Jess]

Would love to visit the home of St Louis ribs! And Nawlins.. would love to just go there for a food and music fest! Never been to either. My pref would be Nawlins, but St Louis sounds like a cool city.
Wonder if we could arrange a giant crab/ lobster boil in NOLA? Love the communal feel of '"low country " dining!

[WolfyOne]

Oh! And dont forget to start planning on how many of the "Cuddle with June" raffle tickets you would like to purchase.

Something tells me they will be a HOTT commodity!


Does cake come with this raffle?

[June]

Yes to the Black Forest Cheesecake Cupcakes
No to the cuddling

This is what it might look like regardless of location:
YouTube- Pepe Le Pew

[Linus]

Fine. If she won't cuddle, I will. But I think that might be a losing proposition for the site. :cheesy:

[NotAnAverageGuy]

I am with Diva it should be in Austin, Austin has some great stuff there and the slogan for the city, KEEP AUSTIN WEIRD. A trip there would beat out all other cities.

[WolfyOne]

Yes to the Black Forest Cheesecake Cupcakes
No to the cuddling

This is what it might look like regardless of location:
YouTube- Pepe Le Pew (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEdBndu0YUM)


LOL at the video.

I'm easy, don't need cuddling, but I do want the cake. So, if you bake a cake, it could be raffled and no one will want to cuddle after watching that video......wolfy is wise enough to back away.

All ya'll that want to cuddle with June..................beware and be aware :deepthoughts:

[WhiteTigress]

Ok, I love Austin and all, but when I hear so many people talking about Texas, and coastal beaches...well, I suggest Houston, because if anyone wants to go the the beach, Galveston is only about 30 minutes away.

I also know that Austin has a heavy "bar neighborhood" but only so many of them are LGBT.

Houston on the other hand has the "Montrose Area" where LGBT bars are often walking distance from one another, or at the very least, an extremely short drive (i.e. 2-3 minutes). We have a "Chances", which is four bars in one, and would be a comfort zone for any of the population you would find on The Planet. The crowd there is as diverse as our little group here is. And...you could perhaps find some interesting charity drag shows to view while here. There's one almost every night of a weekend, at one of the bars.

You talk about seafood? Hey, we are just as coastal and up for fresh seafood as NOLA!

What can I say, I have to put in a shameless plug for my hometown.

That's right, I'm a rare breed. I'm a Native Houstonian!

WT

P.S. I'll almost betcha we'd have Pinky for sure if we do it here!

[WhiteTigress]

Oh, and WolfyOne, I've stayed at Rainbow several times, both in the cabins and in a tent. It's a lovely facility, but for some like those delicate creatures such as Diva, that would be a might too rustic for her.

WT

[June]

Austin does hold some allure for me, if only so I can rummage through peoples underwear drawers when I pretend to use "rest room".

Missing bra? June has it.

Whine: Why is everywhere we can go so fricken' hot and humid? Why?

[The_Lady_Snow]

:smileywhip::smileywhip::smileywhip::smileywhip: WHY WHY Texas??:smileywhip:

[Apocalipstic]

Are there places in the US not hot and humid in the Summer other than Las Vegas and San Francisco?

[Linus]

Are there places in the US not hot and humid in the Summer other than Las Vegas and San Francisco?

Anchorage and Nome, Alaska :cheesy: :bolt:

[June]

PORTLAND!

Is rarely hot and even more rarely humid. But while it's really pretty here, the only amusement park type thing I know of is not open to the general public.

[Apocalipstic]

Anchorage and Nome, Alaska :cheesy: :bolt:

Fair enough. :)

What if I added easy to get to?

[Apocalipstic]

PORTLAND!

Is rarely hot and even more rarely humid. But while it's really pretty here, the only amusement park type thing I know of is not open to the general public.

I don't care about the touristy stuff, just about the 37 hour drive/no direct flights part.


I guess there is really not a place we will all agree on. We will just have to see what Medusa comes up with and see if we can make it happen :). It sounds like great fun, except for if we have to fish or camp. ;)

[WolfyOne]

I vote for cheap, but not cheaply made. Honestly, I don't care where it is as long as we're together having fun.

[Kimbo]

I also know that Austin has a heavy "bar neighborhood" but only so many of them are LGBT.

WT


I thought I was alone in noticing this...there is a lot of drinking that goes on in that downtown area.

Are there places in the US not hot and humid in the Summer other than Las Vegas and San Francisco?

Seattle is beautiful in the summer...but it wouldn't be cheap.

[Gemme]

I volunteer Ms. Cyn to make a Bajillion Coconut Cupcakes. Second?

Second!

Im SUPER excited about Juney letting us raffle off a 30-minute cuddle session with her!

Because she LOVES to cuddle that much!

WEE!

This is sure to be a big ticket item!

SUCH. A. GIVER.

Ix Nay on the Uddle Cay.

Must we?

And don't forget our "ruckus" deposit in case someone pees in a potted plant

Hey! I was little and my mom was too busy running her trap to take me to the bathroom!!!

True story, btw.

I think it would be fun to do a real pajama party too!

YES!!!

Diva doesn't camp.
If Diva DOES camp, she camps at Motel 6. Now THAT'S roughin' it. :twitch:



No Motel 6 for you; WE have connections. :thumbsup:

I guess my personal point is:


I'm not camping. Period. The end.



I'm sorry, Diva. I just don't understand the words that are coming out of your mouth. :pcthink:

It's your get togethers that brought it to mind.. I thought.. how fun would it be to cook with Diva, and the Awen.. Then I wondered how many other people loved to cook and how cool would it be to team up on a course and serve a good meal to our peeps...

ppsss.. I also do this black forest cheese cake cupcake... that work instead of coconut?

I volunteer to eat. I'm a hardy eater.

I LOVE some of the ideas here! Showing Phelps et al that we can be gracious visitors would be nice. Maybe we could all go to their church Sunday morn?

I like the direction the camping is going in. Affordability is a must for me. So an established tourist destination would probably be the best. My favorite place is Key West. If we book far enough ahead of time, and in off-season, I bet we could fill an establishment. There was one place I stayed in once: I think it was called the Rainbow House at the time (Okay, it was the early ninieties) - It's female-only, is pretty much a closed campus type of thing - two blocks from the beach, and one block from the main drag. There are LOTS of restaurants and bars in Key West, boat tours (including a great glass-bottomed boat), and if we had our own place we could have it catered if we wanted to stay on the grounds for an event.

Just running with the idea.

Sue :floatbee: would kinda like to go!

ETA: Pearl's Rainbow: It's all coming back to me! >>>clicky<<<[/ (http://www.pearlsrainbow.com/)I][/B]

Key West is not what I would consider affordable. Plus, if it's anywhere near Fantasy Fest or Women's Fest, then the rooms will all be booked up waaaaaaay in advance. Plus, it smells there during those times.

Oh, and the time that there was a car accident on the bridge and traffic was backed up for hours because there's only one road out of the place thing isn't as fun as you might think it is.

I love the idea of Austin...

Ditto.

The cruise idea is a fun one, but I am afraid (and please correct me if I am wrong here), obtaining a passport might be difficult for some of the trans/ftm/mtf folks on the site.

I have a friend that is trans, and his drivers license still has the F on it...so I am not sure how easy getting passport would be with birth certificates being ammended or not and all that technical stuff.

Just thought I would throw that out there.

On a side note, I would be ALL for something in 2010!! PLEASE!!!:bowdown:

Yep, this could be true for quite a number of folks.

And those coming into the US? :cigar:

I travel constantly for my job and still have my old photo (two years before my transition started) on my passport (Canadian). I have yet to be stopped at any border (US/Canada/Mexico). I also carry a letter indicating that I'm trans from my doctor.

Even travel within the US -- on planes anyways -- you are required to put gender and legal name on it. Never had issue with it and all -- including Customs and TSA -- call me "sir".

I do think that given that the audience here is likely mostly American and that it will likely be a US oriented Reunion that the need for a passport will be minimal and it's not necessarily a trans issue but a cost issue for some to get one (given the current economic climate).

I'd say you are one of the luckier ones, Linus.

Yes, St. Louis is a very fun place to visit. They have a fantastic zoo, Union Station, Busch Gardens:thumbsup:, and the Arch. Great suggestion Little Man!

I love Busch Gardens! I've only been to the one in Florida, though. They're designed similarly, yes?

Another FYI:

I went ahead and typed up a "Request for Pricing" and will be sending it around to probably 30 different establishments in various cities. Right now we are considering:

* New Orleans
* Nashville
* Austin
(and I did find 2 very decent hotels in St. Louis to look at)

It will REALLY depend on how good the deal is and how accessible the flights will be for folks coming from all over. We are also going to do our best to try to have the Reunion party either before school starts or during a cheaper weekend. I realize that the summer months will be hot in any of those 3 cities so we are requesting pricing for several different timeframes.

