POZ Community Forums

Off Topic Forums => Forums Gatherings => Topic started by: anniebc on February 01, 2015, 03:26:44 pm

Title: AMG names
Post by: anniebc on February 01, 2015, 03:26:44 pm: Please let Gary know who will be going to Memphis. I'll start the list off.

Jen and I will be attending, can't wait to see you all again.

Aroha
Jan
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: weasel on February 01, 2015, 03:41:52 pm: I will be attending :)

Carl

:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: Jeff G on February 01, 2015, 04:49:28 pm: I will be attending . Do we need to say if we need a room ? I need a room but Betty will be staying in it with me . I am not clear if we need names and a room count or what .

Please only post if you are attending and if you need a room to make it easier for Gary to tally the information and not make this a conversational thread .
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: Lou-ah-vull on February 01, 2015, 05:30:27 pm: Good point...what I really need is a room count. Please let me know if you are sharing a room. Remember we need a hard room count of ten. I am going to ask for a contract on Monday to get everything set up. I will post the details. Almost certainly we will each have to call the hotel (rather than go online) to reserve a room from the AMG block.

For the moment, we all want to know WHO is planning to attend but we also want to know the number of rooms.

I am going to attend and book a room.

Gary
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: Buckmark on February 01, 2015, 07:53:04 pm: I will be attending -- just 1 room needed.

Henry
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: anniebc on February 01, 2015, 08:05:31 pm: Just one room for Jen and I.

Aroha
Jan :-*
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: aztecan on February 01, 2015, 08:13:07 pm: I will be attending as well!

Jody has contacted me as well and we will be sharing digs this year again.

HUGS,

Mark
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: bocker3 on February 01, 2015, 09:36:19 pm: I will be attending (hopefully Sid too). One room

Mike
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: BT65 on February 01, 2015, 09:43:59 pm: Attending, sharing room with Jeff.
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: anniebc on February 01, 2015, 09:53:01 pm: Quote from: BT65 on February 01, 2015, 09:43:59 pm
Attending, sharing room with Jeff.

Excited I am... ;)

Aroha
Jan :-*
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: BT65 on February 01, 2015, 09:58:03 pm: Quote from: anniebc on February 01, 2015, 09:53:01 pm
Excited I am... ;)

Aroha
Jan :-*

Me too!!
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: weasel on February 01, 2015, 10:32:45 pm: I need one room .

Willing to share with a guy :)

No hanky panky ???

Weasel
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: pozniceguy on February 02, 2015, 12:02:45 am: will be there 1 room

Nick
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: wolfter on February 02, 2015, 11:24:16 am: I need one room. I'm bringing my own hanky panky. ;)
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: Lou-ah-vull on February 02, 2015, 04:03:42 pm: If I have counted correctly (always a big IF) we have nine rooms at this point. Do I hear ten? Or did I count wrong?

Gary
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: bocker3 on February 02, 2015, 04:54:10 pm: I count 9 also!!
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: anniebc on February 02, 2015, 08:21:20 pm: 9 it is..well Done lads. ;)

Mike
Gary
Greg
Nick
Carl
Jeff
Mark
Henry
Jan
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: Basquo on February 02, 2015, 09:03:19 pm: Santi and I are planning to attend, and I'm willing to book a room, but it's possible that one or both of us might not be able to stay the whole 5 nights...does that affect the minimum? I'm just waiting to hear if all my time off has been approved :o
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: Jody on February 02, 2015, 10:08:15 pm: Looking forward to rooming with Mark. Can't wait to see everyone in Memphis this summer. :)
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: Lou-ah-vull on February 03, 2015, 12:50:12 am: I am pretty certain that everyone will be able to reserve their room within the block for the number of actual nights they need (including coming earlier if they wish or staying later.) The more important thing is the ten room guarantee (not necessarily five nights in the block.)

Still looking for that tenth room so I can get a contract. And yes...we would love to see Creighton and Santi again...hope it works out!

I am feeling good that we will encourage more people to come once we have a guaranteed arrangement. This is the earliest we have been in my memory to having everything nailed down. The hotel does have extra rooms beyond the ten room minimum.

