Official choice of place and time for AMG 2015

[Lou-ah-vull]

I will give them a call on Wednesday and speak with the group sales manager.  This is the first hotel we have looked at the charges for wi-fi at $12.95 a day.  For me, that is a deal breaker unless the price is below the market.  I can't imagine they would be underneath the $149 for the Holiday Inn which has free wifi even though it is an older property.  Nevertheless, sometimes you can get a good deal when you are putting a group together and I will see what they offer.

thanks for the suggestion!

[aztecan]

I am the one who thought there was free parking at the Holiday Inn. I must have misunderstood the description when I was on line.

Sorry bout that,

Mark

[Lou-ah-vull]

Well, if you let us spank you an extra time at AMG I think that will be sufficient.  :-)  Really, we are miles ahead of last year.  We will have an additional proposal tomorrow.  We can decide fairly quickly.  Our task is to make sure we book TEN rooms.  Anything else is gravy.  With a concrete proposal, dates, and costs...we can spend the next months trying to get others to come.  It was hard last year because so much seemed unsure. 

The best part is that we can begin to plan the actual tenth anniversary of AMG and have an appropriate memorial for Rocky as well as the others.  I am excited!

Gary

[bocker3]

Once we have dates and location locked, I can get the 2015 Grants Committee in motion.  Will check with former members this week to see if they are still interested and, if not, put out a call for other volunteers.  The sooner we start this, the more donations may come in - thus helping ensure some additional attendees.

Mike

[Lou-ah-vull]

Yea Mike!

I thought for sure you would comment on the opportunity to spank Mark...but I guess there will be time for that later!

I am going on a 14 day cruise in the Baltics this June....Rotterdam, Copenhagen, Berlin, Talinn, St. Petersburg, Helskini, Stockholm, Arhaus, and back to Rotterdam.  Very excited to visit some new countries. 

And...excited to visit Beale Street and Memphis with AMG.

Gary

[aztecan]

Once we have dates and location locked, I can get the 2015 Grants Committee in motion.  Will check with former members this week to see if they are still interested and, if not, put out a call for other volunteers.  The sooner we start this, the more donations may come in - thus helping ensure some additional attendees.

Mike

To wit:

I propose we officially name Memphis as the location and the dates from July 30 through Aug. 4.

Anyone with any other ideas speak now or pack for a Southern adventure.

HUGS,

Mark

[anniebc]

To wit:

I propose we officially name Memphis as the location and the dates from July 30 through Aug. 4.

Anyone with any other ideas speak now or pack for a Southern adventure.

HUGS,

Mark

Jen and I are ready for our Southern Adventure.....again.

Aroha
Jan

[DANIELtakashi]

Will join you in MEMPHIS.   Have just found that the ATLANTA flight from TOKYO will be convenient for me to get to MEMPHIS. 

[Lou-ah-vull]

Still needing comments, discussion and recommendation on the three hotels.  Also each of them will require a minimum of ten booked and occupied rooms in order to secure the group rate and group booking privileges.  The sooner we solidify the block, the easier it will be to promote the event to others.  Of course, we need to wait to sign the agreement and establish the group before anyone makes reservations. 

Gary

[anniebc]

 Price wise these two are the best offer:

Springhill Suites By Marriott Memphis Downtown
85 West Court Avenue Memphis, TN, 38103 United States, 866-573-4235 at  $154 per night.

Sheraton Memphis Downtown Hotel
250 N Main St Memphis, TN, 38103 United States, 866-925-867 at $155 per night.

The first option is closer to Beale Street.

Unless these two are falling down they would be my choice, it doesn't matter to me if they don't have a bar or restaurant, there are enough of those outside the hotels.

As for parking I really don't know much about that, but as always I will go with the majority vote.

Please help Gary out with choices and lets get this going...so start posting guys. 

Aroha
Jan
     



                     

[Jeff G]

I am fine with Springhill Suites By Marriott Memphis Downtown or any other place that is chosen for that matter . I am pretty easy to please so I am going to leave it to Gary or whoever is doing the hotel planning … use your discretion and I will be happy with the choice . I am looking forward to seeing everyone and will be happy no matter where we stay .

[Dachshund]

You do not want to stay at the Sheraton. It's on the opposite end of downtown from Beale Street and not in a tourist friendly area of town, especially at night.

[initforlife]

I will be there a couple days. but I won't be staying over night. as where I will be living at the time is just a short drive to Memphis. .but I look forward to meeting as many I as I can while there!

