2010 Convention

[kbsocial]

The 2010 National Sweepstakes Convention will be held September 2-5, 2010 in Bloomington, MN. All details can be found on the Lucky 21 Website (http://www.mn2010.org).

Who runs the convention and decides where it will be?

There has to be a sweep club (or dedicated individuals) willing to come to a convention and put a bid in for it- "state their case" so to speak as to why their community should host the convention - if there is a club willing to do the work and can come to a convention, attend a Past/Present/Future Convention Hosts meeting and put together the bid for it - that is then taken to the large group attending that convention and it is voted on. There is a lot of support from past convention hosts that will assist with details and items leading up to and throughout the weekend. There is no National Convention Sweepstakes Committee or anything like that - sweepers rely on the clubs to step up and host. Pulling off a convention for 600+ sweepers is no easy task - so you have to have a strong club and/or strong leadership to make it happen. As you can see from the list below there have been conventions all over - any location is welcome to bid:)

Past/Present/Future Convention Hosts:

1990 - Lansing, MI
1991 - Clemson, SC
1992 - Arlington, TX
1993 - Annapolis, MD
1994 - Indianapolis, IN
1995 - San Diego, CA
1996 - Nashville, TN
1997 - Naperville, IL
1998 - New Orleans, LA
1999 - Arlington, TX
2000 - Bahama Cruise Convention
2001 - Orlando, FL
2002 - Louisville, KY
2003 - Baltimore, MD
2004 - San Diego, CA
2005 - Moline, IL
2006 - Scottsdale, AZ
2007 - Dearborn, MI
2008 - San Antonio, TX
2009 - Manchester, NH
2010 - Bloomington, MN
2011 - Ft Wayne, IN
2012 - Marietta, GA

[StarbucksAddict]

Wooooooooooooooooooot, this is gonna rock! :cheer:

[pamcakes]

i am so looking forward to attending this convention. i have blocked the dates off already!

[CathyVeester]

i am so looking forward to attending this convention. i have blocked the dates off already!

Me, too ... if I can talk Jon into it!

[KISSaholic4life]

i am so looking forward to attending this convention. i have blocked the dates off already!

Me, too ... if I can talk Jon into it!

I missed you two at this years convention - I really hope you make it to next years!










:cheer2:

[pamcakes]

Me, too ... if I can talk Jon into it!


i hope you both can make it!
and kiss, i look forward to seeing you too!

[TinyMoMo]

i am so looking forward to attending this convention. i have blocked the dates off already!

I talked to Gem today. We will be road trippin it. YOU sleepin' with US?? LOL:blues:

[TinyMoMo]

Wooooooooooooooooooot, this is gonna rock! :cheer:

I am so glad you are going to be there! I absoulutely cannot WAIT to meet you in person!:pinkie::pinkie:

[sundonja]

I can't wait to go. This will be my first convention. Is it too early to pack????

[CathyVeester]

I talked to Gem today. We will be road trippin it. YOU sleepin' with US?? LOL:blues:

It would be great to see you again, TinyMoMo.

[uclafan]

Gang,
I'm gonna need your prayers because if my principal (I'm an office asst. at a middle school) has his way I won't be able to come.

So work your magic in hopes I can convince him and my immediate boss that I will get all my assignments done in order to go.

Crossing my fingers that I can join all of you Tiny MoMo, Cathy Vester, Pamcakes, etc.

[mrbike]

mrbike and bgf will there! Can't wait!! :twoclap::cheer7::D:wavy::ohyeah:

[CathyVeester]

Gang,
I'm gonna need your prayers because if my principal (I'm an office asst. at a middle school) has his way I won't be able to come.

So work your magic in hopes I can convince him and my immediate boss that I will get all my assignments done in order to go.

Crossing my fingers that I can join all of you Tiny MoMo, Cathy Vester, Pamcakes, etc.

I hope that you will be able to attend.

[TinyMoMo]

Gang,
I'm gonna need your prayers because if my principal (I'm an office asst. at a middle school) has his way I won't be able to come.

So work your magic in hopes I can convince him and my immediate boss that I will get all my assignments done in order to go.

Crossing my fingers that I can join all of you Tiny MoMo, Cathy Vester, Pamcakes, etc.

tell him he needs to survive a day without you!!

[CARAN52]

I'll be there and so will "hottie" Stephen!!!