Gary
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: Basquo on February 03, 2015, 09:10:50 pm: Santi now says he's not going to make it, but I'll vouch for the 10^th room. Might have to cut it a wee bit short but I'm willing to play out the pity card and one of my three bosses will remember how I met all of you in Montreal in 2006...I'm prepared to call her on her cell phone when I know she's in rush hour traffic picking up her kids LOL! But I know she's gunning for me; hell, she just took off two weeks herself. By then we will have hired and trained another one of me so it should go seamlessly.
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: Lou-ah-vull on February 04, 2015, 10:28:50 pm: Played phone tag with the Group Coordinator at the Holiday Inn today...so surely tomorrow we will have a contract. Hopefully I can post the details as soon as I get them. We should be able to offer extra rooms at the group rate but those will not be guaranteed and will strictly be on an "as available" basis.

Gary
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: absopozilutely on February 05, 2015, 12:51:01 am: Oh! I'm going! What's the other thread? I work for Marriott and I'm totally happy to assist with hotel if needed. I'll get one room too. Can someone message me details so I can arrange flights and try and convince Irish to come with? Thanks!
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: Lou-ah-vull on February 05, 2015, 01:03:44 am: hotel details will be out in a day or two at the most. We will have a block of rooms at the Holiday Inn Downtown Memphis. I am going to ask for a block of ten, but now that I know there is an eleventh I will adjust. We will be able to add others on a space available basis. Currently our event starts on Thursday, July 30 through Aug 4.

Gary
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: wolfter on February 05, 2015, 01:17:34 am: I'm torn. On one hand I so want and am glad Greg is coming but also will miss my previous antics. I've mostly been on prim and proper behavior since we've been back together. I'm afraid he'll see the "fun" me. lmao
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: Lou-ah-vull on February 05, 2015, 05:51:04 pm: I have received the contract from the Holiday Inn. I decided to be brazen and block out 15 rooms. We can reduce the number all the way to ten if we need to. I will be able to post the reservation information just as soon as they receive the faxed agreement back from me.

The room rate will be $149.00. Taxes are an additional 15.95%. Each room will need to be guaranteed on an individual credit card. There is a no smoking policy which I know rankles some of you but I also know you are familiar with this in the hotel business these days. There is a hefty $250 fine if you smoke in the room.

Parking is by valet and is $22 per day with in and out restrictions.

The block allows check in as early as Thursday and as late as Tuesday. Any one wishing to arrive earlier or stay later will be able to request the same rate and room on a space available basis.

I will have a phone number and reservation instructions pretty quickly. The cut off date for the room block is June 30, 2015. Let's promote this event to others. I feel confident I can increase the block if we get interest beyond the 15 rooms.

I am excited that we have all taken steps to ensure we host and celebrate an AMG this summer...and in the South for the first time.

Gary
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: bocker3 on February 05, 2015, 10:01:48 pm: Gary,

Thanks for taking the proverbial bull by the horns here and making this happen!!

Now - if only someone else would volunteer for the Grants Committee, so I can get that kicked into gear........ (not directed at you Gary -- just hoping a message here gets a little more air play than the Grants Committee thread has)

Mike
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: Fisher on February 09, 2015, 08:30:52 pm: Planning to show up...
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: Basquo on February 09, 2015, 09:47:17 pm: My time off has been approved :) now we're just waiting on Santi's request which he put in today. But damn the flights from Austin are all really early or really late or have unreasonable layovers! How early do airlines start serving cocktails?
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: Lou-ah-vull on February 10, 2015, 12:32:42 am: They will happily see you one or more 24 hours a day!

Gary
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: Miss Philicia on February 10, 2015, 08:57:34 am: I think I will be attending.
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: anniebc on February 12, 2015, 12:18:17 am: Quote from: Miss Philicia on February 10, 2015, 08:57:34 am
I think I will be attending.

Not good enough, I need to see "I WILL BE ATTENDING" ...but no pressure..;)

Aroah
Jan :-*
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: WillyWump on February 18, 2015, 07:26:47 pm: Hell yeah I'm going, gotta see my Triple J's! (Jan, Jen and Jeff).
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: thunter34 on February 19, 2015, 01:01:59 pm: I plan to go as well.
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: anniebc on March 02, 2015, 03:29:41 am: Quote from: WillyWump on February 18, 2015, 07:26:47 pm
Hell yeah I'm going, gotta see my Triple J's! (Jan, Jen and Jeff).

