AMG names

[anniebc]

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

[weasel]

      I will be attending 

                                              Carl


         

[Jeff G]

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 .

[Lou-ah-vull]

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

[Buckmark]

I will be attending -- just 1 room needed.

Henry

[anniebc]

Just one room for Jen and I.

Aroha
Jan

[aztecan]

I will be attending as well! 

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

HUGS,

Mark

[bocker3]

I will be attending (hopefully Sid too).  One room

Mike

[BT65]

Attending, sharing room with Jeff. 

[anniebc]

Attending, sharing room with Jeff.

Excited I am...

Aroha
Jan

[BT65]

Excited I am...

Aroha
Jan

Me too!!

[weasel]

    I need one room .

    Willing to share with a guy 

    No hanky panky 

                                                          Weasel

[pozniceguy]

will be  there   1 room


Nick

[wolfter]

I need one room.  I'm bringing my own hanky panky. 

[Lou-ah-vull]

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

[bocker3]

I count 9 also!!

[anniebc]

9 it is..well Done lads.   

Mike
Gary
Greg
Nick
Carl
Jeff
Mark
Henry
Jan

[Basquo]

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

[Jody]

Looking forward to rooming with Mark.  Can't wait to see everyone in Memphis this summer.

[Lou-ah-vull]

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

[Basquo]

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.

[Lou-ah-vull]

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

[absopozilutely]

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!

[Lou-ah-vull]

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

[wolfter]

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

[Lou-ah-vull]

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

[bocker3]

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

[Fisher]

Planning to show up...

[Basquo]

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?

[Lou-ah-vull]

They will happily see you one or more 24 hours a day!

Gary

[Miss Philicia]

I think I will be attending.

[anniebc]

I think I will be attending.

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

Aroah
Jan

[WillyWump]

Hell yeah I'm going, gotta see my Triple J's! (Jan, Jen and Jeff).

[thunter34]

I plan to go as well.

[anniebc]

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.   

Aroma
Jan.

[bocker3]

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

Aroma
Jan.

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

M

[WillyWump]

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

M

Whatevs granny.

[anniebc]

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

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

[minismom]

 (The not-so) Wee One and I will be there!!!!
Yeah!!! Somewhere I can drive!!

[Jeff G]

(The not-so) Wee One and I will be there!!!!
Yeah!!! Somewhere I can drive!!

Wonderful ... I can finally meet you both !

[minismom]

Jeff, you may want to save the "wonderful" until AFTER you meet us!

[Jeff G]

Jeff, you may want to save the "wonderful" until AFTER you meet us!

I will take my chances  .

[avillechef]

I am outing myself as a total noob, but what is AMG?

[zach]

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.

[avillechef]

Thanks. So, what goes on at one of these gatherings?

[Buckmark]

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

[Basquo]

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

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

[wolfter]

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!

[wolfter]

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!

[wolfter]

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

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

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

[anniebc]

I still have the magazine with the article in, a treasure of mine.

Aroha
Jan

[mitch777]

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.

[wolfter]

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

[mitch777]

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.

[Fisher]

Still have one uncertain issue to resolve, but likely showing up

[anniebc]

 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.

Aroha
Jan

[mitch777]

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

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. 

[bocker3]

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.   

M

[wolfter]

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.

[wolfter]

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.   

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

[Lou-ah-vull]

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

[aztecan]

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

[Richie_R2]

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.

[Richie_R2]

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

[Aubietx75]

I will be attending and bringing my husband.

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

Aubietx75

[Torchwood]

I'm still thinking about attending.

[anniebc]

Aubie/Torchwood...the more the merrier, I look forward to meeting you.

Aroha
Jan

[Lou-ah-vull]

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

[anniebc]

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

[anniebc]

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

[Quarterhorse47]

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

[Jeff G]

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 .