This process isnt quite as simple as finding a good room rate. We still have to pin down meeting space, parking, transportation access, and many hotels have a minimum food and beverage cost. Im pretty excited about the prospect of us all coming together as a Planet and making this happen.
With that said, we will also need many, MANY volunteers so be thinking about where you would best fit! ;)

Thanks for your patience and we will keep you all updated.:sparklyheart:

Thanks for the update!

Austin does hold some allure for me, if only so I can rummage through peoples underwear drawers when I pretend to use "rest room".

Missing bra? June has it.

Whine: Why is everywhere we can go so fricken' hot and humid? Why?

You too? I thought that was just me.

[blush]

No place is going to be perfect

except

Austin.

There's camping in the Hill Country (which is close by).

There's great live music.

The food ain't bad.

And, most importantly, Diva is here.

[NotAnAverageGuy]

No place is going to be perfect

except

Austin.

There's camping in the Hill Country (which is close by).

There's great live music.

The food ain't bad.

And, most importantly, Diva is here.



:clap::clap: Agreed Agreed!!!!

[SassyLeo]

Are there places in the US not hot and humid in the Summer other than Las Vegas and San Francisco?

Seattle? Portland?

I have to say, I do like Austin...however the heat. Blech. Not in the Summer.

PORTLAND!

Is rarely hot and even more rarely humid. But while it's really pretty here, the only amusement park type thing I know of is not open to the general public.

It's very pretty and not expensive. In the early spring it is not super hot or rainy. The beach is just 1.5 hours away. And it is not expensive!

[Puplove]

One time? At band camp?....I mean....

I go to a gay family week camp every year where hundreds of us attend. Some of them camp, some rent houses, some stay at hotels. Everyone travels at their own budget level/vacation preference.

So, maybe there could be a camping area in reasonable distance from a central hotel...(someone really smart suggested that already) as an option. Or a Motel 6. It's kinda hard to find diverse lodging options close enough together to be feasible in a larger metro type area. Unless it's Austin. Where Blush is.

If it's in St. Louis, I bet my brother could cater a dinner at the private upstairs banquet room at his restaurant in Central West End (a kinda hip, kinda queer downtown-ish area by Forest Park). It can hold about 150 people depending on the seating style, has dance floor and bar options if we want that. And unisex bathrooms.

[Puplove]

And, for some self-destructive reason, I'm just plain tickled at the idea of the Diva camping, holding court in a tent pimped out like a harem tent, from a lovely tent full of soft lighting and scarves. Wielding a weenie roasting stick and telling some amazing stories around a campfire. And wrapped in lots of mosquito netting.

Ms. Diva, the Oiler could hook you up with all kinds of gadgets that attempt to replicate the comforts of home, just ask those Californians he's camped with. (but don't be fooled, those gadgets are NOT the comforts of home. Not by a long shot. Unless they come with a devoted Oiler who is providing your every little whim and carrying you to the facilities with running water so your tootsies have no chance of touching soil a snake might have touched. Ever.)

Sounds like fun, right?

[Puplove]

Seattle? Portland?

I have to say, I do like Austin...however the heat. Blech. Not in the Summer.



There are about 3 weeks in the spring (mid April-ish, early May) where Austin has the most beautiful weather in the world. Low-mid 70s, no humidity, no rain. Minimal bugs.

But Portland is a great idea too. And St. Louis. And New Orleans. And Kansas City. And anywhere else we would gather.

[hottprof]

What about something on the east coast... just sayin...

smiles :frog:


PS: I would just like to be able to afford it this time around that way I can meet you all after like 5 years of chatting.

[SassyLeo]

There are about 3 weeks in the spring (mid April-ish, early May) where Austin has the most beautiful weather in the world. Low-mid 70s, no humidity, no rain. Minimal bugs.

But Portland is a great idea too. And St. Louis. And New Orleans. And Kansas City. And anywhere else we would gather.

"Minimal bugs"

That made me laugh. You must mean less cockroaches? :fan:

[The_Lady_Snow]

Cockroaches?????????:blues:

[Diva]

<fanning self> Oh my goodness, Ah HAHdly know wheyah to beGIN now......

Wheyah's my white lacy fan and mah parasol? :eyebat::twitch:

So I read a bunch of these posts and laughed until I cried.....and I bow to Gemmie, who is the QUEEN of The Multiple Post (I said POST! :huhlaugh: ) so I shall spare You.....

Here's what I heard.....

~Camping <gasp>
~Blush likes me. She really LIKES me. (Yes...this is why they all flock to Austin, folks! It's me!!! ALL ME!!!! ALL THE TIME!!!! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! ;) )
~Someone agreed and did the cheerleader hurkey thing, I think....
~'Lipstick can't be all hot and sweaty (though that is NOT what I've heard)...
~June. Two words: Cake cuddling.
~Um.....Oiler's gonna carry me to the facilities so that my delicate toes won't touch snake~infested lands?:shocking: They air~condition TENTS now?
~Pup's self-destructive.
:D

Ok seriously now....(and I do hope You know I was kidding....ok, ok...except for that part about June)

I just smiled when I read a couple of you saying that Austin was heavy on the bar scene.....hello? While a like a good box of wine on occasion ;) I don't do the bar thing here. I know some like it. That's fine. I'd prefer You all come to Chez Diva, bring what You wanna drink and we'll sit around and talk and laugh....really.

Then I think of Vegas? Dallas? There wasn't drinking there? Uh~huh.

ANYway.....You know...while I will scream "AUSTIN!!!" from the top of our beloved pink granite capitol building until the day I day, if we go anywhere else, I'm really fine with that. But You're gonna hear me scream "AUSTIN!!!" again next year. Choose Your poison! ;)

I've already volunteered to Medusa and Jack. And I don't care WHERE we go as long as we're together. And that's the gosh-darn truth.

[WhiteTigress]

They air~condition TENTS now?


Diva,

I actually HAVE air conditioned my tent two years in a row. I can set-up a veritable Shangri-La. I have a 8'x16' tent, where I put in the divider curtain so that I have a bedroom and a utility room.

My bedroom has a double-layer auto-inflating airbed, which I cover in my 400 thread-count sheets and my satin comforter. I have a portable nightstand and a rug to the side of my bed, along with my camping lamp and radio/cd player or my clock radio with iPod doc. The window unit A/C blows in the tent window, just above the bed, providing excellent cooling.

This just describes my BEDROOM of my campsite. You should hear more! Drop me a PM with your e-mail addy, and I can show you how the A/C gets rigged-up to the tent. I did the design system all by myself.

WT

[Apocalipstic]

*peeks in looking around for dying fish*

Oh My.

Back to camping.

There is no way I am camping unless we are in some sort of post apocalyptic wasteland.

Could we compromise with an inexpensive hotel (with room service) near a campground?

I lived in Texas for a while and I remember scorpions and fire ants and incredible humidity. HOTEL please. Even Motel.

[Arwen]

While I love to camp (many years as a Girls Scout and a camp counselor), I do not want to camp for this event.

I'd vote for a place where we can gather in comfort and not have to smack each other (for mosquitoes I mean...)

Oh and can we have another name for the "dress up provocatively" night? :D

[hottprof]

I would love to go camping. (girlscout over here woot). Campfires, guitars playin, s'mores, I am a mean open fire cook woot ... re-adding my 2 cents lol

Smiles :frog:

[Boots13]

Name the place, you'll see my face ! Fru's too !
Our only consideration is work.

Reading through the posts, I liked Pup's offer. I havent been MO and would love to visit.

Pup has contacts for a restaurant, which takes the guess work out of quality/availability and whether or not we would feel welcome. It sounds like there is a vibrant community there and it would be centrally located for travel...maybe less expensive rather than a coast to coast flight? Though I havent checked on prices.

And the jazz bars/music would be fabulous to explore !

[Boots13]

I'd vote for a place where we can gather in comfort and not have to smack each other (for mosquitoes I mean...)

Oh and can we have another name for the "dress up provocatively" night? :D


LOL..I still owe you for all those chicken comments...Hey, a mosquito...SMACK !!!

And I couldnt agree more with Arwen about the fantasy attire...
how about Fantasy night...

[Arwen]

Name the place, you'll see my face ! Fru's too !
Our only consideration is work.

Reading through the posts, I liked Pup's offer. I havent been MO and would love to visit.

Pup has contacts for a restaurant, which takes the guess work out of quality/availability and whether or not we would feel welcome. It sounds like there is a vibrant community there and it would be centrally located for travel...maybe less expensive rather than a coast to coast flight? Though I havent checked on prices.

And the jazz bars/music would be fabulous to explore !

I think this is a very good argument for St Louis. It's also very centrally located!

LOL..I still owe you for all those chicken comments...Hey, a mosquito...SMACK !!!

And I couldnt agree more with Arwen about the fantasy attire...
how about Fantasy night..

Why whatever do you mean about the chicken comments, my dear? Don't you like chicken? Are you a chickophobe?

