Hey, don't forget the GWN, eh! Vancouver? Whistler? Montreal? :-) Well, I guess with the dollar the way it is there's not much incentive anymore - other than the "ballet" is second to none....
Anyways, I go to the convention for the people not the destination. For the amount of free time that is available over the weekend, a guy really can't explore too much of anything. And someplace with too much to do, like Vegas, I think you'll just get guys blowing of the whole convention program and just having a weekend away in Vegas.....
I've been to 5 or 6 and for me the best convention was in 2002? at the Doubletree in Glenview. Sure, it was in the middle of nowhere and there was nothing to do but hang out in the hospitality suite and drink crappy (but free!) light beer all night - but that was why it was great. It forced socialization. I think I BS'd with almost everyone that attended the convention, swapped stories and laughs, heard tales of triumph and failures, was humbled by the challenges lived with everyday by others, got inspired, realized how much I suck compared to what some of the other dads were up to :-), really felt like I belonged to a really great group of men. For me the convention really lost something when it moved downtown - once the program ended a dozen or more little groups headed their own separate way and the sharing and camaraderie was lost.
Not a single Southeastern City??? Atlanta might be a consideration, and yes, I live here. Before you say, "Orlando is in the southeast", may I remind everyone that Florida isn't technically in the South, it's south of "The South". You want to really be recognized for what we do? No other place on US soil is it more difficult to be a SAHD than in this part of the world, trust me...
PS - I'd go to Austin in a heartbeat...and, ummm, Vegas scares me...
Aye, there's nary an animal alive that can outrun a greased scotsman...
Denver, The new Children's Hospital has a brand new facility (huge) that needs showing off and would be ideal. No matter where we have it, we should look seriously at a 501c3 designation aka the non profit gig again so places will give deals for a write off.
The Big Easy and Vegas would be cool but not conducive to getting anything done! LA or NYC would be, well, really a cluster but fun in a huge city.
My Site, http://www.milehidad.com/ and my Blog, http://www.milehighdad.net/
Make Babies, Not War! I Wanna Know How Forever Feels...
I tend to agree with what Canadian Tim was saying. I didn't mind moving downtown as much as many people seem to have.
Anywhere is really OK. Which location would attract more regional groups of at-home dads? Perhaps that should be figured in to the mix. (I believe that already is a consideration) Vegas is really for one long, wasted DNO, not a convention. Our one day event would get lost in the haze that is Sin City.
But, I do like the sound of Denver. I used to live in Colorado and would welcome any opportunity to go back. I also used to live in RTP area if NC. I've got many friends there. I'd go there in a heartbeat. I hear Sacramento is nice!
But, it is the convention and I'd go no matter where it was, as long as it can remain relatively affordable to get to and stay a few days.
I'd like to throw it out there that the guys from TampaDads would be interested in hosting some year. They sort of fall under Orlando, I guess.
They aren't quite ready yet, as there are no real convention vets up there, but this came up on their message board. Maybe 2009 or 10?
One of the main criteria, I'd think, would be to have a group of local dads for the 'ground force.' Chicago had it, and KC does too.
Personally, I'll go anywhere I can fly to for about 200 bucks r/t.
I agree wtih everything Tim said regarding the convention. The ones at the DoubleTree, with nowhere to go, have been the best socially.
And um, paddy, FL might not be 'the south', but it is the SE United States. Hello? Correcto, though, I have to drive north for 6 hours to get to the south. :-)
I really like what Cdn Tim had to say. It definitely makes sense to me. I also think that having a strong ground force is key. It's interesting to see so many people pulling for their home cities. I like the idea of getting away, but I think the glamour cities would be problematic as mentioned.
What if it were a "retreat" rather than a "convention?" Someplace to really get away from home, but keeping everyone together for "group therapy."
Back to the theme of ground force, who has the biggest groups out there? I know Chicago is huge, and KC does well.