Can't wait to see our wee Willie as well. ;D

Aroma
Jan. :-*
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: bocker3 on March 02, 2015, 07:37:17 am: Quote from: anniebc on March 02, 2015, 03:29:41 am
Can't wait to see our wee Willie as well. ;D

Aroma
Jan. :-*

She called his willie "wee" -- I think that means small in Jan-speak! 8)

M
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: WillyWump on March 09, 2015, 05:55:22 pm: Quote from: bocker3 on March 02, 2015, 07:37:17 am
She called his willie "wee" -- I think that means small in Jan-speak! 8)

M

Whatevs granny.
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: anniebc on March 10, 2015, 04:08:42 am: Quote from: bocker3 on March 02, 2015, 07:37:17 am
She called his willie "wee" -- I think that means small in Jan-speak! 8)

M

There used to be a Scottish character called "Wee Willie" and he was much loved by all...just like our own Will. ;)

Aroha
Jan :-*
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: minismom on March 10, 2015, 12:00:15 pm: (The not-so) Wee One and I will be there!!!!
Yeah!!! Somewhere I can drive!!
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: Jeff G on March 10, 2015, 12:01:05 pm: Quote from: minismom on March 10, 2015, 12:00:15 pm
(The not-so) Wee One and I will be there!!!!
Yeah!!! Somewhere I can drive!!

Wonderful ... I can finally meet you both !
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: minismom on March 10, 2015, 12:12:56 pm: Jeff, you may want to save the "wonderful" until AFTER you meet us!
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: Jeff G on March 10, 2015, 12:49:38 pm: Quote from: minismom on March 10, 2015, 12:12:56 pm
Jeff, you may want to save the "wonderful" until AFTER you meet us!

I will take my chances ;) .
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: avillechef on April 19, 2015, 09:50:54 pm: I am outing myself as a total noob, but what is AMG?
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: zach on April 19, 2015, 10:05:25 pm: Aufrecht Melcher Grossaspach, Jeff is giving away a damn nice Benz as a door prize to the best drag queen. ;)

Seriously.... this group used to be called AIDS Meds Group and the get coming get together is the AIDS Meds Gathering.

At least, I think, this will be my first gathering.
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: avillechef on April 19, 2015, 10:21:58 pm: Thanks. So, what goes on at one of these gatherings?
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: Buckmark on April 21, 2015, 11:59:38 am: Quote from: avillechef on April 19, 2015, 10:21:58 pm
Thanks. So, what goes on at one of these gatherings?

Mostly, it is just friendly socialization. Sightseeing. Meals. A few drinks (then maybe a few more drinks). Or not -- not everyone drinks.

There is no organized conference or meeting. We do organize a memorial service to remember the friends and loved ones we have lost to HIV and AIDS, and usually an organized "meet and greet" just to make sure everyone gets introduced to each other.

Think of AMG as a chance to go on vacation with a group of people you can feel comfortable with because you never have to explain your HIV status. For some it is a bit of a stretch outside their comfort zone to travel and meet people they have not previously met in person. But I've never heard of anyone saying they felt uncomfortable or didn't enjoy themselves. Most feel their lives are enriched in ways they couldn't have imagined.

Cheers,

Henry
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: Basquo on April 21, 2015, 09:34:41 pm: Hi avillechef, my laptop is on strike, so I'm attempting this on my kindle. Here's a link to an article I wrote about AMG a few years back

http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=21792.msg278290#msg278290 (http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=21792.msg278290#msg278290)

If it don't work I'm sure someone can jump in and help :o
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: wolfter on April 23, 2015, 02:49:03 am: I have not officially added my name to the list or my itinerary. BUT, I will definitely be there. I brought this up again with Greg about securing and locking down our plans.

I know in relationships that one must accept and deal with what you consider flaws. But I DON'T do well with procrastination and spontaneity. Every time, he simply says to make the plans. We haven't even decided if we're driving or flying on when we're arriving or leaving. I'll be making that decision real soon.

Because it's all relevant to what must be packed and how much we can pack. Driving means load her down whereas flying means trying to stay within one checked luggage.

Looking forward to see you all!
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: wolfter on April 23, 2015, 02:53:04 am: Quote from: Buckmark on April 21, 2015, 11:59:38 am
Mostly, it is just friendly socialization. Sightseeing. Meals. A few drinks (then maybe a few more drinks). Or not -- not everyone drinks.

There is no organized conference or meeting. We do organize a memorial service to remember the friends and loved ones we have lost to HIV and AIDS, and usually an organized "meet and greet" just to make sure everyone gets introduced to each other.