[mitch777]

Will join you in MEMPHIS.   Have just found that the ATLANTA flight from TOKYO will be convenient for me to get to MEMPHIS.

You will have a wonderful experience Daniel. You and Jan will be coming from half way around the globe. Hope both of your flights are seamless.

[Jeff G]

Will join you in MEMPHIS.   Have just found that the ATLANTA flight from TOKYO will be convenient for me to get to MEMPHIS. 

I’m looking forward to meeting you Daniel and I know we will all have a great time .

[WillyWump]

This is turning into a world wide extravaganza, one from Japan, one from Australia, one from New Zealand and one from San Antonio!

[Jeff G]

This is turning into a world wide event, one from Japan, one from Australia, one from New Zealand and one from San Antonio!

I’m from another planet .

[WillyWump]

I’m from another planet .

Boy that's an understatement

[Jody]

Springhill Suites Marriott.  July 30-August 4...But if Gary thinks he can get  a better deal at Doubletree or Holiday Inn I say go for it....It  seems like we will easily have 10 rooms...See y'all in Memphis in late July.

Jody

[BT65]

Hopefully I will be joining you all.  I will be getting a free bed with one of the men (that's right), and will so love to see all these people face to face.  I just hope my roommate doesn't mind my beauty routine.  Hell, he may have one himself.

Will, love your avvy (deflate gate).

[anniebc]

I'm with Jody on the  Springhill Suites Marriot.

Betty can't wait to see you. I shared a room with Joe once and he was the perfect roommate.

Aroha
Jan

[BT65]

I'm with Jody on the  Springhill Suites Marriot.

Betty can't wait to see you. I shared a room with Joe once and he was the perfect roommate.

Aroha
Jan

Oh, it's not Joe, Jan.  But I believe you probably know who it is. I can't wait to meet you also!

[Jody]

Can't wait to see you Betty!  Jan I modified to say whatever deal Gary can get near Beale st. is fine as you seem to have stated.

Hugs, Jody.

[Jeff G]

Betty is going to be my roommate …. who knows what might happen … I may do her … hair that is .

[BT65]

I can't wait to meet you Jody!  Yes, Jeff is putting me up.  And he may do me, uh, my hair.

[anniebc]

Oh I knew it wasn't Joe Betty. 

I just accused your man if two timing me...he has never offered to do my hair. 

Jody that's fine, I agree, if Gary can get a good deal at any of the other hotels it's fine with me.

Aroha
Jan

[Lou-ah-vull]

I will try and get a group rate offer at the Spring Hill on Monday.  The Holiday Inn offer is still the lowest at the moment ($149) and it is literally adjacent to the Beale Street area.  I will post the offer when I get it.

Gary

[Dachshund]

I will try and get a group rate offer at the Spring Hill on Monday.  The Holiday Inn offer is still the lowest at the moment ($149) and it is literally adjacent to the Beale Street area.  I will post the offer when I get it.

Gary

The Holiday Inn Is a much better location.

[Jody]

The Holiday Inn Is a much better location.

I would say Dachsunds recommendation of the Holiday Inn is of utmost value.  The location near Beale St. is I believe more important than saving a few bucks so I say if Gary finds all things relatively equal to go with that.

Jody

[Jeff G]

I would say Dachsunds recommendation of the Holiday Inn is of utmost value.  The location near Beale St. is I believe more important than saving a few bucks so I say if Gary finds all things relatively equal to go with that.

Jody

I agree with this and its my vote as well .

[Lou-ah-vull]

The main difference is price.  Roughly the same parking fee (other than Hampton which is $10 a day cheaper.)  Hampton is the only free breakfast but is the most expensive room.  All the ones I have quoted are "close" to Beale Street.  Other than the Westin (and their internet rate is higher than everyone else's) we have the information.  Price is not the only consideration I know, but it is important to many people. 

I hope to hear the preferences of more people before I sign a contract with one particular place.  Sooner rather than later is highly encouraged.

Thanks to those who have already weighed in....after this, we can actually talk about planning the event itself...much more fun! and our Grants group can begin their good work too.

Gary

[anniebc]

OK Holiday Inn it is then, that's my choice.

Thanks Gary.

Aroha
Jan

[aztecan]

I would say my top two choices would be:

Holiday Inn

Springhill Suites.

Betty, I am looking forward to meeting you as well! 

HUGS,

Mark

[BT65]

Holiday Inn.  Mark, can't wait to meet you also.

[weasel]

Holiday Inn Downtown Memphis      
   That's my choice .

                                                     Carl

[wolfter]

My choice is wherever y'all will be.  That's better than any amenities any place could offer. 

