| Thread Links | Date Links | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thread Prev | Thread Next | Thread Index | Date Prev | Date Next | Date Index |
|
Buzz:
I think your argument is still loaded with
assumptions. I believe only the Hyatt room block is reserved now. Why do you assume we
can block all the rooms in all the
mentioned hotels. Adding total nearby hotel rooms and claiming this is the same as a 805 room
block is flat out deceptive. I also believe we have not yet contracted
with the Convention Center for rooms. (Do we even know what the costs for
additional meeting space will be?). If
only contract we have is with the Hyatt Albuquerque, and if it has our
standard terms, it can be cancelled without financial
penalty. (Yes I recognize such a
cancellation would produce some ill will with
Hyatt.)
I have
personal reasons why I wouldn't mind
a trip to Albuquerque, but I try to be objective
for all attendees. I do
care about people that have to travel from outside the
southwest, I do care about forcing most of our attendees to lodge out of
the meeting hotel, etc. On balance,
I'm forced to conclude that holding the November meeting as planned years ago is a bad idea.
You claim
we can make this work if we
all stick together -- "work" has a broad range of
interpretation. My primary concern isn't making a
preselected site work, it is in making the meeting maximally productive.
I think we could have a much better meeting if we all work together to
change the venue, before you start signing all the additional required
contracts to make this site work.
--Bob
Grow
-----Original Message-----
From: Rigsbee, Everett O [mailto:everett.o.rigsbee@boeing.com] Sent: Wednesday, January 22, 2003 6:15 PM To: Geoff Thompson Cc: Roger B. Marks; stds-802-sec@ieee.org; dawns@facetoface-events.com Subject: RE: [802SEC] RE: status of Albuquerque meeting Geoff, I realize that you and Howard are not keen on the idea of another Albuquerque meeting, but it was voted in by the SEC, we do have a signed contract for the meeting, and there are more than adequate facilities available to us. I should like to point out that you completely missed the Doubletree Albuquerque, which is a highly rated 3-star hotel that is also adjacent to the Albuquerque convention center (so a block and half from the Hyatt) and has 295 guestrooms. The La Posada is a 4-star rated property with 115 rooms that is also within two blocks of the Hyatt, so that’s (395+295+115=805) already more than our normal room block of 800 rooms within a two block span. There’s at least another 326 3&2-star rooms that are less than a mile from the Hyatt, and a whole bunch more if you’re willing to go up to 2 miles.
I’ve been assured that the washing machine has been completely replaced by a modern noiseless unit in a more remote area where it is completely inaudible from the meeting spaces. There are at least 5 more good restaurants in the downtown area than the last time we were there, and I’ve been told the night-life is much better (which may not mean much when compared with other locations). Where it’s not my favorite location either, it is a reasonably good value in these tough economic times, and I’m sure some of our folks will appreciate that.
I’ve been told the airport is better now, but I’m afraid America West is still struggling so folks might want to stick with the other major carriers (Delta, United, American, Northwest, Southwest, and Alaska).
I don’t know if this helps at all, but I would appreciate it if you and Howard would make an effort not to douse this fire with gasoline by spreading misleading/alarming rumors to the folks at large. We can make this one work if we all stick together, and yes, I’ll even agree not to suggest it again until we’re less than 350 attendees again, OK.
Thanx,
Buzz
-----Original
Message-----
Buzz- La Posada de Albuquerque (only 1/4 mile away!) 125 2nd Street NW Albuquerque, NM 87102 At A Glance Cost: Expensive The city's most historic hotel, was built in 1939 by New Mexico native Conrad Hilton (who honeymooned here with bride Zsa Zsa Gabor). Today, it stands as one of the finest hotels in the Southwest. All 114 guest rooms and suites feature Spanish tile, hand-carved furnishings, and all the amenities you would expect in a luxury hotel. Four meeting rooms with large windows and antique carved woodwork are equipped with state-of-the-art audio/visual equipment and furnishings...easily customized for any function. The lobby bar, with its hand-painted murals, hand-crafted beams and balconies, has long been one of the city's most popular meeting spots. Conrad's Downtown is renowned for its award-winning cuisine. La Posada is located 1 block from the convention center, and just minutes from Old Town Plaza, museums and historic sites. Get lost in history...find yourself at La Posada de Albuquerque.
Roger, If you got that impression it
was erroneous. We have the Albuquerque Convention Center right next to the
Hyatt and they have plenty of meeting space for us. People keep whining
about Albuquerque, not because it is not good meeting spaces and a low-cast
bargain as well, but because they think Albuquerque is a rather uninteresting
venue in which to hold a meeting. Some folks would disagree with that, but
I suspect that after this trip we will not choose Albuquerque again because the
whiners are louder. :-) |