But I have heard on my latest trip last fall to the NW that Seattle Washington has a group that's pretty well organized. I didn't look into it further because I was headed out on a Sea Kayak Safari then got back and hung and drank beers the last two days with the Hippy Boat Carpenters (for a lack of proper job titles) in Port Townsend. They (the dads) have a web site, http://www.seattledads.org/ that's pretty good.
Any Seattle Dads here? (I am not aware of any)
My Site, http://www.milehidad.com/ and my Blog, http://www.milehighdad.net/
Make Babies, Not War! I Wanna Know How Forever Feels...
I don't care where it is as long as it's not here. LOL! I won't pull for my hometown group to do it because I want to get away from here and have a break from everything. If it was here in Grand Rapids, Michigan I wouldn't be able to justify going to it and staying at the hotel, and just being away. So have it anywhere but here in Grand Rapids, Michigan :-P. I just know for me I have to put it into the budget way ahead of time and start saving for it or it won't happen. My wife isn't a doctor or lawyer or one of those high paying jobs so price is always a consideration for me. To me, the cheaper the better (but still not giving up quality and comfort). Since none of the people I'm in a group with or are friends with that are S.A.H.D.s are coming this year, I'm a little worried about being there by myself and not knowing anyone. What the others are saying about not having so much to do outside of the convention makes sense to me. It would definitely make it easier for guys in the same boat as me to meet others if there weren't all the extras to do. That's my thoughts on the matter' take them for what they are worth.
My apologies to you guys in Tampa, I should of qualified my statement better by saying, "Although Florida is south of the South, it's way cooler than the south" (not the panhandle, and not in temperature). Tampa would make a fine destination, just not Orlando (tourist trap numero uno).
And Greg, if Ashville wasn't so hard to get to, that would be my NC pick...
Aye, there's nary an animal alive that can outrun a greased scotsman...
I think there are a few key things to look for in a convention city:
1) Academic affiliation: lends enormous credibility to the convention having it sponsored by a university or other academic institution...and getting free or very low cost access to convention space is a major plus. You ever costed out convention space? Ouch. Just the fees for the A/V equipment could sink this ship!
2) Easy air access, preferably a low-fare airline hub. Again, makes it easy to get to, helps keep the cost down.
3) Cool regional things to do and good venues for outside activites. Deep dish Pizza in Chicago. BBQ in KC, breweries to tour, museums to visit, etc.
Aside from that, you need a decent stock of reasonably priced hotel rooms (we're probably not taking the convention to NYC or San Francisco any time soon...) and an active local group that can do the on-the-ground legwork.
I actually think choosing a venue should build from the other side...don't start with a vote for a city, start by putting together a description of what a convention would like like in the city you want to have it in. The primary reasons we moved to KC from Chicago were access to UMKC conference space and sponsorship by the Womens' Center, KC is a Southwest regional hub and is reasonably affordable and easy to get to from most of the US, there were some easy to organize outside activities, there is a strong at-home Dads group on the ground that was able to pull it off.
I definitely think the convention should be moved around to encourage more participation from people in other regions who might travel a short distance to participate, but won't travel a long distance. I think somewhere in California would be a logical future destination, as well as somewhere on the east coast. Sacramento is being talked about (look for more details at the convention in KC), as is DC...I think both are very viable options...and either is probably our best next-bet. Professor Rochlen at UTexas Austin has also offered to help us out, so that gives us a potential Texas venue...I'll leave it the rest of you to duke out whether that is "southern" enough!
Except for #3 -- I still think the best conventions were the ones in Glenview, and it sounds a little sad, but we were all marooned in that suburban hotel and it pretty much forced us to get to know each other. We just took over those hotel bars/lobbies. Outside activities are OK, but not always a necessity.
I think groups who think they can swing it should look into it and make a request. Not sure who the request goes to -- we don't have a 'governing body' lol -- but simply the ones 'bidding' could take turns, with the goal of geographic diversity NE, NW, SE, SW, MW. The guys who can't afford airfare should get the chance to go. Plus, the host dads would get a chance to be guests for a couple of years.