And

MMMMMMMMOOOOOOMMMM! Boots is hitting me! :lips:

[Just_G]

Then I think of Vegas? Dallas? There wasn't drinking there? Uh~huh.

:wtf: I know NOT of what you speak! :drunk: I think you need to fan yourself a little faster..:fan:.you are getting dilerious! :freak:

Drinking...hmpf! :raspberry:

[T D]

Don't know about others, but for me my attendance (or not) is directly related to the cost of getting there, staying there, and being able to have fun while there. This could be why some like places such Las Vegas, there's always some sort of cheap deal to Vegas. :)

[Apocalipstic]

Don't know about others, but for me my attendance (or not) if directly related to the cost of getting there, staying there, and being able to have fun while there. This could be why some like places such Las Vegas, there's always some sort of cheap deal to Vegas. :)



We found Vegas to be way more expensive than other cities. We had to go buy a coffee pot for our room, the hotel did not even provide water for free for the events.

I spent 5 times more (and I don't gamble) in Las Vegas than I did NOLA.

[Just_G]

We found Vegas to be way more expensive than other cities. We had to go buy a coffee pot for our room, the hotel did not even provide water for free for the events.

I spent 5 times more (and I don't gamble) in Las Vegas than I did NOLA.

I agree, and I also noticed that since there were sooooo many different things to do, everyone kind of went in opposite directions and it was not as personal or very bonding. To me, it is more about the friendships and fun that is had than anything!

I love a formal night, a butch/ftm/genderqueer lunch is always some much needed bonding time, and a karaoke night, and the rest really does not matter to me as long as I am with my favorite people in the whole wide world!

I think if we do something touristy, that maybe we take a vote and do something as one big group instead of going 10 different directions...can you imagine all the photo ops that could take place?! (just a thought about the voting for one thing here)

[chrisbutch]

<fanning self> Oh my goodness, Ah HAHdly know wheyah to beGIN now......

Wheyah's my white lacy fan and mah parasol? :eyebat::twitch:

So I read a bunch of these posts and laughed until I cried.....and I bow to Gemmie, who is the QUEEN of The Multiple Post (I said POST! :huhlaugh: ) so I shall spare You.....

Here's what I heard.....

~Camping <gasp>
~Blush likes me. She really LIKES me. (Yes...this is why they all flock to Austin, folks! It's me!!! ALL ME!!!! ALL THE TIME!!!! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! ;) )
~Someone agreed and did the cheerleader hurkey thing, I think....
~'Lipstick can't be all hot and sweaty (though that is NOT what I've heard)...
~June. Two words: Cake cuddling.
~Um.....Oiler's gonna carry me to the facilities so that my delicate toes won't touch snake~infested lands?:shocking: They air~condition TENTS now?
~Pup's self-destructive.
:D

Ok seriously now....(and I do hope You know I was kidding....ok, ok...except for that part about June)

I just smiled when I read a couple of you saying that Austin was heavy on the bar scene.....hello? While a like a good box of wine on occasion ;) I don't do the bar thing here. I know some like it. That's fine. I'd prefer You all come to Chez Diva, bring what You wanna drink and we'll sit around and talk and laugh....really.

Then I think of Vegas? Dallas? There wasn't drinking there? Uh~huh.

ANYway.....You know...while I will scream "AUSTIN!!!" from the top of our beloved pink granite capitol building until the day I day, if we go anywhere else, I'm really fine with that. But You're gonna hear me scream "AUSTIN!!!" again next year. Choose Your poison! ;)

I've already volunteered to Medusa and Jack. And I don't care WHERE we go as long as we're together. And that's the gosh-darn truth.




and how about the good ole Emerald Isle???:danceparty::tiger:

[Gemme]

Diva,

I actually HAVE air conditioned my tent two years in a row. I can set-up a veritable Shangri-La. I have a 8'x16' tent, where I put in the divider curtain so that I have a bedroom and a utility room.

My bedroom has a double-layer auto-inflating airbed, which I cover in my 400 thread-count sheets and my satin comforter. I have a portable nightstand and a rug to the side of my bed, along with my camping lamp and radio/cd player or my clock radio with iPod doc. The window unit A/C blows in the tent window, just above the bed, providing excellent cooling.

This just describes my BEDROOM of my campsite. You should hear more! Drop me a PM with your e-mail addy, and I can show you how the A/C gets rigged-up to the tent. I did the design system all by myself.

WT


:bowdown:

While I love to camp (many years as a Girls Scout and a camp counselor), I do not want to camp for this event.

I'd vote for a place where we can gather in comfort and not have to smack each other (for mosquitoes I mean...)

Oh and can we have another name for the "dress up provocatively" night? :D


Provocative Palooza? Naughty Night? Leather 'n Lace Night? Freak Night? Freaks 'n Geeks Night? Let it All Hang Out Night?

LOL..I still owe you for all those chicken comments...Hey, a mosquito...SMACK !!!

And I couldnt agree more with Arwen about the fantasy attire...
how about Fantasy night...

Fantasy Night is good.

[T D]

We found Vegas to be way more expensive than other cities. We had to go buy a coffee pot for our room, the hotel did not even provide water for free for the events.

I spent 5 times more (and I don't gamble) in Las Vegas than I did NOLA.

Well this doesn't sound good :(

I probably had the best time of my life (well ok, almost best time) in New Orleans when I worked for the American Heart Assoc. It was just a fun place, period!

[FeminineAllure]

New Hope PA
http://www.newhopecelebrates.com/newhopepride/New_Hope.html

Lambertville NJ... 2 mins from New Hope
http://www.lambertvillestation.com/

Lahaska PA...10 mins from New Hope
http://peddlersvillage.com/index2.html

I can dream...

[DapperButch]

New Hope PA
http://www.newhopecelebrates.com/newhopepride/New_Hope.html

Lambertville NJ... 2 mins from New Hope
http://www.lambertvillestation.com/

Lahaska PA...10 mins from New Hope
http://peddlersvillage.com/index2.html

I can dream...

<sharing a park bench dreaming the same dream....>

(Although, I must admit that I might vote for Philadelphia over New Hope).

[DapperButch]

I am always down for beach!

What beaches are easily/cheaply flyable and not hella expensive?

Tampa/St Pete
Ft Lauderdale

Where else?

Rehoboth Beach, DE.

Very gay. Small beach town. Safe (can hold hands walking down the street, etc.). Has a "lesbian" beach (and I have seen ALL of US on this beach...including FTMs). Many gay bars and gay owned restaurants. Cheap places to stay and more expensive places to stay. Places to camp.

Philadelphia or Baltimore airports (Philly, quicker, I believe).

www.camprehoboth.com

Can you guess my vote? :tanning:

[MissVarda]

btw...st. louis is a southwest airline hub. just saying. oh, and let's not forget about baseball. there is baseball here, and other stuff.

Baseball!! Yes lets!!! Please!! but only if the Dodgers are playing...otherwise I dont care! ;)




Ms. Diva, the Oiler could hook you up with all kinds of gadgets that attempt to replicate the comforts of home, just ask those Californians he's camped with. (but don't be fooled, those gadgets are NOT the comforts of home. Not by a long shot. Unless they come with a devoted Oiler who is providing your every little whim and carrying you to the facilities with running water so your tootsies have no chance of touching soil a snake might have touched. Ever.)

Sounds like fun, right?

Its true! I was there! And it was tons of fun!

[friskyfemme]

Topeka in all our glory and niceness to boot. Do you think we'd find a hotel willing to take us all in? Maybe we need to do some research on what we could do activity wise besides sit in or hang out at Phleps' church. Count me in even if it's just a weekend gathering in Topeka.
My family lives in Kansas City only 1 1/2hr from Topeka. Topeka use to have some great clubs there. Anyone knows what's there now? Kansas City, Mo is a great option. It has a lot of great places to tour County Club Plaza, Truman Library, Nelson-Adkins Art Gallery (Queen of England visited), hundreds of excellent restaurants, Jesse James museum, great hotels just to name off the top of my head.

[Logicaly]

I am down for anywhere that my family goes, as long as I can afford to go with ya'll! If I can afford it, I will go there, even if it was standing under a palm tree in the middle of the desert!

However, allow me to make a few suggestions perhaps.
-San Francisco (always a favorite, even if I didnt live here)
-Sacramento (lets not forget, this is a pretty cool city too!)
-Austin (I'm all for a party with the Diva!)
-New Orleans (Never been, always wanted to!)
-Vegas (Its fun, theres no denying it, even if it is more costly)
-Seattle (Can't forget to show some love to them too)

So thats me, throwing some ideas out there.

[Rufusboi]

New Orleans sounds nice.

Somewhere warm, easy to get to and interesting. Somewhere where you don't need a car and can walk to restaurants and night life. Hotel rooms need to be affordable. A city where there are a lot of flights in and out and you don't have to change planes.

Rufus

[woodstock]

Rehoboth Beach, DE.