Think of AMG as a chance to go on vacation with a group of people you can feel comfortable with because you never have to explain your HIV status. For some it is a bit of a stretch outside their comfort zone to travel and meet people they have not previously met in person. But I've never heard of anyone saying they felt uncomfortable or didn't enjoy themselves. Most feel their lives are enriched in ways they couldn't have imagined.

Cheers,

Henry

That's an excellent description!
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: wolfter on April 23, 2015, 03:01:28 am: Quote from: Basquo on April 21, 2015, 09:34:41 pm
Hi avillechef, my laptop is on strike, so I'm attempting this on my kindle. Here's a link to an article I wrote about AMG a few years back

http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=21792.msg278290#msg278290 (http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=21792.msg278290#msg278290)

If it don't work I'm sure someone can jump in and help :o

Dang. I have never seen this link before and teared up reading it. I'm posting an actual link of your beautiful words. I hope you don't mind?

http://www.poz.com/articles/postcard_from_the_edge_2201_14804.shtml
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: anniebc on April 23, 2015, 07:06:51 am: I still have the magazine with the article in, a treasure of mine.

Aroha
Jan :-*
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: mitch777 on April 30, 2015, 09:03:10 pm: Reservations made today. I will be arriving on the 30th at 2:13 PM via Delta. Leaving on August 4th in the afternoon.

I'm not planning on renting a car to keep expenses minimized. I know Jeff will be arriving in his red pickup with seats full but a granny chair in the truck bed would suit me fine on an excursion. Or... a shared cab would be fine like it was in Chicago. lol.

Looking forward to seeing every member! Some for the first time and others for the second or third time.

m.
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: wolfter on May 03, 2015, 10:38:25 am: Most excellent Mark. Can't wait to see you again.

I'm probably arriving by myself. Which is good since it's the one time of the year that I really can cut loose with no witnesses. :) With Greg there, I'd have to behave and I wouldn't have as much fun. I'll also get to spend more time with everyone as I won't need to scour for dates....lol
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: mitch777 on May 03, 2015, 05:53:36 pm: Quote from: wolfter on May 03, 2015, 10:38:25 am
Most excellent Mark. Can't wait to see you again.

I'm probably arriving by myself. Which is good since it's the one time of the year that I really can cut loose with no witnesses. :) With Greg there, I'd have to behave and I wouldn't have as much fun. I'll also get to spend more time with everyone as I won't need to scour for dates....lol

I had hoped to meet the other Greg. :( Looking forward to seeing you again too!

--------

It looks like the total count so far is 20+ of which I have met 10 so far. Is Memphis ready for us? It would be great if we all had at least one dinner or lunch together. I'll bet Dach would know.
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: Fisher on May 06, 2015, 09:20:51 pm: Still have one uncertain issue to resolve, but likely showing up
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: anniebc on May 07, 2015, 06:03:50 pm: Quote from: mitch777 on May 03, 2015, 05:53:36 pm

It would be great if we all had at least one dinner or lunch together. I'll bet Dach would know.

This is why we have the Meet and Greet, sometimes it's the only chance we all get to be together. :D

Aroha
Jan :-*
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: mitch777 on May 07, 2015, 08:34:14 pm: Quote from: anniebc on May 07, 2015, 06:03:50 pm
This is why we have the Meet and Greet, sometimes it's the only chance we all get to be together. :D

Aroha
Jan :-*

I'm a newbie as far as AMG is concerned. In Chicago we didn't really have a Meet and Greet. There were only 11 of us and it was casual. Although the small group we had that year was maybe more intimate than usual. It still went by too quick. Looking forward to seeing the whole gang at least once together. Everything seems to be more organized this year. :)
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: bocker3 on May 07, 2015, 10:39:15 pm: Seemed like every night (and day) had a Meet and Greet in Chicago. Those lovely ladies who shared their jello shots with you all on the roof certainly enjoyed our company!! The small group certainly had a different vibe. :D

M
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: wolfter on May 07, 2015, 11:06:38 pm: Quote from: mitch777 on May 07, 2015, 08:34:14 pm
I'm a newbie as far as AMG is concerned. In Chicago we didn't really have a Meet and Greet. There were only 11 of us and it was casual. Although the small group we had that year was maybe more intimate than usual. It still went by too quick. Looking forward to seeing the whole gang at least once together. Everything seems to be more organized this year. :)

You're not a newbie....act your age...lol I can't wait to see you and everyone else. This is gearing up to be an awesome time.