I'd like one in Atlanta or DC. I'd like to visit Charm City too. Orlando is not as bad as it is made out to be regarding the whole tourist trap thing. There is quite a bit of city outside of the core International Drive area. Plus, we can have DNO at Wet N Wild, which will at least sound cool when we tell the stories. :-) There are lots of really good buffets. too, like the all-you -can -eat lobster place.
Now, like Cdn Tim, Jim L is selling me on this idea of being marooned. I don't know that outside activities are all that important. Although I really enjoyed the meet and greet last year at Boulevard Brewery, I don't know that the same thing couldn't be accomplished at the hotel. It was beer and conversation that made it great.
As to no "governing body," Andy mentioned that Sacramento, DC and Austin were being discussed by someone.
If you have in Seattle, I do have some contacts at Seattle Pacific University (my dad teaches, I'm an alum). Of course, November in Seattle could be rainy. Then again, it's poured 5+ inches in KC over the last two days, and Seattle never gets THAT kind of rain. Tons of cool stuff to do in Seattle, too, if you don't need bull-riding or surfing. ;-)
Ditto on the "access to cheap airfair." Can you say "Ding?" (Southwest airlines inside joke.)
I'd also put a vote in for Sacramento, by the way.
Folks can discuss all they want. If Big Mike wants to host a competing convention some year in DC the same time this one is held, there is nothing stopping him. Of course, he'd never do that, because we have some wierd code of honor. It's all volunteer dads who 'agree' to work together. That's it.
Now, if the 501c3 has an actual board and we turn into a membership, and there are sponsorships, that changes everything. Not sure that ever advances to that level, though. Administration becomes a real job.
If by Big Mike you mean Mike Stilwell of D.C., Big Mike is one of the founders of Daddy's Home Inc., which is a 501 [c][3] non-profit and they are presenting this year's convention. They will be holding thier yearly required meeting during the convention lunch. If you have any questions for Mike and the non-profit group, that would be a great time as he will have other board members for Daddy's Home with him.
Mike is on the current convention planning committee, and DC is being looked at for upcoming conventions.
There is only one Big Mike. Fleetsuper. Stillwell.
I will definitely hang with him at lunch, and I am glad he keeps making progress with the org. I am anxious to hear what steps have been taken in the past year.
But the point was that there is not an authority for SAHD groups to answer to regarding the convention or anything else. Any group with the desire and manpower can decide to have a convention. The convention as we know it lives on tradition and the dedication of Dayv and Andy and their crew. The guys at the convention are the authority, such as it is, and there is no real 'power' -- just cooperation.
dkremers_1965 says:
>I'm a little worried about being there by myself and not knowing anyone.
Been there. The first year I went all I had were a few screen names of some guys from a yahoogroup and I also sucked up all my courage and decided to shared a room with a stranger. Both way out of my comfort zone...... Turned out pretty well though and I had a fantastic time. It really is a great and welcoming group of guys that show up. Find me on Friday night and I'll buy the first round at the Boulevard - probably have on my Habs jersey.
*Cough* Not to make this a hockey thread or anything, but:
1) The Sharks are playing like a minor league team
2) The Blues are in the Central Division, which means they have to beat the Red Wings, which means they're doomed.
Go Wings!
Also, Detroit, San Jose, or St. Louis for a convention in November would all be great choices.
Forgot a few
You forgot 3 very viable options:
Sacramento, CA
Washington, D.C.
Austin, TX
www.athomedadconvention.com
Hey, don't forget the GWN,
Hey, don't forget the GWN, eh! Vancouver? Whistler? Montreal? :-) Well, I guess with the dollar the way it is there's not much incentive anymore - other than the "ballet" is second to none....
Anyways, I go to the convention for the people not the destination. For the amount of free time that is available over the weekend, a guy really can't explore too much of anything. And someplace with too much to do, like Vegas, I think you'll just get guys blowing of the whole convention program and just having a weekend away in Vegas.....
