It’s a banquet dinner with speakers. Mature children might enjoy it, but smaller children would probably be bored out of their minds. There’s also a breakfast and the hotel will offer a discounted price for children for that, but not at the banquet. The rooms at this hotel were discounted for us by approximately $75 to $80 per night. That discount over two or three nights (or more for some who are staying longer) plus the breakfast and banquet dinner included makes it about a break even deal for a couple. Sorry, but banquets at DC hotels are fairly expensive to put on and we’re already committed. We cannot cut back on the level of service or our costs at this time.
By the way, anyone can come to the march and tea party events and there is no price of admission for those, but we are limiting the official FReeper Convention to registered FReepers, families and guests.
Thanks
Thanks for the clarification Jim. I didn’t mean to sound ungrateful. I was just a little surprised that this wasn’t more family friendly. I agree on the banquet and I’m wasn’t even concerned about that or even the breakfast. The hotel rate isn’t real great. 4 star hotels in Arlington are going for $79-$100 for that time period. Also there are hotels that have complimentary parking and internet and most will give you that if you just tell them you are going somewhere else if they don’t provide them. I don’t mean to be cheap but I stay in a lot of hotels and know how they negotiate. Also it would’ve been much more affordable if hotels outside of the inner beltway were considered. There are a lot of metro stations all over. I know this was put together quickly but I hope next time there are more options such as a basic registration for those who won’t be attending things like the banquet. Also it would be good to have discounted military and student tickets. Just some ideas. I think I may be able to make it. I’ll just purchase two tickets one each for my wife and I and my oldest can watch the boys during the banquet.