Very gay. Small beach town. Safe (can hold hands walking down the street, etc.). Has a "lesbian" beach (and I have seen ALL of US on this beach...including FTMs). Many gay bars and gay owned restaurants. Cheap places to stay and more expensive places to stay. Places to camp.

Philadelphia or Baltimore airports (Philly, quicker, I believe).

www.camprehoboth.com

Can you guess my vote? :tanning:

Yay! Rehoboth Beach! I second the motion

[Scorp]

Never been to Naw'lins before. That would be pretty cool.

[LadyFlamezzz]

Sacramento Ca...........where else!!!!!
:cigar:

[Just_G]

Anywhere at this point!! I just need some butch/ftm bonding time.....I NEED it! :bbq:

[cara]

I really like the bashes that have a more personal feel to them and where I'm able to meet and talk to people in a relaxed and casual atmosphere. I like the idea of doing a few activities together during the day rather than splitting in a million different directions until One Special Event happens. I also like to visit and explore parts of the country I've never seen before. I've never been to New Orleans and it sounds amazing. But really I'm fine with anywhere as long as the hotel and airfare aren't super expensive.

One of my favorite get-togethers was yearrrrs ago in Louisville, KY of all places. It was so. much. fun. Very well planned and even a family-friendly picnic, games, and karaoke at a park on Sunday before everyone left. Other favorite specifically butch-femme bashes have been the Portland get-together at the Kennedy School and the mid-west bash in MO/KS.

~cara

[Diva]

~Austin, Texas~

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii61/proserve2008/austin_lake.jpg

[Diva]

Austin will always be my first choice because she's a nice little secret I want to share with all of You!

But I'm like G in that I really don't care at this point.....I just want us all to be together!!

[Admin]

I have a question for folks:

Is PRICE the big decision maker or is LOCATION?

Because I might have an option that isnt as glamorous as New Orleans but would probably provide for the cheapest hotel rooms and lowest registration price of any conference I have ever attended.

[Linus]

I have a question for folks:

Is PRICE the big decision maker or is LOCATION?

Because I might have an option that isnt as glamorous as New Orleans but would probably provide for the cheapest hotel rooms and lowest registration price of any conference I have ever attended.


Price can be but if I have to take 4 planes, a bus ride, a mule ride and walk another 5 miles just to get to the place... Uh..

[Just_G]

For me, it is mostly about cost because business has been slow for so long, it takes me a while to save up to go some place. I will always find a way to make it happen though! I don't need a fancy location to hang out and have fun with my friends.

[Medusa]

Price can be but if I have to take 4 planes, a bus ride, a mule ride and walk another 5 miles just to get to the place... Uh..

Nope, there is a National airport there. ;)

I dont want to give too much away so thats why Im trying to determine if people would be willing to pay a little more for a more "glamorous" location or if cost is the true deciding factor.
And when I look at cost, I am also considering the cost of getting there by plane, train, and automobile :)

I am still getting price quotes from a few different cities and can put it to a vote in the next few weeks :)

[Rufusboi]

I have a question for folks:

Is PRICE the big decision maker or is LOCATION?

Because I might have an option that isnt as glamorous as New Orleans but would probably provide for the cheapest hotel rooms and lowest registration price of any conference I have ever attended.

FOr us it is price and ease of getting there. We just don't want to have to do plane changes and spend the day in airports etc plus don't want to spend $1000 +

Rufus

[FR]

--- I went to this last bash from the "other" universe simply because of people i wanted to be with. it wasn't about other things like prizes from the raffle even tho i won some(most of which i gave away) and donated things too. i i am sure like some was a bit upset about the hotel. i researched and i believe we could have gotten a better deal elsewhere. so its not always bout the location either.
your going to pay more for being on the strip. also i must admit we found coupons for things which helped.
-- the last NO bash hotel was expensive as well being right by burbon street. while it holds a sad memory i did like NO.
--i grew up near St. louis-my opinion is why would anyone go there is beyond me-but whatever.
-- i cant go to kansas cuz i'll end up in jail for phelps and my right wing aunt there--orange is so not my color.
-- i dont camp.--well not the kind u guys are talking about.

:seesaw:

[Rockinonahigh]

I agree with Rufs about price and ease of geting there + haveing a decent bed to sleep in cause of my back injury.Dallas was close enough to dirve to cause I could take a break when I needed to(only 3 hours from the Louisiana line).I can do with less fancy as well,where its nice now and then,I felt just over whelmed with all the goings on..Then there was so much to do I gess I didnt take a deep breath till it was over,ppl I didnt get to meet or relax and just injoy the experence.If this is where I can go to it u bet I will be doing somethin g to help out
Rockin

[Diva]

I have a question for folks:

Is PRICE the big decision maker or is LOCATION?

Because I might have an option that isnt as glamorous as New Orleans but would probably provide for the cheapest hotel rooms and lowest registration price of any conference I have ever attended.


Well.....the soire` from the other site ~ even though it was supposed to be in a cheap city ~ would not have been possible for me, but for the generosity of friends because I had been laid off.

So....price is a consideration for me. In this economy, I would suspect that it is for many of us......

[Just_G]

Nope, there is a National airport there. ;)

I dont want to give too much away so thats why Im trying to determine if people would be willing to pay a little more for a more "glamorous" location or if cost is the true deciding factor.
And when I look at cost, I am also considering the cost of getting there by plane, train, and automobile :)

I am still getting price quotes from a few different cities and can put it to a vote in the next few weeks :)

Just a little reminder....WE could make Po-Dunk look glamorous AND the funnest city on the map!:thumbsup: just sayin'. (I really don't know where Po-Dunk is.)

[Rockinonahigh]

Diva,I herd that Vegas wasnt as inexpensive as some thought it would be,I would loved to have gone but the reality of if I was going to be able to handle the airport,plane changes as well as possably haveing to sit in seats that cramped my back was more than I thought I could handle.I will be so glad when the docs finaly fix the miserable mess..it is in the works.
I to would like it in Austin or Nola,but like the Diva said..just have it somewhere we can all injoy it.
Rockin

[Gemme]

I have a question for folks:

Is PRICE the big decision maker or is LOCATION?

Because I might have an option that isnt as glamorous as New Orleans but would probably provide for the cheapest hotel rooms and lowest registration price of any conference I have ever attended.

PRICE, please.

Nope, there is a National airport there. ;)

I dont want to give too much away so thats why Im trying to determine if people would be willing to pay a little more for a more "glamorous" location or if cost is the true deciding factor.

And when I look at cost, I am also considering the cost of getting there by plane, train, and automobile :)

I am still getting price quotes from a few different cities and can put it to a vote in the next few weeks :)

I'll go to Bumpkin Patch, USA (that's down the road from Po Dunk, btw) as long as I can afford to go. If I can't afford to go, then it doesn't matter where it is, does it? :sigh:

I want :gossip: and :beerbros: and :kissy:. Wherever that is, if it's financially feasible, I am SOOOO there!

2005 was the last get together I was able to make. Five years is a loooong time to get together with everyone and every year that I was not able to attend, it was due to financial constraints.

[Tommi]

I have a question for folks:

Is PRICE the big decision maker or is LOCATION?

Because I might have an option that isnt as glamorous as New Orleans but would probably provide for the cheapest hotel rooms and lowest registration price of any conference I have ever attended.

Duusssssaaaaaa.. We will make any place we go the most glamorous place around.

For me, the biggest concern is that it be gay friendly, or at least acceptable...not in the active homophobic areas of this country.

[Medusa]

Duusssssaaaaaa.. We will make any place we go the most glamorous place around.

For me, the biggest concern is that it be gay friendly, or at least acceptable...not in the active homophobic areas of this country.

Yeah, that one is a toughy. I experienced the greatest level of homophobia at the 'other' site's 2006 event in Las Vegas, which I always thought to be fairly gay friendly. I also experienced some high Gay discomfort in Oakland.

And honestly, our visibility as a group might actually HELP in some places. One of those "We're here, We're Queer" things. But, I do get that people need to feel safe to walk down the street.

I am definitely considering all of this while looking at places. :)

[DapperButch]

Yay! Rehoboth Beach! I second the motion


Whoo Hoo!!!!!! :hangloose:

They just don't know what they're missin' do they? :party: LOL

[WolfyOne]

I think like the others, at this point, price is at the top of the list. I remember you saying that St Louis might be cheap enough. If Puplove can get a deal from her brother on a restaurant for one of our events, that's part of the battle. We can make any place work as long as we stick together.

[Miss_J]

My vote would be for New Orleans too... Everybody needs the $ these days but perhaps a little more there. Plus its warm in the spring and summer and they have Elaine Angel and I need more piercings! ahem.. anyway.. I digress.

[PinkieLee]

My vote would be for New Orleans too... Everybody needs the $ these days but perhaps a little more there. Plus its warm in the spring and summer and they have Elaine Angel and I need more piercings! ahem.. anyway.. I digress.