I've been to 5 or 6 and for me the best convention was in 2002? at the Doubletree in Glenview. Sure, it was in the middle of nowhere and there was nothing to do but hang out in the hospitality suite and drink crappy (but free!) light beer all night - but that was why it was great. It forced socialization. I think I BS'd with almost everyone that attended the convention, swapped stories and laughs, heard tales of triumph and failures, was humbled by the challenges lived with everyday by others, got inspired, realized how much I suck compared to what some of the other dads were up to :-), really felt like I belonged to a really great group of men. For me the convention really lost something when it moved downtown - once the program ended a dozen or more little groups headed their own separate way and the sharing and camaraderie was lost.
Cdn Tim
DC because it is the closest to me
And raising two kids doesn't leave much less in the family budget.
hopefully i will the lottery next week and suddenly show up in KC.
going to miss not being there this year.
Snubbed, Again
Not a single Southeastern City??? Atlanta might be a consideration, and yes, I live here. Before you say, "Orlando is in the southeast", may I remind everyone that Florida isn't technically in the South, it's south of "The South". You want to really be recognized for what we do? No other place on US soil is it more difficult to be a SAHD than in this part of the world, trust me...
PS - I'd go to Austin in a heartbeat...and, ummm, Vegas scares me...
Aye, there's nary an animal alive that can outrun a greased scotsman...
Split The Distance
paddyrat, how about we split the distance and throw in charlotte as a SE city to represent us?
of course chapel hill, durham and raleigh would make a fine locale as well.
just sayin'...
What About
Denver, The new Children's Hospital has a brand new facility (huge) that needs showing off and would be ideal. No matter where we have it, we should look seriously at a 501c3 designation aka the non profit gig again so places will give deals for a write off.
The Big Easy and Vegas would be cool but not conducive to getting anything done! LA or NYC would be, well, really a cluster but fun in a huge city.
My Site, http://www.milehidad.com/ and my Blog, http://www.milehighdad.net/
Make Babies, Not War!
I Wanna Know How Forever Feels...
Where to go?
I tend to agree with what Canadian Tim was saying. I didn't mind moving downtown as much as many people seem to have.
Anywhere is really OK. Which location would attract more regional groups of at-home dads? Perhaps that should be figured in to the mix. (I believe that already is a consideration) Vegas is really for one long, wasted DNO, not a convention. Our one day event would get lost in the haze that is Sin City.
But, I do like the sound of Denver. I used to live in Colorado and would welcome any opportunity to go back. I also used to live in RTP area if NC. I've got many friends there. I'd go there in a heartbeat. I hear Sacramento is nice!
But, it is the convention and I'd go no matter where it was, as long as it can remain relatively affordable to get to and stay a few days.
Tampa?
I'd like to throw it out there that the guys from TampaDads would be interested in hosting some year. They sort of fall under Orlando, I guess.
They aren't quite ready yet, as there are no real convention vets up there, but this came up on their message board. Maybe 2009 or 10?
One of the main criteria, I'd think, would be to have a group of local dads for the 'ground force.' Chicago had it, and KC does too.
Personally, I'll go anywhere I can fly to for about 200 bucks r/t.
I agree wtih everything Tim said regarding the convention. The ones at the DoubleTree, with nowhere to go, have been the best socially.
And um, paddy, FL might not be 'the south', but it is the SE United States. Hello? Correcto, though, I have to drive north for 6 hours to get to the south. :-)
Interesting
I really like what Cdn Tim had to say. It definitely makes sense to me. I also think that having a strong ground force is key. It's interesting to see so many people pulling for their home cities. I like the idea of getting away, but I think the glamour cities would be problematic as mentioned.
What if it were a "retreat" rather than a "convention?" Someplace to really get away from home, but keeping everyone together for "group therapy."
Back to the theme of ground force, who has the biggest groups out there? I know Chicago is huge, and KC does well.
Don't Know the Numbers
But I have heard on my latest trip last fall to the NW that Seattle Washington has a group that's pretty well organized. I didn't look into it further because I was headed out on a Sea Kayak Safari then got back and hung and drank beers the last two days with the Hippy Boat Carpenters (for a lack of proper job titles) in Port Townsend. They (the dads) have a web site, http://www.seattledads.org/ that's pretty good.