Can't wait.....:cheer4:

[The Sweepaholic]

Question for Bob Mennell
Host, 2010 Convention

Bob, was wondering who your committee was planning to have as a guest speaker(s)?

Thought it might be a great idea to invite various representatives from the sweeps judging agencies in the Minneapolis area to have a panel discussion with Q&A about how they conduct a sweepstakes promotion, especially the drawings ... and their views of the sweeper community.

There are lots of J/A's in your neck of the woods who might be willing to make a day trip to the convention to share information with us.

Would love to hear first-hand what they would say.

The exposure to so many sweepers might also help to educate them ... that we are consumers of the products that get promoted in the sweeps they administer, and not just a bunch of "professional" sweepers who are prize junkies.

I can provide a list of J/A's in Minnesota if you need it.

Thanks for any consideration of this idea.

[TinyMoMo]

Question for Bob Mennell
Host, 2010 Convention

Bob, was wondering who your committee was planning to have as a guest speaker(s)?

Thought it might be a great idea to invite various representatives from the sweeps judging agencies in the Minneapolis area to have a panel discussion with Q&A about how they conduct a sweepstakes promotion, especially the drawings ... and their views of the sweeper community.

There are lots of J/A's in your neck of the woods who might be willing to make a day trip to the convention to share information with us.

Would love to hear first-hand what they would say.

The exposure to so many sweepers might also help to educate them ... that we are consumers of the products that get promoted in the sweeps they administer, and not just a bunch of "professional" sweepers who are prize junkies.

I can provide a list of J/A's in Minnesota if you need it.

Thanks for any consideration of this idea.



hey, Bob has a facebook page!

[Madamzuzu]

what exactly happens at these conventions?

[mrbike]

What happens at the conventions stays at the conventions...:rofl3::rofl3:

[The Sweepaholic]

OK ... I now see that the Convention web-site's schedule of events does identify the guest speakers. However there appears to be time set aside on the last day for a possible Q&A panel session by sweeps J/A's. Hope that can happen.

[mnwarren]

What great news! Welcome all to my neck of the woods.

[Madamzuzu]

can someone please explain what the convention is all about

[TinyMoMo]

can someone please explain what the convention is all about


it is total insanity!:bounce:

[Madamzuzu]

seems like noone really knows with the answers im getting.

[The Sweepaholic]

can someone please explain what the convention is all about

A national level sweepstakes convention is held annually, and hosted by one or more sweeps clubs located in a large city.

Attendees usually number in the 600-1200 range. They are held in large hotels that can provide the meeting facilities required of a large group. Rooms within the main hotel and other nearby hotels are usually offered at a discount price and reserved for convention go'ers.

Registration fees are typically in the $200 per person range for the 4-5 day period. This includes free breakfasts and a lunch/dinner. Dress attire is always casual. There are also side-trips organized to other events taking place in the city while the convention is underway that don't interfere with convention activities.

Among the advantages of going to a convention are the opportunities to meet and make friends who share a common interest, win prizes, see a new city and learn more about sweepstaking.

One of the best things about a convention, in addition to developing new sweeper friends and learning about the hobby, is the opportunity to win prizes. The convention hosts make sure that nearly everyone comes away with a nice prize, often more than can be carried back on a plane ... things like laptop computers, GPS units, cameras, etc, ... as well as lots and lots of stamps and pre-paid postcards.

You can learn some interesting things in the sessions. There are several guest speakers who provide unique insights on the sweepstaking hobby. There are fellow sweepers who share stories of their most fantastic wins, providing inspiration to attendees. You can get lots of inspiration and sweeping tips from hearing how people have won multiple cars...trips...large cash prizes.

You can meet some wonderful people who have the same interest and keep in touch with them throughout the year.
You can find some really cool products (and prizes) in the vendor rooms. Lots of sweeps vendors are present who sell items such as decorated envelopes and postcards, organizer supplies, decorating supplies, books on sweeping, etc.

You can see a part of the country you might never have gone to. Conventions are held in large metropolitan areas that have a lot of tourist attractions, and they are always held during good weather periods.

Even if you say "I won't know anyone there" ... that might be true, but after the mixer on Thursday night or the first session on Friday, you'll have lots of new friends!