I dont pretend to be anything other than what I am. I yam what I yam.
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: wolfter on May 07, 2015, 11:11:30 pm: Quote from: bocker3 on May 07, 2015, 10:39:15 pm
Seemed like every night (and day) had a Meet and Greet in Chicago. Those lovely ladies who shared their jello shots with you all on the roof certainly enjoyed our company!! The small group certainly had a different vibe. :D

M

I really should not lead our lady friends on but since they adore our company and should be aware....oh hell theyd be fun
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: Lou-ah-vull on May 08, 2015, 07:54:47 pm: I, of course, arrived at the "tail end" of that infamous rooftop party with the bridesmaids. If you remember, they wanted to join us the next year because you were all great fun.

Mike and I had a sober (we were the only ones I think) dinner after that...

So looking forward to being together again with everyone and to meet new ones too.

Gary
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: aztecan on May 09, 2015, 12:14:36 pm: Quote from: Lou-ah-vull on May 08, 2015, 07:54:47 pm
I, of course, arrived at the "tail end" of that infamous rooftop party with the bridesmaids. If you remember, they wanted to join us the next year because you were all great fun.

Mike and I had a sober (we were the only ones I think) dinner after that...

So looking forward to being together again with everyone and to meet new ones too.

Gary

If I remember correctly, after the rooftop gala, we went across the street to the little bar on the second floor above the restaurant. I remember the bartender being very friendly, even if he did set the bar on fire.

Ah, the memories.

HUGS

Mark
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: Richie_R2 on May 28, 2015, 07:30:16 am: I will be there, whatever I have to do to get there... may not be there for every part of it because of parole and work requirements, but I will certainly stop by as much as I can. I live two hours from Memphis, so I won't need a hotel room.
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: Richie_R2 on May 28, 2015, 08:31:24 am: There... uploaded to Photobucket. That was way tougher than I expected due to PB's ads almost choking out my PC in combination with the ads here... but I got it.

You can spot me at the event. Look for this tattoo: (May be under a shirt.)

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll182/rocketsurgeon76/377ba31f-6493-462b-81df-2b34856a1d83_zpsufaztouu.jpg (http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll182/rocketsurgeon76/377ba31f-6493-462b-81df-2b34856a1d83_zpsufaztouu.jpg)
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: Aubietx75 on June 15, 2015, 11:03:06 am: I will be attending and bringing my husband.

Though I think we are staying at another hotel (using points).

Aubietx75
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: Torchwood on June 16, 2015, 04:50:51 pm: I'm still thinking about attending.
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: anniebc on June 16, 2015, 05:25:27 pm: Aubie/Torchwood...the more the merrier, I look forward to meeting you.

Aroha
Jan
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: Lou-ah-vull on June 22, 2015, 03:48:14 pm: Jan, you do have the names I PM'd to you, right?

I won't be back in the States until Sunday. Stockholm, Sweden today.

So looking forward to Memphis!

Gary
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: anniebc on June 22, 2015, 05:46:47 pm: Quote from: Lou-ah-vull on June 22, 2015, 03:48:14 pm
Jan, you do have the names I PM'd to you, right?

I won't be back in the States until Sunday. Stockholm, Sweden today.

So looking forward to Memphis!

Gary

Hey Mr Jetsetter, yes I got your names.

Enjoy your travels and can't wait to see you again in Memphis.

Aroha
Jan :-*
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: anniebc on June 23, 2015, 11:09:09 pm: Just a gentle reminder that I will be finishing this post in 7 days, so if you still have names you want mentioned at our memorial service please get them in.

Many thanks

Aroha
Jan
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: Quarterhorse47 on July 22, 2015, 12:30:08 pm: Hey all, I will be attending also but arriving on the 1st (Sat), and leaving the 4th. Wish I could stay longer, but have other travel plans personal and business over the next month and thankful to squeeze this in! This will be the first gathering I have attended since the Toronto gathering in 2005, and truly look forward to seeing everyone!
Thanks,
Brian Shreeve
Title: Re: AMG names
Post by: Jeff G on July 22, 2015, 01:57:12 pm: Quote from: Quarterhorse47 on July 22, 2015, 12:30:08 pm
Hey all, I will be attending also but arriving on the 1st (Sat), and leaving the 4th. Wish I could stay longer, but have other travel plans personal and business over the next month and thankful to squeeze this in! This will be the first gathering I have attended since the Toronto gathering in 2005, and truly look forward to seeing everyone!
Thanks,
Brian Shreeve

Welcome back to the forums Brian … looking forward to meeting you at AMG .