Any Seattle Dads here? (I am not aware of any)
My Site, http://www.milehidad.com/ and my Blog, http://www.milehighdad.net/
Make Babies, Not War!
I Wanna Know How Forever Feels...
I don't care where it is as
I don't care where it is as long as it's not here. LOL! I won't pull for my hometown group to do it because I want to get away from here and have a break from everything. If it was here in Grand Rapids, Michigan I wouldn't be able to justify going to it and staying at the hotel, and just being away. So have it anywhere but here in Grand Rapids, Michigan :-P. I just know for me I have to put it into the budget way ahead of time and start saving for it or it won't happen. My wife isn't a doctor or lawyer or one of those high paying jobs so price is always a consideration for me. To me, the cheaper the better (but still not giving up quality and comfort). Since none of the people I'm in a group with or are friends with that are S.A.H.D.s are coming this year, I'm a little worried about being there by myself and not knowing anyone. What the others are saying about not having so much to do outside of the convention makes sense to me. It would definitely make it easier for guys in the same boat as me to meet others if there weren't all the extras to do. That's my thoughts on the matter' take them for what they are worth.
Check out my ramblings on life at http://www.sahdguy.blogspot.com/
my apologies
My apologies to you guys in Tampa, I should of qualified my statement better by saying, "Although Florida is south of the South, it's way cooler than the south" (not the panhandle, and not in temperature). Tampa would make a fine destination, just not Orlando (tourist trap numero uno).
And Greg, if Ashville wasn't so hard to get to, that would be my NC pick...
Aye, there's nary an animal alive that can outrun a greased scotsman...
Things to look for...
I think there are a few key things to look for in a convention city:
1) Academic affiliation: lends enormous credibility to the convention having it sponsored by a university or other academic institution...and getting free or very low cost access to convention space is a major plus. You ever costed out convention space? Ouch. Just the fees for the A/V equipment could sink this ship!
2) Easy air access, preferably a low-fare airline hub. Again, makes it easy to get to, helps keep the cost down.
3) Cool regional things to do and good venues for outside activites. Deep dish Pizza in Chicago. BBQ in KC, breweries to tour, museums to visit, etc.
Aside from that, you need a decent stock of reasonably priced hotel rooms (we're probably not taking the convention to NYC or San Francisco any time soon...) and an active local group that can do the on-the-ground legwork.
I actually think choosing a venue should build from the other side...don't start with a vote for a city, start by putting together a description of what a convention would like like in the city you want to have it in. The primary reasons we moved to KC from Chicago were access to UMKC conference space and sponsorship by the Womens' Center, KC is a Southwest regional hub and is reasonably affordable and easy to get to from most of the US, there were some easy to organize outside activities, there is a strong at-home Dads group on the ground that was able to pull it off.
I definitely think the convention should be moved around to encourage more participation from people in other regions who might travel a short distance to participate, but won't travel a long distance. I think somewhere in California would be a logical future destination, as well as somewhere on the east coast. Sacramento is being talked about (look for more details at the convention in KC), as is DC...I think both are very viable options...and either is probably our best next-bet. Professor Rochlen at UTexas Austin has also offered to help us out, so that gives us a potential Texas venue...I'll leave it the rest of you to duke out whether that is "southern" enough!
- Andy
____________________________________
KCDADs: www.groups.yahoo.com/group/kcdad/
12th Annual At-Home Dads' Convention: www.athomedadconvention.com
I mostly agree with Andy ...
Except for #3 -- I still think the best conventions were the ones in Glenview, and it sounds a little sad, but we were all marooned in that suburban hotel and it pretty much forced us to get to know each other. We just took over those hotel bars/lobbies. Outside activities are OK, but not always a necessity.
I think groups who think they can swing it should look into it and make a request. Not sure who the request goes to -- we don't have a 'governing body' lol -- but simply the ones 'bidding' could take turns, with the goal of geographic diversity NE, NW, SE, SW, MW. The guys who can't afford airfare should get the chance to go. Plus, the host dads would get a chance to be guests for a couple of years.