Here are past and future convention sites:

1990 - Lansing, MI ... 1991 - Clemson, SC ... 1992 - Arlington, TX ... 1993 - Annapolis, MD ... 1994 - Indianapolis, IN ... 1995 - San Diego, CA ... 1996 - Nashville, TN ... 1997 - Naperville, IL ... 1998 - New Orleans, LA ... 1999 - Arlington, TX ... 2000 - Bahamas Cruise Convention ... 2001 - Orlando, FL ... 2002 - Louisville, KY ... 2003 - Baltimore, MD ... 2004 - San Diego, CA ... 2005 - Moline, IL ... 2006 - Scottsdale, AZ ... 2007 - Dearborn, MI ... 2008 - San Antonio, TX ... 2009 - Manchester, NH ... 2010 - Minneapolis, MN ... 2011 - Ft. Wayne, IN

So if you've never been to a national convention, sign up for the 2010 convention. You'll enjoy it.

[Madamzuzu]

Thanks!

[caseycupcake]

I always seem to be more motivated to enter sweeps after I've been the to convention!

[Kutty1101]

Yeah! Right in my backyard! LOL. Yippee!

[paddy4444]

A national level sweepstakes convention is held annually, and hosted by one or more sweeps clubs located in a large city.

Attendees usually number in the 600-1200 range. They are held in large hotels that can provide the meeting facilities required of a large group. Rooms within the main hotel and other nearby hotels are usually offered at a discount price and reserved for convention go'ers.

Registration fees are typically in the $200 per person range for the 4-5 day period. This includes free breakfasts and a lunch/dinner. Dress attire is always casual. There are also side-trips organized to other events taking place in the city while the convention is underway that don't interfere with convention activities.

Among the advantages of going to a convention are the opportunities to meet and make friends who share a common interest, win prizes, see a new city and learn more about sweepstaking.

One of the best things about a convention, in addition to developing new sweeper friends and learning about the hobby, is the opportunity to win prizes. The convention hosts make sure that nearly everyone comes away with a nice prize, often more than can be carried back on a plane ... things like laptop computers, GPS units, cameras, etc, ... as well as lots and lots of stamps and pre-paid postcards.

You can learn some interesting things in the sessions. There are several guest speakers who provide unique insights on the sweepstaking hobby. There are fellow sweepers who share stories of their most fantastic wins, providing inspiration to attendees. You can get lots of inspiration and sweeping tips from hearing how people have won multiple cars...trips...large cash prizes.

You can meet some wonderful people who have the same interest and keep in touch with them throughout the year.
You can find some really cool products (and prizes) in the vendor rooms. Lots of sweeps vendors are present who sell items such as decorated envelopes and postcards, organizer supplies, decorating supplies, books on sweeping, etc.

You can see a part of the country you might never have gone to. Conventions are held in large metropolitan areas that have a lot of tourist attractions, and they are always held during good weather periods.

Even if you say "I won't know anyone there" ... that might be true, but after the mixer on Thursday night or the first session on Friday, you'll have lots of new friends!

Here are past and future convention sites:

1990 - Lansing, MI ... 1991 - Clemson, SC ... 1992 - Arlington, TX ... 1993 - Annapolis, MD ... 1994 - Indianapolis, IN ... 1995 - San Diego, CA ... 1996 - Nashville, TN ... 1997 - Naperville, IL ... 1998 - New Orleans, LA ... 1999 - Arlington, TX ... 2000 - Bahamas Cruise Convention ... 2001 - Orlando, FL ... 2002 - Louisville, KY ... 2003 - Baltimore, MD ... 2004 - San Diego, CA ... 2005 - Moline, IL ... 2006 - Scottsdale, AZ ... 2007 - Dearborn, MI ... 2008 - San Antonio, TX ... 2009 - Manchester, NH ... 2010 - Minneapolis, MN ... 2011 - Ft. Wayne, IN

So if you've never been to a national convention, sign up for the 2010 convention. You'll enjoy it.


Now Madamzuzu can relax!

[SharminsMagic8]

WOW I SO need to meet some of you. I've never been to a sweeps convention but this one is 30 minutes away from home! Score!

[SharminsMagic8]

TinyMoMo,
What IS Bob's facebook page?

[kbsocial]

TinyMoMo,
What IS Bob's facebook page?

I would highly encourage not using Bob's facebook page as a way to contact him for convention - please use the information on the Contact Us (http://www.mn2010.org/index.php?p=1_4_Contact-Us) page of the 21st Annual National Sweepstakes Convention (http://www.mn2010.org/) website :)

[fayefaye5]

i REALLY want to go to one of these but they seem so far away.