I also didn't realize it's over 1200 miles roundtrip.  It's pert near Arkansas for god's sake.   Greg said that's not too far to drive so at least I'll be well rested and ready to go once we get there.   

[initforlife]

My choice is wherever y'all will be.  That's better than any amenities any place could offer. 

I also didn't realize it's over 1200 miles roundtrip.  It's pert near Arkansas for god's sake.   Greg said that's not too far to drive so at least I'll be well rested and ready to go once we get there.   

lol it isn't a bad trip really I go from here to Ohio once a year. worst part of that drive will be the western ky parkway if you go that way. long boring ride. which Is why I don't go that way I go down through Lexington on 68 two lane highway but goes by all the horse farms!

[weasel]

My choice is wherever y'all will be.  That's better than any amenities any place could offer. 

I also didn't realize it's over 1200 miles roundtrip.  It's pert near Arkansas for god's sake.   Greg said that's not too far to drive so at least I'll be well rested and ready to go once we get there.   

   I drive through Arkansas to get to Memphis 

[initforlife]

   I drive through Arkansas to get to Memphis 

  Hmmm why? lol

[DANIELtakashi]

I don't know how long it takes to drive through Arkansas,  from west to east, but some years ago, I drove from Memphis to Jericho ARKANSAS and it was a nice drive.  No big deal.   I am sorry.   

One question, do they have JACK DANIEL'S chicken barbecue in Tennessee?  It is a very popular menu at TGIF restaurants here in JAPAN.

[zach]

daniel,

memphis style bar b que is some of the most famous in america

[Dachshund]

Memphis borders Arkansas, just a quick swim across the Mississippi. There's a Friday's across the street from the hotel. I think anyone buying bbq there would be arrested or at least publicly humiliated. To Memphians, if it ain't Memphis style, it ain't BBQ.

[DANIELtakashi]

Zach,
Goodness.  I sometimes have a chance to eat at an officers' club at the US Navy base here in TOKYO, actually Yokosuka, and I  thought theirs was the best BBQ.  I must definitely go to MEMPHIS  this time.

[DANIELtakashi]

Wiener dog san

Thanks for the info.
Should eat real MEMPHIS BBQ .

[weasel]

  Hmmm why? lol

  I don't not know how you go Initforlife ?

  Bob and  I take Hwy # 67 down to #63 into Memphis .

 More than half of my trip is in Arkansas 

[wolfter]

I decided to check the cost of airfare instead of allowing Greg drive so many hours while I sleep.    $900.00 for 2 round trip tickets....wow!  Still doesn't make sense that my cheapest airfare so far has been the furthest flight I've taken.  Seattle was just a little over $200 IIRC.

[Jeff G]

I decided to check the cost of airfare instead of allowing Greg drive so many hours while I sleep.    $900.00 for 2 round trip tickets....wow!  Still doesn't make sense that my cheapest airfare so far has been the furthest flight I've taken.  Seattle was just a little over $200 IIRC.

A month before you fly is when you find the nest deals ... around a month give or take, cant remember . 

[bocker3]

A month before you fly is when you find the nest deals ... around a month give or take, cant remember .

This has become less and less true, in my experience, since the airlines have consolidated so much.  It can sometimes be even more expensive a month out if it's a popular route.  The airlines have all cut supply, so as a flight fills, they do not need to cut the price down.  I start looking at prices as soon as I have decided that I need to fly somewhere -- often 10 months out.  I try to gauge about what I want to pay and see how close I can get over time and then I usually book 1-2 months out, if I haven't seen the price I want.  Also -- it can sometimes be substantially cheaper to book one-way flights (even on different airlines) than roundtrip.  this used to never be true, but I see it more and more now.

When I checked the Richmond to Memphis flights last week, I was seeing ~$365 RT each, with not much difference on one-ways.  I'm watching for under $300 RT.

Mike

[anniebc]

Works the other way for me, the earlier I can book a flight the better the fare. We have to get in real early, that's why I need to know how things are going, but it is what it is, I know we can't rush these gatherings.

If it's later then I have to pay more to come and see your smiling faces, so y'all better may it worth while..

Aroha
Jan

[bocker3]

Works the other way for me, the earlier I can book a flight the better the fare. We have to get in real early, that's why I need to know how things are going, but it is what it is, I know we can't rush these gatherings.

If it's later then I have to pay more to come and see your smiling faces, so y'all better may it worth while..

Aroha
Jan

We'll each buy you a lemondrop -- all on the first night!!!

 

Can't wait to see you.

M