I'd like one in Atlanta or DC. I'd like to visit Charm City too. Orlando is not as bad as it is made out to be regarding the whole tourist trap thing. There is quite a bit of city outside of the core International Drive area. Plus, we can have DNO at Wet N Wild, which will at least sound cool when we tell the stories. :-) There are lots of really good buffets. too, like the all-you -can -eat lobster place.
Marooned
Now, like Cdn Tim, Jim L is selling me on this idea of being marooned. I don't know that outside activities are all that important. Although I really enjoyed the meet and greet last year at Boulevard Brewery, I don't know that the same thing couldn't be accomplished at the hotel. It was beer and conversation that made it great.
As to no "governing body," Andy mentioned that Sacramento, DC and Austin were being discussed by someone.
Convention Space
If you have in Seattle, I do have some contacts at Seattle Pacific University (my dad teaches, I'm an alum). Of course, November in Seattle could be rainy. Then again, it's poured 5+ inches in KC over the last two days, and Seattle never gets THAT kind of rain. Tons of cool stuff to do in Seattle, too, if you don't need bull-riding or surfing. ;-)
Ditto on the "access to cheap airfair." Can you say "Ding?" (Southwest airlines inside joke.)
I'd also put a vote in for Sacramento, by the way.
No one's in charge
Folks can discuss all they want. If Big Mike wants to host a competing convention some year in DC the same time this one is held, there is nothing stopping him. Of course, he'd never do that, because we have some wierd code of honor. It's all volunteer dads who 'agree' to work together. That's it.
Now, if the 501c3 has an actual board and we turn into a membership, and there are sponsorships, that changes everything. Not sure that ever advances to that level, though. Administration becomes a real job.
What's up with that anyways?
The 501c and national organization status as discussed before ?
Cdn Tim
Non- Profit explanation
If by Big Mike you mean Mike Stilwell of D.C., Big Mike is one of the founders of Daddy's Home Inc., which is a 501 [c][3] non-profit and they are presenting this year's convention. They will be holding thier yearly required meeting during the convention lunch. If you have any questions for Mike and the non-profit group, that would be a great time as he will have other board members for Daddy's Home with him.
Mike is on the current convention planning committee, and DC is being looked at for upcoming conventions.
Dayv
www.athomedadconvention.com
Big Mike
There is only one Big Mike. Fleetsuper. Stillwell.
I will definitely hang with him at lunch, and I am glad he keeps making progress with the org. I am anxious to hear what steps have been taken in the past year.
But the point was that there is not an authority for SAHD groups to answer to regarding the convention or anything else. Any group with the desire and manpower can decide to have a convention. The convention as we know it lives on tradition and the dedication of Dayv and Andy and their crew. The guys at the convention are the authority, such as it is, and there is no real 'power' -- just cooperation.
dkremers_1965 says: >I'm a
dkremers_1965 says:
>I'm a little worried about being there by myself and not knowing anyone.
Been there. The first year I went all I had were a few screen names of some guys from a yahoogroup and I also sucked up all my courage and decided to shared a room with a stranger. Both way out of my comfort zone...... Turned out pretty well though and I had a fantastic time. It really is a great and welcoming group of guys that show up. Find me on Friday night and I'll buy the first round at the Boulevard - probably have on my Habs jersey.
Cdn Tim
Habs? More like Habs-beens
Go Sharks!!!
www.athomedadconvention.com
Sharks?
Ya, but by default you can't be a real hockey town without snow on the ground...... :-)
Cdn Tim
-If the Sharks...... win the Cup in San José....... does anybody care ????
(my apologies to Bruce Cockburn :-)
Sharks?
The Blues are the team to watch this year!
I'm Not a Slacker
Sharks? Blues?
*Cough* Not to make this a hockey thread or anything, but:
1) The Sharks are playing like a minor league team
2) The Blues are in the Central Division, which means they have to beat the Red Wings, which means they're doomed.
Go Wings!
Also, Detroit, San Jose, or St. Louis for a convention in November would all be great choices.