I have got to find a sweeps club in NC, and get them to bid for a hosting !! I know we have alot of NC sweepers on OLS :D

[uclafan]

i REALLY want to go to one of these but they seem so far away.

I have got to find a sweeps club in NC, and get them to bid for a hosting !! I know we have alot of NC sweepers on OLS :D


Sure would love to visit that part of the country as I have 2 sweeper pals in this area. Hope you are successful in convincing them to bid for 2012 or 2013?

This post might be lost here and perhaps another message should go ?????

[millertss]

I just wanted to thank "The Sweepaholic" for his post about what to expect at the convention. Now I just need to talk my wife into going. :cheer:

[LADYDEE429]

I just wanted to thank "The Sweepaholic" for his post about what to expect at the convention. Now I just need to talk my wife into going. :cheer:


If you wife likes to shop just mention the Mall of America and I'm sure you'd have no problem getting her to go. :smile3:

[sisishi]

:scoot:Maybe the California girls will make it this year:kitty:

[rwillems]

We need to have one in beautiful Colorado! I can see Pikes Peak right out of my bedroom window and my office window. I hope we get one here sometime.

[SouthJerseyGirl]

Finally after 25 years of sweeping, I'm going to go to my first convention in Minneapolis! I am so psyched! I am a little nervous as I don't know many people on here, but I sure am looking forward to meeting everyone! :pinkie:

[uclafan]

No need to be nervous. You will find instant friendship at the convention. It's funny but when sweepers get together, suddenly those walls of "don't talk to strangers" breaks down.

And maybe KB and Brent will do as they did for this year's convention in New Hampshire, make name badges with your OLS screen name.

Enjoy your convention time and look me up before and/or at convention. This will be my 7th in a row. Mall of America here I come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[kathy55439]

Looking forward to it... Mn sweeps group is a great group of people this should be a great Convention I know they are working hard to get it ready. Wish I was still in MN to help....

[batchicky]

i WANNA GO!!!:cheer4:

[lilac100]

I wanna go too, but thinking I might wait for the one in Indiana. I was checking flights and they are like $500 a person. I've always wanted to see the Mall of America but I can't justify spending over $1000 on my own little getaway. Maybe I'll run into some money before then.

[gacarol]

Airfares can't be booked this far out. If we could book now, airfares from Atlanta are around $236.00 to $260.00 round trip. Hope current airfare prices don't keep anyone from registering.

[LADYDEE429]

I am actually contemplating driving up from Houston. It's a two day drive but having my car to haul back anything I might buy is a plus. I also have a $100 BP gas card I won that I can't use in Texas. This irks me to no end. We refine the BP gas in Texas but have no BP gas stations.

:type:

[KISSaholic4life]

I am actually contemplating driving up from Houston. It's a two day drive but having my car to haul back anything I might buy is a plus. I also have a $100 BP gas card I won that I can't use in Texas. This irks me to no end. We refine the BP gas in Texas but have no BP gas stations.

:type:

Road trippin' to the sweeps conventions is the bestest and funnest way to travel. Me and BakedAlaska have done that for the last 2 conventions.

We've had the pleasure of meeting quite a few AWESOME OLS'ers on our way to and from the conventions - plus we get to see a lot of pretty cool attractions along the way.





See ya at the convention!







:cheer2:

[SouthJerseyGirl]

:dontknow:Just curious....I'm trying to stay within my rather tight budget, but really want to come this year. Do most convention goers stay through till Sunday? Thanks for any info you can provide. I'm going to be a "newbie" this year.

[kbsocial]

:dontknow:Just curious....I'm trying to stay within my rather tight budget, but really want to come this year. Do most convention goers stay through till Sunday? Thanks for any info you can provide. I'm going to be a "newbie" this year.

I'd say pretty much all stay until Sunday as the "big event" is usually Saturday night - a banquet or night out or something fun. Many leave throughout Sunday with others staying through Sunday/Monday. If at all possible I wouldn't short yourself out of the convention as you are paying for the full time to be there and you'd miss out on quite a bit if you left :gvibes:

[KISSaholic4life]

Lotsa prizes are up for grabs on Sunday too!