New Orleans is a great idea.... but FYI in the summer, it is hotter than hell!

[Bit]

Price is always the consideration for Gryph and me. We're pretty much down-home anyhow, so glamour isn't high on our priority list.... someplace we can afford, where we can be with all our friends? That's the ticket for us.

[Apocalipstic]

I have a question for folks:

Is PRICE the big decision maker or is LOCATION?

Because I might have an option that isnt as glamorous as New Orleans but would probably provide for the cheapest hotel rooms and lowest registration price of any conference I have ever attended.

Both for us. It would really help if the airport were an easy one to connect to.

I think its odd that the only problems with the gay aspect have been in cities where you would think they would be used to anything like Las Vegas and Oakland.

I think some cities in the South are likely way more accessible than people think.

When you say National Airport, are we talking hub, or secondary, must change flights a lot airports?

[Words]

Truth? W/we have to justify the cost of purchasing international plane tickets by at least knowing that W/we're going to be visiting somewhere W/we want to visit and staying in a decent hotel. W/we're going to have to spend most of O/our savings just on getting to the States, so from O/our point of view, W/we'd rather save just a little bit harder/longer and feel like W/we've had a real holiday (looking after my daughter is a full-time job and this will be the only break W/we have for a year).

Sorry if that sounds a little selfish but I'm just being honest.

Words

[Medusa]

It's not selfish at ALL Words! I absolutely hear what you are saying and can very much understand your POV.

Lemme put it this way, we arent having anything in Greenbow, Alabama. :)


Right now, here is just a tiny bit of the information that is coming back on the RFPs that I have sent out:

*City "A" - Southern Metro city, lots of interesting things to do, a good mix of culture. I have had a couple of very nice hotels come back with room rates that are anywhere from $109 - $139 a night. Parking at $18 a day for one, $15 for another, $9 for another. One would give us free parking, but they are the MOST expensive on the room rate. Meeting space and F&B minimums still being negotiated : the first one that came back was over $20k. * EEK * And at any of the hotels I have looked at in this city, the nearest gay or gay-friendly bar is about 4 miles. Taxis would be a MUST there. All hotels are wheelchair-accessible.
** Havent gotten any of the club owners that I contacted to get back with me but we can expect that they will want a door fee or a retainer of some kind to give the club to us.
***This city has a large airport with carriers like American, Southwest, Continental, Delta, etc. servicing this airport with large jets.

* City "B" - Southern Metro city, lots of interesting things to do, a good mix of culture. Hotels that I have contacted have offered rates anywhere between $89 - 149 a night. Parking rates are ranging from $5 a day to $22 a day...with the cheaper hotel offering the $5 parking rate. These are great hotels (don't let the price fool you). A couple of RFPs are coming back with crappy dates (July and August when it is hot as HELL) but are offering good space and a fairly decent Food and Beverage minimum. One contract was offered at $8000, one at $4000, one at $11000. All of the contracts have different options and availability which I will discuss later. This city has the *possibility* of a free club space - I am in contact with the owner who is considering letting us have the club for free on Friday night JUST to support us as a website. It is a great club, Butch and Femme owners, and only about 6 blocks from one of the hotels I am considering. All wheelchair accessible.
** Also am in the process of hooking up with a Butch dj who might be able to provide us with dj services for our Prom AND karaoke on Sunday at a very deeply discounted cost.
***This city has a large airport with carriers like American, Southwest, Continental, Delta, etc. servicing this airport with large jets.


* City "C" - Southern Metro city, lots of interesting things to do, a good mix of culture. Known for a friendly party atmosphere. Known as a vacation city. Waiting on RFPs for this one. I have received ONE back that will give us a room rate of $119 a night, $5 a day parking, FREE meeting space for the ENTIRE weekend (several rooms and LOTS of space for a conference-style meeting), and its located like 4 blocks from one of the largest party areas in the United States. (this is also a Casino hotel with great food and lots of entertainment) The drawback? The contract is $12000. The $12000 will include a ton of food, all of our meeting space, and great rooms. We dont HAVE $12000 so this is WAY out of our budget but I am in negotiations with them to try to get it cheaper. We would still have to find club space for a night out, a dj, and arrange transportation to the club for anyone in a wheelchair because the streets are NOT very wheelchair friendly.
**This city has a large airport with carriers like American, Southwest, Continental, Delta, etc. servicing this airport with large jets.

* City "D" - Southern Metro city, lots of interesting things to do, a good mix of culture. Known for a larger gay population and TONS of party atmosphere. Only one RFP came back so far from this city and its for the hotel that would be LEAST desirable for our group (location, cost). They want a $10000 contract with room rates of $99 a night. The location of this hotel is near the party area but not super close, probably would want to use taxis (which cost money). We would also need to pin down a club. We WOULD have more club options in this city and could probably get a dj fairly reasonably who is Butch. The hotel is Wheelchair accessible.
**This city has a large airport with carriers like American, Southwest, Continental, Delta, etc. servicing this airport with large jets.


I also have another city that is on the backburner but I havent put much work into this one. We have a contact there who might be able to do some checking. We will keep that as an option in case nothing works out.

I want to be clear that my foremost priority is to get people to the Reunion. I am looking at a couple of cities that may not SEEM like a good place to have a vacation but we will do our best to give a list of touristy-type stuff, the amenities available, and a comparison on the cost.

One of the best times I ever had was in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. I had to go to a convention for the place I worked way back in 1999 and I thought, "Sioux FALLS? What the FUCK is in Sioux FALLS?" and I proceeded to whine for 3 weeks before going. Once I got there, I realized that there were some brilliant museums and historical attractions there, fairly decent shopping....and honestly? the group of people that I was with made their own fun!

Dont get me wrong, we are NOT looking at Sioux Falls, SD for our Reunion, but everyone keep an open mind.

I have kept the names of the cities private while we are in negotiations, once we get some feasible contracts, I will put the comparison chart and we can all decide as a community what will work best for us :)

Right now, there is a wide berth on registration costs:
On one end we could get by with paying about $50 a person to register! On the more expensive end, we would have to come up with about $195 a person to register. And I dont know about y'all but $195 does NOT work for me.

Also just to be clear, Jack and I are NOT contracting any *extras* for ourselves into the hotel contracts.

I cant fucking WAIT to see you guys! I cant WAIT to hug the fucking stuffings out of each and every one of you. For me, this Reunion has the potential to be the most healing event possibly to ever enter my orbit. I hope that all of you will join with us to get into that circle and get some good group love for yourselves. :)

[Bit]

If 100 people attend the reunion, wouldn't that $12,000 work out to $120 per person? And wouldn't attendance of 200 work out to $60 per person?

I dunno, Dusa, that city C hotel might work out to be the cheapest in the long run if we don't have to buy all our meals separately, yanno?

On the other hand, it might also work out to be a great bargaining tool with the other hotels....

[Medusa]

If 100 people attend the reunion, wouldn't that $12,000 work out to $120 per person? And wouldn't attendance of 200 work out to $60 per person?

I dunno, Dusa, that city C hotel might work out to be the cheapest in the long run if we don't have to buy all our meals separately, yanno?

On the other hand, it might also work out to be a great bargaining tool with the other hotels....

Yes and No. :)

The food that is covered is only for the events that we hold at the hotel. i.e. light hors d'eurves (or howeveryouspellit) at the meet and greet, perhaps a light box luncheon at the mini-conference on saturday afternoon, carved meats and light "whoredurrvs" at the Prom, and a light brunchy-style setting for the Sunday gameroom or whatever we decide to do.

THEN we have to find a club if all of us want to go out on Friday night, get them to close the club to only us, and pay the club whatever drink fee they will want. (for instance, most of them will look at how much they make on a typical Friday night and add 20-30%) The club will be what adds the greatest cost to our group.

NOW, we DO have the option of having a club-type event at the hotel (no driving or wandering home after too many drinks!) but most hotels want the doors shut by midnight at MINIMUM. And we would still have to hire a dj.

But yes, it is a GREAT bargaining tool! The mere fact that we are "looking for a host home" is carrying a lot of weight right now. I;m not opposed to having the Reunion in the same city every year. Its a great way to build a rapport with our host hotel and they tend to give huge discounts to the group, but we wanna do whats good for the group.

:)

[Rockinonahigh]

Havein the :party: in the same place is a good idea,hopefuly something centraly located so the distance will kinda even out for everyone...or changeing places every couple of years just to have a diffrent place once in a while if we want.
Rockin

[WolfyOne]

I'm feeling good about all I've read. Getting excited about what's to come. Looking forward to a good time with a great bunch of people.

My only question would be......if a member wants to bring a date that's not a member of this site, is it doable? It was one of the only things that bothered me about the bashes. I used to see others write about wanting to bring a non member and couldn't. It forced a person to join even though they really didn't want to.

[Gemme]

I'm feeling good about all I've read. Getting excited about what's to come. Looking forward to a good time with a great bunch of people.

