Look familiar?
Posted on 03/24/2009 1:57:53 PM PDT by Roos_Girl
Hey y'all,
I am in the process of negotiating with the Gaylord Palms hotel to hold our Freeper Convention there on April 25. We can get a rate of $99 per night (which is a great rate for this really nice hotel) and the convention room will be complimentary.
For that rate they are asking for us to block a minimum of 40 rooms; if some people are staying both Friday and Saturday nights that would count as 2 rooms. The contract will be written such that if all 40 rooms are not picked up we would have to pay the difference. So, for example, if only 10 rooms were actually reserved the person signing the contract (me) would owe them $2970. I told them those terms were not acceptable, but they seem to be willing to work out some other terms if I can get them a firm number on how many guest rooms will be reserved.
Please mail me by Friday, 3/27/09, and let me know if you will be staying at the hotel and for how many nights. Without getting committments from you I feel uncomfortable agreeing to even 10 rooms, though I hope we have a better showing than that!
The convention will be on April 25, a Saturday, from 8am to 6pm. Room reservations for Friday and Saturday will count towards our minimum number required.
Does that mean I can count you in a room? One or two nights?
BTW, who is the ‘head’ of the Florida Freepers, anyone? The guy that heads up Reagan Club for Orange County (was at the tea party) wants to get together with our group and align our goals. He wants to get in touch with whoever heads up FLA if there is such a person.
I probably need to defer to Matchett-PI and MinuteGal to answer this question, but I'll do my best for what I understand. There are technically 3 Florida chapters. Matchett-PI is head of the central Florida chapter, I don't recall who is head of the other two (South & North Florida).
Networking with other like-minded groups I think should be one of our main goals and I'm glad to hear about the Reagan Club. Unless Matchett or someone else wants to do it, I don't mind contacting the guy and explaining to him what we're doing at the convention.
I could drive over from Indialantic, but would gladly come, stay and share a room with another FREEPER. 1 or 2 nights.
If you’re interested in sharing a room with someone, might I kindly suggest that in your post you tell us what sex you’d like to share a room with, or should I say, what sex would be willing to share a room with you? Sometimes it’s hard to tell from our login names whether we are male or female. :)
Just be advised that a room rate of $99 is deceptive. I just called the property and confirmed a $13 parking fee for self-park, valet is $21. $17 resort fee too.
So really $130 per night, plus taxes
Thanks for the info. I will verify with the sales person I’m working with whether these fees would apply for our group.
Joy is a she :)
Yes, a she, but now you have taken all the fun out of the stay??? LOL
LOL, sorry !
The leader of the Northern Chapter is Saminfl......Central Chapter is Matchett P-I......leader of the Southern Chapter is Jacvin.
I would advise two things to assist your friend who heads the Reagan Club for Orange County. First, he should register here on FR and bookmark our convention thread. That way he will know everything we're planning and who we are as the weeks go along. Maybe you can give him a hand in navigating FR.
Second, your conservative friend may want to drop in at the convention and meet with freepers over a meal or in the lounge in the off-meeting hours. This convention is about networking and he is certainly welcome to stop by and meet with any or all of our leaders and committee members.
The organization of a convention is very intricate and time-consuming and everyone here will now be so tied up that I suggest the best time for the networking will be at the convention itself.
Can't wait to see you there, Space! Your name reminds me of Space Mountain in Disney.....and experience I'll never forget! Oh, brother......
Leni/MinuteGal
Orlando is a bit too far for me to attend. Maybe the North Florida Freepers can get together soon.
Thanks for all you are doing.
All the facilities for a convention at our fingertips....and at a good price, also.
Freepers, why not look at this as not only a convention with like-minded freepers but as a getaway from life's sturm und drang in a beautiful and interesting (and warm!) Florida city as well.
Why not treat yourself to two nights at our convention combined with a day at Sea World or MGM or wherever.....and go home inspired, refreshed and unwound!
Roos, put me down for a definite reservation for two nights. I'll be there late Friday afternoon greeting early arrivals....both old and new freeper friends.
Folks, make a committment just as soon as you can. After a lot of work, Roos has found a great place for us to convene. Let's make her job easier and less nerve-wracking by getting our reservations in right away. And please honor your reservations so no one is left holding the bag after the ball is over.
Remember, Obommie's a Commie, but Orlandy is Dandy!
Leni/MinuteGal
Yes, I have the list saved and will add additional input when received. We were rather busy planning for the Orlando Tea Party event, so kind of slacked off on thinking about the convention. Now we can think about goals and discussion ideas for the convention on April 25th. :)
To the FReepers of Alabama, I've received word of a regional FReeper Convention in April; an actual regional convention to plan for the 2010 elections and so on, in Orlando on April 25! Pinging to those who may be interested!
oops...sorry I didn’t make that clear. I live in Winter Park so I won’t need a room but I’ll attend as much as possible.
thanks for all the other info. I’ll sort through it tomorrow and make any contacts I need to.
I’ll private email you with his nme and #.
If you guys have some ideas on how we can improve this convention with some things available on mobile let me know...all ideas welcome.
We are thinking about putting a welcome keyword for when you arrive so we know you are there.
You will get the convention agenda and other location information delivered right to your mobile.
FYI...
I saw a special this morning on negotiating hotel rates, etc. They said hotels don’t want to come off their room rates, generally, BUT...they WILL waive incidental costs, if you ask, like parking and stuff.
So, call them back and try to get a parking pass.
great info Leni!
Sometimes I feel like I’m ON space mountain when I watch what this gov’t is doing to us!
Leni/MinutGal
I would request that you let me do the negotiating on price and any costs they’re willing to drop. I don’t want everyone that’s planning on coming calling the hotel and complicating things. I will let everyone know what I find out.
Thanks!
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