FRiva Las Vegas, Event Preparation and Reception

FreeRepublic Network Board | 08/16/2002 | DoughtyOne

[DoughtyOne]

These reports will be somewhat brief since my laptop isn't quite capable of handling complex memory intensive posts.  I hope other conference attendees will chip in with comments.

Right after posting my thread regarding the FRiva Las Vegas Conference and Awards Dinner starting Today, I joined the FreeRepubic Network Board and the FRiva Conference committee for a meeting in progress.

There BobJ and the group reviewed events for the weekend, discussing necessary taskes that must be carried out and how best to handle them.  Pictured is BobJ, Lowbridge, the Shrew, Auntie Mame and (don't quote me, but I believe) CarieOkie.  My appologies to a number of other folks that attended but didn't show up in the photo.

Katie and Liz take a look at one of a number of gift baskets that had been prepared for our guest speakers.

Just a few hours later and the reception was under way.  Here you'll see attendees registering at the event.

The hotel facilities were very nice.  Tables surrounded the buffet table located in the middle of the room.  It was a nice layout.

As they always do, Freepers gathered, read name tags and broke into smiles as they met people they'd only exchanged ideas and opinions with before this event.  During this time frame I was trouble shooting some technical equipment problems.  Those were solved just prior to Laura Ingraham's appearance, so I don't have group photos of attendees from this evening's festivities.  During Laura's presentation I took a number of shots of groups of Freepers listening intently.

When Laura took her position behind the podium, Freepers didn't have to be asked twice.  They were all ears.  And it's a good thing they were.  Laura was in rare form.  If you get a chance to listen to the RFR audio version on Saturday evening, you must listen.  Her presentation was excellent and the audio may only be played once.  Tune in to RFR for sure.  Look for announcements on the forum.  I'm warning you, don't miss it!

As I mentioned earlier, after Laura's presentation she fielded questions for between thirty and forty-five minutes.  She was equally as good off the cuff as she was with here main presentation.  She was honest about her answers, speaking her mind when it might not have agreed with the popular opinions held by some in the room.

After her presentation Diotima presented a gift basket to Laura, who then proceeded to talk to individual attendees, pause for photos and meet with Jim Robinson.  On her way Laura posed for several photographs.  I always try to obtain our own exclusive FreeRepublic photos of our friends whenever the opportunity arises.  I think you'll like these.

Having to clear out of the ballroom so that it could be readied for tomorrows all-day conference, we decided to retire to a nearby lounge for more conversation.  These are some of the people who joined us.

Everyone seemed to have an excellent time this evening.  I know I did.

Until later today, this is DoughtyOne.

(To those who attended, I took many more pictures than this.  I have limited resources right now.  I'll try to get more individual and group shots online tomorrow.  Sorry if you didn't appear in those I posted tonight.)

[brat]

ROFL....You're certain of that? LOL

[AGreatPer]

Bumping for your post #39. Excellent comments and thank you for the information.

[sauropod]

just now catching up. thx. 'Pod

[dixie sass]

Well, there are a few aren't there, let's see...

[dixie sass]

Missed seeing you this past weekend! Where will the flag be flying this weekend? Close to DC? Huh, huh, please!!!

Okay, okay, I know - go to the website and check it out! I'm not at my computer, but I'll find the website and look. Hello to your other half - missed him also!

[abner]

We will be in Findlay, Ohio. Also known as Flag City...
It should be a blast!

[dixie sass]

Excellent, learning, learning and learning! Oh, but I guess that's what the Leadership Institute is about! Very well presented.

[dixie sass]

lol, okay. Lets see, isn't that the state on the other side of Pennsylvania? The one that some people say isn't really a state because of the fact that the 14 amendment wasn't properly ratified? Where do these silly tidbits come from?

[dixie sass]

So did I Exit, very impressed by the person that I interviewed and the support that he gives his spouse and her endeavors and activities as a VERY active lady within the conservative movement. Tell Mr. Exit 148 I said hello.

Hope to see you both again soon

[abner]

I sure wish we could have come out for this. I heard Snow Bunny was there. Right now, she is on top of my list of FReepers that I have to meet!

[dixie sass]

Auntie Mame - everything that you said is so very true. The cost of the convention/meeting was negated by the amount of information received. We learned from each other as well of the from the seminar leaders and the speakers.

The speakers were dynamic and spoke TO us and not AT us as so many are want to do. I don't know which speaker I enjoyed the most, because each was special in their own way. Maybe Laura Ingram because she did such a great job in setting the tone for the convention, or maybe Mr. Chuck Muth cause he was enthusiastic and also took time from his move to the DC area to speak with us. Mr. Galen was interesting and one speaker whose writings I will have to better acquaint myself with.

The Committee did a wonderful job in putting this together. It was a pleasure to see you and others from previous FR events.

Thank you - all of you for making it very special.

[dixie sass]

Luis, I wish that you could have been there. You would have enjoyed all phases of the conference. From the seminar to the socializing to the speakers, even the food! Next year?

[dixie sass]

Morning Pod! Home!!!!!!!

[dixie sass]

Snow Bunny is a delightful lady. I meet her on Friday night and regretably did not get to spend much time with her. There were so many new faces and so little time to spend with them and get to know them in person.

[Luis Gonzalez]

"Next year?"

Next year in Miami Beach dixie!!!

[Snow Bunny]

Me too Abner, someday we both have to be at one of these at the same time. I would love to meet you.

[dixie sass]

Yesssssss Sir!!!! That would be soooooooo cool!

[DoughtyOne]

Oh oh, I didn't expect to have this thread revived.  The photos that were linked here were replaced.
They are now accessable from the large photo display I just posted.

Please access this series of web pages: http://www.knfo.net/photos/conf020816/page01.html

[dixie sass]

You should have known Dio would pull everything together, into a collage of words and photos. Good photos. Thanks.

[DoughtyOne]

She's just too organized for me. Grin. Thank you.