My only question would be......if a member wants to bring a date that's not a member of this site, is it doable? It was one of the only things that bothered me about the bashes. I used to see others write about wanting to bring a non member and couldn't. It forced a person to join even though they really didn't want to.


Good point, Butt Boy.

[Words]

Dusa,

Are we looking at particular months here? I'm asking because - again, being honest - the later in the year the better because it gives U/us (and everyone I would imagine) more time to save.

Words

[christie]

Lemme put it this way, we arent having anything in Greenbow, Alabama. :)




But.... but.... we love Greenbow, A L A B A M A!!!

Wait... maybe that was just the movie... or was it Jess parading around our front yard in cowboy hat, bathrobe and "magic shoes" (cowboy boots)???

I digress....

I am certain that you hear the concerns being voiced and will make a decision based on the whole rather than just a select few....

If there is anything we can do to assist, as always, just say the word!

[Toughy]

dusa.......

ya might wanna think about negotiating a big suite (start with the biggest they have) for you and jack so there could be after hours (pj?) parties..... otherwise getting together after going out friday/saturday nite will be limited........you can only get so many people in a regular hotel room............

you also will need space for all the junk that goes along with registration packets and a place to put them together.....

a big suite is not just about a luxury for you and jack.........it can serve a useful purpose for everyone....

[Jett]

Duusssssaaaaaa.. We will make any place we go the most glamorous place around.

For me, the biggest concern is that it be gay friendly, or at least acceptable...not in the active homophobic areas of this country.

Have to second this... just as far as there have definitely been in areas of the country where I've felt less than at ease walking down the street.

Other than that... as long as the price tag isn't outrageous I'm good to go on most places mentioned (of course with a preference for the PNW ;))

[Jett]

Another FYI:

I went ahead and typed up a "Request for Pricing" and will be sending it around to probably 30 different establishments in various cities. Right now we are considering:

* New Orleans
* Nashville
* Austin
(and I did find 2 very decent hotels in St. Louis to look at)

It will REALLY depend on how good the deal is and how accessible the flights will be for folks coming from all over. We are also going to do our best to try to have the Reunion party either before school starts or during a cheaper weekend. I realize that the summer months will be hot in any of those 3 cities so we are requesting pricing for several different timeframes.

This process isnt quite as simple as finding a good room rate. We still have to pin down meeting space, parking, transportation access, and many hotels have a minimum food and beverage cost. Im pretty excited about the prospect of us all coming together as a Planet and making this happen.
With that said, we will also need many, MANY volunteers so be thinking about where you would best fit! ;)

Thanks for your patience and we will keep you all updated.:sparklyheart:

Nashville... or of course the PNW... (lol)

[Medusa]

I'm feeling good about all I've read. Getting excited about what's to come. Looking forward to a good time with a great bunch of people.

My only question would be......if a member wants to bring a date that's not a member of this site, is it doable? It was one of the only things that bothered me about the bashes. I used to see others write about wanting to bring a non member and couldn't. It forced a person to join even though they really didn't want to.

Hey Wolfy!

I'll have to do some thinking around this one.
It's a tough one because we really need to know who is going to be walking in the doors at the Reunion, but I also hear your concerns.

Maybe we can ask the community how they feel about this and go from there. And honestly, if its just one or two people that want to do this, it might not be an issue at all as long as they are registered beforehand.

:)

[June]

dusa.......

ya might wanna think about negotiating a big suite (start with the biggest they have) for you and jack so there could be after hours (pj?) parties..... otherwise getting together after going out friday/saturday nite will be limited........you can only get so many people in a regular hotel room............

you also will need space for all the junk that goes along with registration packets and a place to put them together.....

a big suite is not just about a luxury for you and jack.........it can serve a useful purpose for everyone....

What can be problematic in this, only so many people will fit into a "big suite" too. As a community member I don't really want to pay for Jack and Medusa's luxurious suite, if they want a suite and can afford it, they can pay for it just like the rest of us. And I'm saying this outloud, because Medusa and I have had this conversation.

As a community member who will also be paying to go to the Reunion, airfare, hotel, food, transportation and registration, I would rather see any extra funds going to provide scholarship rooms and financial assistance to others who may not be able to come otherwise. Because they are just as important, rather than suites and room service for a select few.

This place was seeded and initially funded by Jack and Medusa, but it only exists because "We" come here. Otherwise, they'd just be talking to each other, which by the way, is pretty hilarious in and of itself.

It is my experience from Dallas and other conferences that if folks want to get together, they make it happen, even if there's 6 on each bed and someone in the bathtub.

<3 June

[Rufusboi]

Hey Wolfy!

I'll have to do some thinking around this one.
It's a tough one because we really need to know who is going to be walking in the doors at the Reunion, but I also hear your concerns.

Maybe we can ask the community how they feel about this and go from there. And honestly, if its just one or two people that want to do this, it might not be an issue at all as long as they are registered beforehand.

:)

It wouldn't bother me if someone was a registered site member or not. It could be site member and guest. As long as they pay the reg fee and you have their info I wouldn't have a problem with it.

Also, if you can get the hotel to comp you and Jack a suite you should take it. Some hotels will do this is you are organizing an event and can buy a block of rooms. I don't think there is anything wrong with this.

I agree with what June said too. If the prices are affordable we can all squeeze in and make do.

Rufus

[Toughy]

generally speaking........for conferences etc.........the hotel will give away a couple of rooms and a suite or two depending on the size of the group....

it's standard practice.........

I remember a great pj party in Vegas one year.........lots and lots of folks came and continued the bonding.......

I agree that a suite can be problematic depending on how it's used.........but if it's open to the community (except jack and dusa's bedroom...unless they want company :shocking: ) then that elitism goes away....

and again.......generally it's standard practice if the group is big enough......

edited to add: it's not going to drop the price enough to make any difference at all if you refuse the free stuff

-----------
I never understood why folks bitched about requiring someone to join the site to attend a site gathering.......it's free, you don't have to put any information in your profile and it makes it way easier to keep track of who is coming and going at the event......

but it doesn't matter one way or another to me......

[Linus]

Hey Wolfy!

I'll have to do some thinking around this one.
It's a tough one because we really need to know who is going to be walking in the doors at the Reunion, but I also hear your concerns.

Maybe we can ask the community how they feel about this and go from there. And honestly, if its just one or two people that want to do this, it might not be an issue at all as long as they are registered beforehand.

:)

I have to agree with Wolfy's request. If I cannot bring K, then I really don't want go. She's not a member of the site (she's not really a forum type person) but wants to meet all these people and friends I talk about (particularly you, Jack and Arwen).

[Jett]

I have to agree with Wolfy's request. If I cannot bring K, then I really don't want go. She's not a member of the site (she's not really a forum type person) but wants to meet all these people and friends I talk about (particularly you, Jack and Arwen).

Perhaps she could just register as a member and not have to participate in the forums?

[Words]

I remember a great pj party in Vegas one year.........lots and lots of folks came and continued the bonding.......

I was there Toughy, because I was invited. A lot of folks weren't though. And I know, for a fact, that it caused a lot of bad feeling.

Given that inclusion, not exclusion, is what this reunion is all about, I trust Medusa and Jack to make the right decision with this in mind.

Words

Sorry, just realized, it was another bash, not the one in Vegas, where there was an after party that wasn't open to everyone. Either way, I don't think that inviting some and not others did anyone any favors.

[Tommi]

Hey Wolfy!

I'll have to do some thinking around this one.
It's a tough one because we really need to know who is going to be walking in the doors at the Reunion, but I also hear your concerns.

Maybe we can ask the community how they feel about this and go from there. And honestly, if its just one or two people that want to do this, it might not be an issue at all as long as they are registered beforehand.

:)



I get evites to events and am able to take a guest as long as they are willing to show their government issued ID, and are pre-registerd as my guest. I initially had to show my ID , and am a registered site member, thus I receive the emails, which some of my friends are not desirous or willing to sign up for.

Security is achieved by guests being pre-registered, and on a list at the door. There aren't any walk-ins or party crashers, when we meet at different locations once a month.

[cara]

I was there Toughy, because I was invited. A lot of folks weren't though. And I know, for a fact, that it caused a lot of bad feeling.

Given that inclusion, not exclusion, is what this reunion is all about, I trust Medusa and Jack to make the right decision with this in mind.

Words

Sorry, just realized, it was another bash, not the one in Vegas, where there was an after party that wasn't open to everyone. Either way, I don't think that inviting some and not others did anyone any favors.

I was going to say something about not having an exclusive party. In the past, I have had the pleasure (?) of hearing/reading about those parties, but was never invited. It doesn't feel good to get left out.

[Jackhammer]

Toughy
They will trade us regular rooms for a suite.

And yes I would refuse a suite on principle, I wouldn't feel its a loss.

[Diva]

I remember Dallas....I had "parties" in my room every night....it was a blast....and open to anyone who wanted to come. There were people on the bed, on the floor...everywhere....it was magic! (I remember Billy falling asleep on my bed. I have picture~proof! LOL!

