The convention committee is working hard behind the scenes to put the agenda together for the morning and afternoon sessions.
Two speakers are nailed down (ouch!)....and we're waiting for their bios which we'll post as soon as they're received. I've heard tell they will join up together to put on a little "skit" on one of our favorite subjects, the Media (hiss, boo).
In plenty of time prior to the event we'll post driving instructions to the hotel. We'll even post a map in living color showing the hotel and grounds which depicts where everything is.....restaurants, meeting room, pool, fantastic attractions, live alligators......
We'll be meeting in the Convention Center area....the Sarasota Room to be precise. More on this later.
Because the hotel is massive and if you have trouble walking a distance, you may want to ask for a room either near the Convention Center (at the rear end of the hotel) or the "St. Augustine" area near the front of the hotel right behind the front lobby. The handicapped rooms are here, also.
Don't be afraid to tell the reservationist-ette what you want. This hotel is most accomodating.
I'm staying in St. Augustine as I want to be near the lobby to meet and greet freepers checking in if I happen to be there....near the alligators.....at such times. I also want my room to be close to the front desk and the staff who will be very helpful with information to committee members and guests. Or you may want to be closer to the convention area. Bring comfortable shoes, LOL.
Dress all day long is "warm-weather casual", dinner is "freeper-casual-looking-nice"....if you get my drift.
(....continued in next post).....
Leni/MinuteGal
Folks, there's no registration fee to cover expenses for this convention as is done in most events of this nature. There are some necessary peripheral costs in planning for and carrying out the mechanics for this gathering of Eagles.
We're asking for some donations so that the dedicated freeper volunteers don't have to eat the costs. Some good-hearted freepers have already donated. We're so appreciative.
The screen names of donors who are helping make this convention a success are being listed on the profile page of the convention Chair, "Roos_Girl". All expenses will also be listed post-convention.
As one example, we want to have hot coffee, tea and some energizing doughnuts or breakfasty snacks, along with the necessary cream, sugar, napkins, paper plates and cups, etc. These will be available on a table at the beginning of the early morning meeting which will start with a get-to-know-you "meet and greet hour". Great warmer-upper for freeper fellowship!
This beverage service has to be ordered from the hotel....and it isn't free, believe me. There are and will be some other expenses such as name tag-type things, perhaps some unforseen contingencies, etc.. but rest assured, we're running a lean, mean conservative convention machine.
Won't you lend a hand? Make your donation out to our Chair, "Marci Chandler, P.O.Box 3731, Orlando, Florida 32802-3731".
Maybe you can't come to the event, but might like to throw a few bucks into the pot to help with its success. Anything left after expenses will be donated to Free Republic in the name of all the donors. Their screen names will be posted on the open forum with the kudos they deserve and with our thanks.
That's all for now......but wait!!!!.....
There's a registration surprise in store for those contemplating taking a room at this incredible hotel.
It'll be announced first thing tomorrow so stay tuned.
So don't get far from this thread.....I assume you have it bookmarked in your "favorites".
Tune in tomorrow!
In the meantime, keep your comments coming into this thread!
Leni/MinuteGal