:cheer2:

[tomfarr]

:dontknow:Just curious....I'm trying to stay within my rather tight budget, but really want to come this year. Do most convention goers stay through till Sunday? Thanks for any info you can provide. I'm going to be a "newbie" this year.

You can try for a Sunday flight home but you definitely want to stay until the convention is over.

[gacarol]

"SouthJerseyGirl -Just curious....I'm trying to stay within my rather tight budget, but really want to come this year. Do most convention goers stay through till Sunday? Thanks for any info you can provide. I'm going to be a "newbie" this year."


Yes, you absolutely want to stay to the end on Sunday!!!!

[KISSaholic4life]

:dontknow:Just curious....I'm trying to stay within my rather tight budget, but really want to come this year. Do most convention goers stay through till Sunday? Thanks for any info you can provide. I'm going to be a "newbie" this year.

The sessions on Sundays usually end around noon - so if you had to go back home on Sunday you could still do the session and then fly home in the afternoon.






:cheer2:

[parkerozgood]

This will be my first year going and I am excited beyond all belief. Since I am from MN and only live about 30 minutes south of the Mall. I can offer advice for fun things to do for people while they are here. I know the area very well. I am going to need help from the veterans who have been there in the past!

[TRUN]

So I see most stay through Sunday - but what about coming in on Friday or late Thur is that an option that some do ?

[CARAN52]

You still pay the same registration fee no matter how many days you come in for, but from my past experiences, if at all possible I'd come in for all of it Thursday through Sunday. I, myself now come in on Wednesday afternoon and leave on Monday because I've made a lot of friends over the years, plus I get to not feel so rushed. I just count it as my private vacation for the year to myself. This will be my 6th one.

[TRUN]

Thanks - im still a newbie - under 1 year - have really enjoyed it and strongly considering it - Tom

[allycat]

I haven't been to a convention yet and have wanted to from day one being here at OLS. I'm checking this out and reading all the info.

Southwest doesn't show flights that far in advance yet (only up into August) but I'll keep checking for when they do show flights for this time frame. I have wanted to meet so many of you for so long!!! I'm really going to see if hubby will let me come (alone) so I'll keep my fingers crossed. :highfive:

[kbsocial]

I'm really going to see if hubby will let me come (alone) so I'll keep my fingers crossed. :highfive:

Let him know we'll take VERY good care of you :goodevil:

[allycat]

Let him know we'll take VERY good care of you :goodevil:

Awww LUV you KB and I know you all will for sure!!! :hugs: This is my goal for 2010 is to attend the convention. :cheer3:

[picassogirl]

Woo Hoo !!! I can't wait to meet everyone. This will be my first convention & I have no excuse not to go...I live less than 15 minutes from the M.O.A :cheer4:

[junehane]

I live in the area but booked a room so I don't have to drive it every day. Our "Sweep it up" club is hard at work. I'm looking forward to it!

[LADYDEE429]

I live in the area but booked a room so I don't have to drive it every day. Our "Sweep it up" club is hard at work. I'm looking forward to it!


That is not a bad idea. I belong to a group that hold's what we call bashes in different cities around the country. We've had a couple here in Houston and I wished I could have taken a room instead of driving home every night. I was animal sitting and their needs had to be taken care of.

[TRUN]

I can use my miles to fly back at noon on Sunday - is that too early ? WIll i miss anything that really shouldnt be missed ?

Thanks !

[kbsocial]

I can use my miles to fly back at noon on Sunday - is that too early ? WIll i miss anything that really shouldnt be missed ?

Thanks !

You will miss the last round of speakers, prize drawings and the bid process for the 2012 convention:)

[TRUN]

Thanks KB - maybe I will take the 630 flight then - i wasnt sure how much I would miss - thanks

[kbsocial]

Thanks KB - maybe I will take the 630 flight then - i wasnt sure how much I would miss - thanks

The convention usually, and according to this years tentative schedule, adjourns at noon on Sunday - so if you could 6:30pm you'd be there for all of it with plenty of time to depart:)

[tomfarr]

Have started accumulating stamps for the raffles at the Convention. Airline reservations were made today and was able to get a direct flight from CHT to MSP.:jet::jet::jet: See ya on Wednesday Sept. 1.

[mnwarren]

Have started accumulating stamps for the raffles at the Convention.

For those of us who are newbies, can you explain what this means?

[tomfarr]

For those of us who are newbies, can you explain what this means?