I loved the impromptu feeling of those evening.....

~~~
So about non~registered guests.....couldn't someone just sign up for free and not post and still be considered a member?

Just curious....

Can't WAIT!

[Medusa]

Dusa,

Are we looking at particular months here? I'm asking because - again, being honest - the later in the year the better because it gives U/us (and everyone I would imagine) more time to save.

Words

Right now, our date range is June - October. That is a WIDE date range, I realize. Most all of the dates that we have proposed in June are a no-go since lots of companies start planning their own events a year or more out.

The issue with having it in September or October....well, lemme rephrase that, the issue(s) with having it then are many. The main one of which is that folks will be dealing with school schedules. All those teachers and students have a hard time with being off so close to the beginning of the year.
The second issue is that I dont want to butt up against the party that is being planned for the "other" site. I want folks to have enough time to recover from ours emotionally and financially if they feel like they want to attend the other one as well.

Be that as it may, the prices and weather are SIGNIFICANTLY better for that time of year.

Its really all going to boil down to what deal we can get at the hotel.

I hear you loud and clear on saving money for the event :) I have been gathering stuff up to sell on ebay and Queerbay and plan to use that as my Reunion fund :)

[Toughy]

I don't give two shits if you have a suite or two rooms or one room.........however you are damn sure gonna need space for all that junk in the packets and raffle items (if you have one), plus whatever else needs to be dragged to the event.........however that is your headache and not mine.....
------

Words....

as you pointed out..........the pj party was for everyone....everyone......no one was excluded

yes there have always been by invite only parties in suites as well as in rooms.......I know when I was at Bashes people had parties in their suites/rooms I was not invited to attend......that happens at every conference/gathering I have ever attended.........and my feelings were not hurt.......good grief.........friends gather with friends in their suite/room......what's the big deal???

anyway...........I'm out of this conversation........

edited to add: Diva......I only heard about your room parties after the fact and never ever heard they were open to everyone.......and my feeling were not hurt.........I'm a grown-up

[Jackhammer]

I don't give two shits if you have a suite or two rooms or one room.........however you are damn sure gonna need space for all that junk in the packets and raffle items (if you have one), plus whatever else needs to be dragged to the event.........however that is your headache and not mine.....
------

Words....

as you pointed out..........the pj party was for everyone....everyone......no one was excluded

yes there have always been by invite only parties in suites as well as in rooms.......I know when I was at Bashes people had parties in their suites/rooms I was not invited to attend......that happens at every conference/gathering I have ever attended.........and my feelings were not hurt.......good grief.........friends gather with friends in their suite/room......what's the big deal???

anyway...........I'm out of this conversation........

edited to add: Diva......I only heard about your room parties after the fact and never ever heard they were open to everyone.......and my feeling were not hurt.........I'm a grown-up


Man that's a little rough Toughy.
I do hear what you're trying to say, I really do.

But I do give a shit, if I can trade a suite for two or three regular rooms that members that cant afford them can use, then it matters a lot to me.

This community will remain transparent and no one will ever be kissing my ring. Its real easy to "justify" all kinds of neat stuff, lets do that role for everyone.

[Just_G]

As far as the after parties go, well, I have been known to have a few of those over the years! :trampoline:
The ones we had, and when I say "we", I am referencing my body shot comrades :winky:, they were never invite only. We would put out word that they were going on and people came. Some people won't go if they didn't hear it "personally" from whomever was throwing the party, etc. Our suite in Dallas was always packed with people, our door was open (literally) all night long as people came by before or after Diva's parties. (of which I am PISSED that I missed those parties because I did not know my Nizzle yet :eyebrow:)

I love the idea of getting a suite, much like my buddies and I did in Dallas, and host a pre party, an after party, etc. I love a good party....have you met me? :winky:

Medusa and Jack, thank you for all the hard work of pinning down all of this info! What you are doing for this community is amazing, and I really truly appreciate it!
When there is a call for volunteers...I will jump all over it to do what I can to help out!

You rock!

[Diva]

I sorta wanted to kiss Jack's ring.....:(

[Tommi]

I sorta wanted to kiss Jack's ring.....:( No kiss azz here.

I remember Dallas....I had "parties" in my room every night....it was a blast....and open to anyone who wanted to come. There were people on the bed, on the floor...everywhere....it was magic! (I remember Billy falling asleep on my bed. I have picture~proof! LOL!

I loved the impromptu feeling of those evenings..... ME TOO:perv:

~~~
So about non~registered guests.....couldn't someone just sign up for free and not post and still be considered a member?

Just curious....

Can't WAIT!



sherrie and I were on your bed too...right beside Arwen, and..and :hospital-snoopy:

Then we went to a private party...as we do every night..:fuck:

[MissVarda]

Cost is the biggest factor for Logic and I. I haven't been to many places in the country, so location is a low priority for me. I will say that June is bad for us with it being pride month and Logic's birthday. Pride is month-long in the bay area all culminating with the big celebration the last weekend.

Also, I kind of liked the idea of it being in a different place every year so that we got to experience different parts of the country as well as being with our chosen family. But I understand the "host home" idea carrying weight.

Anyway, thanks for all your work you are doing on this! I'm sure it is going to be amazing!

Any help I can be, let me know!

[Random]

What she says..

I'm a cheap skate... BUT

I've *Known*some of you people for going on ten yrs... It might be nice if we actually met...

I want community and being able to dress up..make it cheap enough that I can feed the family while saving, throw in someplace I can get a spa treatment and I will pack up the butch and these really cute shoes that I just got and away we will go


PRICE, please.



I'll go to Bumpkin Patch, USA (that's down the road from Po Dunk, btw) as long as I can afford to go. If I can't afford to go, then it doesn't matter where it is, does it? :sigh:

I want :gossip: and :beerbros: and :kissy:. Wherever that is, if it's financially feasible, I am SOOOO there!

2005 was the last get together I was able to make. Five years is a loooong time to get together with everyone and every year that I was not able to attend, it was due to financial constraints.

[MrSunshine]

I sorta wanted to kiss Jack's ring.....:(


I've been sitting all day, my ass has a ring on it ;)

[Random]

So.. here is a thought

We pay for the suit.. Jack and Dusa don't stay in it..

I remember talking about people donating a room for people who wouldn't be able to afford to go..

So.. we donate the price of a two bedroom suit.. that is used as a command post.. and four people who wouldn't be able to go.. well they get to use the rooms.. The common area would be for everyone? (don't know if bedrooms doors have locks or not)

What does everyone think of something like that..

People would have to apply to stay in the suit.. Something like the MWF..

It's a thought... I like the thought of a head quarters and I don't mind pitching in to pay for it... If enought of us pitch in a little bit, then it's not a big load at all..


What can be problematic in this, only so many people will fit into a "big suite" too. As a community member I don't really want to pay for Jack and Medusa's luxurious suite, if they want a suite and can afford it, they can pay for it just like the rest of us. And I'm saying this outloud, because Medusa and I have had this conversation.

As a community member who will also be paying to go to the Reunion, airfare, hotel, food, transportation and registration, I would rather see any extra funds going to provide scholarship rooms and financial assistance to others who may not be able to come otherwise. Because they are just as important, rather than suites and room service for a select few.

This place was seeded and initially funded by Jack and Medusa, but it only exists because "We" come here. Otherwise, they'd just be talking to each other, which by the way, is pretty hilarious in and of itself.

It is my experience from Dallas and other conferences that if folks want to get together, they make it happen, even if there's 6 on each bed and someone in the bathtub.

<3 June

[bigbutchmistie]

Dallas/Fort Worth

[Rockinonahigh]

After partys.
In Dallas ,wich was my first "party",I knew only a fue ppl that lived somewhat colse to Louisiana.I did meet ppl but everyone was doing there own thing,never did I know or hear that there were open partys.I attended many of the things that went on but honestly still felt much out of place where I shouldnt have.The finances for this cost me something like 1,800.00 after I totaled what it cost form the room cost 600.00.parking 87.00, couples dinner
not to forget all the new clothes I bought just for the b--h.Heck the kennel hit me for 15 bucks a day for my dogs to stay for 4 days. ect,ect.I do hope if I go to another its works out better.. not shure if I will go to the other b--h or not after the last one.Note im not mad at anyone ,just airing my experence of 07.
Rockin

[WolfyOne]

Now that I'm caught up on all the posts since my last visit to this thread.....I'm waiting patiently for more info :happyjump:

[Tommi]

Now that I'm caught up on all the posts since my last visit to this thread.....I'm waiting patiently for more info :happyjump:

Hiya Da Bear fan..since you have done the hard part, can you gimme a summary Bro..:harley:

[Medusa]

After partys.
In Dallas ,wich was my first "party",I knew only a fue ppl that lived somewhat colse to Louisiana.I did meet ppl but everyone was doing there own thing,never did I know or hear that there were open partys.I attended many of the things that went on but honestly still felt much out of place where I shouldnt have.The finances for this cost me something like 1,800.00 after I totaled what it cost form the room cost 600.00.parking 87.00, couples dinner
not to forget all the new clothes I bought just for the b--h.Heck the kennel hit me for 15 bucks a day for my dogs to stay for 4 days. ect,ect.I do hope if I go to another its works out better.. not shure if I will go to the other b--h or not after the last one.Note im not mad at anyone ,just airing my experence of 07.
Rockin

I hear you Rockin'. Loud and clear.