Go to their web page and read about the various raffles at the convention. Basically each book of 20 stamps with 200 max per person gets 1 ticket in the drawing. The same hold true for post card stamps. Their are also drawings with various limits for cash, gift cards, postal cards MN Lottery tickets etc. Being one that likes to plan ahead with each GC I win now I buy a few books of stamps so it doesn't seen like your running around at the last minute looking for stamps to take.

http://www.mn2010.org/

Look under Winning Opportunities. (You may participate in these drawings if you choose. They are generally held at the banquet.)

[LadyCat]

just out of curiousity the reg fee does that include your room and meals or just to attend the convention lets see i am in NY wonder how much a bus would be i would love to attend maybe i can work something out i am gonna try

[KISSaholic4life]

just out of curiousity the reg fee does that include your room and meals or just to attend the convention lets see i am in NY wonder how much a bus would be i would love to attend maybe i can work something out i am gonna try

Your room and most meals are not covered in the registration fee. The convention schedule has breakfasts every morning and a dinner banquet on Saturday nite listed on the site. Thursday nite is the meet and greet social - they usually have some sort of snacks to eat.

You don't have to stay at the convention hotel if you don't want to - sometimes you can find cheaper rooms close to the convention at other hotels/motels. You can post a thread here looking for a roommate to split the cost of the room too.

I took Greyhound to the 2007 sweeps convention in Dearborn Rock City - it was the cheapest way to get there and quite entertaining at times.

The registration fee also covers the entries for the regular drawings that the convention itself gives away - you'll need to bring cash/stamps/scratch cards/etc for the convention and vendor raffles. The convention and vendor raffles are completely optional to enter.

I hope you're able to go - the sweeps conventions ROCK! I've had fun at the 3 I've been to so far!











:cheer2:

[LadyCat]

thanks for the info Kiss i am gonna try as of now its a no go but one never knows what can happen got some time yet

[JeffTheGreat]

Many of you might be interested to know that the 70's rock group KISS will be performing at the Minnesota State Fair Saturday September 4th at 8:00 pm. Tickets prices are $40 to $70. Tickets go on sale this Saturday May 22 at 12:00 noon. Tickets are likely to sell out quickly. For more information see the Minnesota State Fair website (http://www.mnstatefair.org/).

.

[KISSaholic4life]

Many of you might be interested to know that the 70's rock group KISS will be performing at the Minnesota State Fair Saturday September 4th at 8:00 pm. Tickets prices are $40 to $70. Tickets go on sale this Saturday May 22 at 12:00 noon. Tickets are likely to sell out quickly. For more information see the Minnesota State Fair website (http://www.mnstatefair.org/).

.


I'm going!






:cheer2:

[parkerozgood]

I am pretty excited. I heard that to. I can't wait. Not only is it the FAIR!!!!, but its KISS!!!!

[bakedalaska]

Many of you might be interested to know that the 70's rock group KISS will be performing at the Minnesota State Fair Saturday September 4th at 8:00 pm. Tickets prices are $40 to $70. Tickets go on sale this Saturday May 22 at 12:00 noon. Tickets are likely to sell out quickly. For more information see the Minnesota State Fair website (http://www.mnstatefair.org/).

.

I'm going too!!

[JeffTheGreat]

Also at the Minnesota State Fair during convention week:

Weird Al Yankovic - Wednesday September 1
MercyMe w/ Jeremy Camp - Thursday September 2
A Praire Home Companion - Friday September 3
Donald Fagen, Michael McDonald, & Boz Scaggs - Monday September 6

The Minnesota State Fair (http://www.mnstatefair.org/)is located about 18 miles north of the convention site.
Entrance fees, parking, and mini donuts are extra $$$.

[bakedalaska]

I heard via another OLSer that the hotel is out of rooms at the convention rate...anyone know for sure..and if so if more rooms might be made available. I'm a procrastinator and I havent made reservations yet. KB, if you see this..tried to put this in the convention hotel thread, but since it's an old thread it's closed now.

[kbsocial]

I heard via another OLSer that the hotel is out of rooms at the convention rate...anyone know for sure..and if so if more rooms might be made available. I'm a procrastinator and I havent made reservations yet. KB, if you see this..tried to put this in the convention hotel thread, but since it's an old thread it's closed now.

I just bumped the hotel thread and then I tried to make a reservation and had no problem getting a room at the convention rate:)

From the convention website:

The hotel has a total of 564 rooms. We initially contracted with the hotel for a block of 250 rooms and have reached that number. We can contract for additional rooms, but will have penalties imposed if we do not reach 90% of the contracted number. Excess bookings and cancellations can cause a large monetary loss to the convention. Persons making reservations later in 2010 may be told that there are no rooms available in our "block of rooms." If so, contact us and we will try to add rooms to our block of rooms guaranteed to the hotel.


So if you have a problem please contact:

Convention2011 at aol.com

[bakedalaska]

Thanks KB, I got reservations just now w/o any problems...

[bakedalaska]

I live in Grand Rapids, MN, about 3 hours north of Minneapolis/St. Paul. Anyone that is interested in extending their convention experience is welcome to crash here before or after the convention. KISSaholic4life will likely be around too.

First to come gets a bed! 2nd to come may get an air mattress. 3rd to come might get a spot of floor....but there is an awesome bed and breakfast that is literally around the corner from my place!

http://www.morningglorybandb.com/

My convention plans are to head down there on Thursday afternoon and be there through Sunday. On Sunday we may be going to the Renaissance Festival that afternoon before heading back to Grand Rapids Sunday night. If you're interested PM me!

[bakedalaska]

wouldnt it be awesome to have a dancing plex smiley?

[jaxwinner]

Guess I'll have to pack my bags.

Spent 25000 of the 50000 airline points to get an airline ticket to/from Minneapolis. Reserved a good chuck of change for a hotel room using money I got from selling my uber camping tent I won from my sweepstakes trip last October. Used the $100 Visa I won to get my convention registration sent off. Guess I'll have to see if I can get a good chunk of spending money from someone who wants a shiny new 'Gear of the Year' Arbor Snowboard.

*begins humming to the toon of *All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go....

A note about prizes on Sunday. It's unfortunate that I cant stay for the afternoon drawings. The only flights I could book for free leave in the morning. Boooo.

[parkerozgood]

So I am constantly coming up with questions about this so I am hoping that the veterans can help. I am out of vacation time at work (to many vacations and fishing trips!), but I only live like 20 minutes south of the convention. If I were to come after work in the evenings, is there still a lot of things going on? will I miss out on to much to not be able to justify paying the fees? I also work for the MN Renaissance festival which runs weekends during the convention (if you want to go, let me know) so I would also miss the weekend. I really want to be part of it, but will I miss to much?

[KISSaholic4life]

So I am constantly coming up with questions about this so I am hoping that the veterans can help. I am out of vacation time at work (to many vacations and fishing trips!), but I only live like 20 minutes south of the convention. If I were to come after work in the evenings, is there still a lot of things going on? will I miss out on to much to not be able to justify paying the fees? I also work for the MN Renaissance festival which runs weekends during the convention (if you want to go, let me know) so I would also miss the weekend. I really want to be part of it, but will I miss to much?

I'll be going - but not to the convention itself - I can't afford the convention part this year :cry: I'm going so I can hang out with some of the conventioneers during the evenings.

On Saturday I'll be going to the KISS show at the MN state fair - if there are any other OLS'ers going to there too let me know - we can meet up before or after the show!







:cheer2:

[parkerozgood]

A couple friend and myself will be going to the Kiss concert! I wouldn't miss it. I work all day at the Ren Fest, but will be leaving early to head up there.

[KISSaholic4life]

A couple friend and myself will be going to the Kiss concert! I wouldn't miss it. I work all day at the Ren Fest, but will be leaving early to head up there.

AWESOME! Come up and say hi if ya see me!



This is what I will look like for the show -


http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/KISSaholic4life/2009%20Convention/026.jpg








:cheer2:

[kbsocial]

I'll be going - but not to the convention itself - I can't afford the convention part this year :cry: I'm going so I can hang out with some of the conventioneers during the evenings.



I know there are others who are attending MN but not convention - I'm sure y'all will hang!!

[TinyMoMo]

I know there are others who are attending MN but not convention - I'm sure y'all will hang!!

She said HANG....LOL

See y'all there...tinymomo will be in the house!

[sundonja]

So how is seating determined??? Are there assigned seats or is it sit wherever?

[kbsocial]

So how is seating determined??? Are there assigned seats or is it sit wherever?

Sit wherever, except for the banquet which is usually a pre sign up. Not sure how they will do it this year but thats been tradition for the past :)