I am hoping that we can get everything finalized in the next few weeks and give folks a couple of choices. We hope to keep registration costs low as well as negotiate a killer deal on the hotel rooms.

We may not have fancy programs or bags or whatnot, but we'll have each other....and to me, thats better than a cheese tray or souvenier pen any day of the week.

I am working with a few folks who have generously offered their services for printing, merchandise, auction items, etc. We have an enormous amount of talent and generosity in this community and folks are stepping up all over the place :)

[cara]

Awesome, Medusa! :)

I will need to check the dates with my boss and the summer camp I volunteer for, but if it's a weekend I'm free, I'd be happy to help with registration or organizing whatever. We can talk about this later, though.

Hugs!

:stillheart:

P.S. I don't want to argue about this, nor do I wish to discuss this any further than this post because I don't want to harsh the spirit of this thread or website, but I think invalidating someone's experiences and feelings by implying they need to be more "grown up" is quite silencing.

[WolfyOne]

I'm ready to pitch in....er, help with anything I can.


Tommi my brother, I'd love to give you a summary, but I forget....besides, I think "Dusa said it all. Perhaps it'll all be finalized in a few weeks. That means we sit patiently and :gossip: amongst us.

[Tommi]

I hear you Rockin'. Loud and clear.

I am hoping that we can get everything finalized in the next few weeks and give folks a couple of choices. We hope to keep registration costs low as well as negotiate a killer deal on the hotel rooms.

We may not have fancy programs or bags or whatnot, but we'll have each other....and to me, thats better than a cheese tray or souvenier pen any day of the week.

I am working with a few folks who have generously offered their services for printing, merchandise, auction items, etc. We have an enormous amount of talent and generosity in this community and folks are stepping up all over the place :)

Betcha this talented group could come up with everything needed. Kinda like a treasure hunt Dusa. You make a list and we all come up with ..stuff...
I can do the BFT name tags. (with Clips, pins or lanyards) ..that are begged for..

[Medusa]

Betcha this talented group could come up with everything needed. Kinda like a treasure hunt Dusa. You make a list and we all come up with ..stuff...
I can do the BFT name tags. (with Clips, pins or lanyards) ..that are begged for..

Im taking you up on that offer ;)

Would you be able to personalize them with names? And how much time would you need from when I send you a list of attendees? (let's say, maybe 100 attendees?)

[Diva]

Maybe we should have The Reunion in the lovely SW Texas town of Camp Wood, Texas......

There's one flashing light.....and the hotel would be easy to find as it's the only one there....and it's just down the block from the Movie House.....and across the street from Chinc's Meat Market. (Chinc is my cousin twice removed)

Yes, I would love to see the looks of my Mother's people when WE all got to town!

:innocent:

[Just_G]

Hey hey!! Count me in for a raffle/auction item, and if there is a show, put Mr. Brandin' Peters :winky: down for a number! (or two if ya need him)

Let me know what I can do to help.....I am all in!:motorbike:

[Diva]

Oh yeah.....a couple of auction items from me, too.....

[Gemme]

I'd be willing to volunteer my time. I'm not what you might call especially talented in the 'make/do stuff' categories, so I could help with registration or something.

I love how so many folks are throwing their hats and tiaras in the ring to help out. :awww:

[Linus]

Im taking you up on that offer ;)

Would you be able to personalize them with names? And how much time would you need from when I send you a list of attendees? (let's say, maybe 100 attendees?)

I'll likely have my laptop with me and have a simple portable printer that might do. Alternatively, we could have blank labels that are pre-decorated and attendees can fill in their names if we get beyond 100. :)

[lillith]

I can offer a massage as a gift for the auction. I am a CMT with years of experience. I would love to offer more, but my time is crazy with school, work, and child. Hope this helps.

[friskyfemme]

Nope, there is a National airport there. ;)

I dont want to give too much away so thats why Im trying to determine if people would be willing to pay a little more for a more "glamorous" location or if cost is the true deciding factor.
And when I look at cost, I am also considering the cost of getting there by plane, train, and automobile :)

I am still getting price quotes from a few different cities and can put it to a vote in the next few weeks :)

I definitely factor price when I travel. It also depends on time of year for most places. NewOrleans is a good place to visit in May-June. I haven't been since rebuild. But too humid in July-August(hurricane season), which is same for Florida. Midwest is out for Oct-March too cold too unpredictable. Missouri-April-July is good. Phoenix/Tucson is good for winter. I use to travel for my work haven't been in New England or Northeast. I have enjoyed something about every place. However, I think having get together one coast or the other is too limiting for most.

[Kimbo]

I'm up for volunteering. I'm sure you'll let us know where we can help once things become finalized.

[WolfyOne]

I'm so excited and I just can't hide it, I'm about to lose control and I think I like it :clap::clap::clap:

[Medusa]

You bet!

We will need folks for Registration, the "Welcome Wagon", Security, a Raffle Wrangler, folks to donate for our raffle, folks to perform, an emcee (got my eye on one in particular if she can make it ;), a couple of arbitrators/facillitators, a and a couple of people to keep track of logistics and provide secretarial functions and folks for the cash verification team.

:)

I am SO warmed by how people are stepping up for this community. THIS is what its all about.


**Whoops! Almost forgot! We will also need folks to present topics or demos at our mini-conference

[Linus]

You bet!

We will need folks for Registration, the "Welcome Wagon", Security, a Raffle Wrangler, folks to donate for our raffle, folks to perform, an emcee (got my eye on one in particular if she can make it ;), a couple of arbitrators/facillitators, a and a couple of people to keep track of logistics and provide secretarial functions and folks for the cash verification team.

:)

I am SO warmed by how people are stepping up for this community. THIS is what its all about.


**Whoops! Almost forgot! We will also need folks to present topics or demos at our mini-conference

Add me to the list of those willing to do demos/presentations on best computer practices and some howtos (e.g., simple graphics stuff). :)

[Softhearted]

Will it be ok with people if I go to the Planeters' Reunion even if I don't id as butch nor femme? :worried:

[WolfyOne]

Will it be ok with people if I go to the Planeters' Reunion even if I don't id as butch nor femme? :worried:


It doesn't matter if you do or don't ID. The reunion isn't about how we ID. So, bring yourself and bring others, just get there.

[Rockinonahigh]

I have no clue where this will be,but..u can count me in to do what I can,if im able to go..and I want to be there.
Rockin

[apretty]

I have a question for folks:

Is PRICE the big decision maker or is LOCATION?

Because I might have an option that isnt as glamorous as New Orleans but would probably provide for the cheapest hotel rooms and lowest registration price of any conference I have ever attended.

location, in the sense that i love to visit gay-friendly locals... then, price is a consideration, of course.

honestly, i am reluctant to visit anywhere that's not gay-friendly because i can get that *here*, yanno? not saying that i wouldn't attend if the place isn't the most gay-friendly--it's just my personal wishy-listy.

[Dean Thoreau]

How about something terribly wild and different and not the same ol bash and grab stuff...
How about a planet bash that combines good works with good fun??

How about a bash that....combines partying with the theology of the hammer?

How about a bash located in a spot that we can all gather together during the day and help builda house...with habitat for humanity?

leave the worksite after laughter, joking aorund,,,hard work,,get a shower and stuff and then have dinner and stuff....
This will do several things: it will provide an enviornment for people to get to know one another in a manner that is more than the "good behavior bar scene"
it also builds community
it builds bridges with people who prolly will never have seen so many butches and femmes in one place before
and...selfishly we can all say...look what we did..not only are we a community that looks out for ourselves and each other but we help all people no matter their sex, age, race, sexual preference, etc etc etc etc.. now that is truly "A PLANET" one can be proud of!

[Selenay]

Dean, while I think that's a really noble idea, and perhaps a really great community side trip (maybe get a group of people together during/before/after the reunion who want to do that) I don't really think that would be a great idea for a reunion. For a lot of people, this is the only vacation they will get in a year (or two. or three.) If you work hard all year, you don't usually want to kill yourself on your vacation.


Speaking for myself, I would not want to do this. If I get the chance to do something really nice for myself, I don't want to have to work for 8 hours and come home exhausted, just to do it again the next day. I do that in my regular life, I don't particularly want to do that on my offtime. If I go to a reunion, it's to have fun, and be merry, and be silly, and wander around in my pajamas.

But that's just me.