Meet and Greet 2008

[JediSkipdogg]

This year's meet and greet was small, but it was a total success (considering minor situations that arose.)

My questions now is what about 2008? I would like all input from both those that attended and those that didn't. I'd prefer to keep this serious, so nothing like let's have an International one in Antartica.

I'll just start off by asking what would make people want to come? Generally speaking basic info like this.....

Time of year?
Location?
Events/Attractions?
Activities?

Someone can get the ball rolling and we can go from there.

[Cyborg]

Disney in Florida! :T

[JediSkipdogg]

Disney in Florida! :T

The problem there is that's just as expensive. Well, depending on the resort one stays at. That is being considered an option though along with Tampa/Busch Gardens area. Also up north like Niagara Falls. There's tons of possibilities but we are extensively researching each one in terms of average costs, attractions, events, locations, weather, etc.

[Cyborg]

The problem there is that's just as expensive. Well, depending on the resort one stays at. That is being considered an option though along with Tampa/Busch Gardens area. Also up north like Niagara Falls. There's tons of possibilities but we are extensively researching each one in terms of average costs, attractions, events, locations, weather, etc.

Not that I'm biased, but there are tons of both cheap and expensive hotels near Disney. Besides Disney, there are lots of other attractions and things to do here. In Tampa, there is much less to do...

[JediSkipdogg]

Not that I'm biased, but there are tons of both cheap and expensive hotels near Disney. Besides Disney, there are lots of other attractions and things to do here. In Tampa, there is much less to do...

Remember, not everyone will have transportation, therefore staying closer to use the Disney shuttles is a huge plus. And don't even say Taxi...those ARE NOT cheap by any means. That's why it has to be considered by looking at how one can get from the hotel to other attractions.

Tampa has beaches, who doesn't love beaches?

[Cyborg]

Daytona Beach, "The World's Best Beach", is 1/2 hour from Orlando. And many of the hotels anywhere near Disney have free shuttle service to and from the main parks.

[JediSkipdogg]

Any way you look at it it's my fault though; my sincerest apologies.

Just blame it on a woman and all will be well. :T **** them and their powerful minds...well, in your case her body. I'll say no disappointment there.

[camjen1]

I personally didn't think Orlando was all that expensive but then again I went with 9 other people and buying packages saved a lot of money. Heck, we rented a private pool home for 6 days and the total came to almost $800. This included 4 beds and 3 baths along with a game room and pool with jacuzzi. If people didn't mind sharing then they could save some money.

You can get a pass to Disney World for 3 days for around $200 if you buy more days it's cheaper. You can travel I think it's 5 parks on the one pass. Magic Kingdom would take up one of your days maybe two.

I wouldn't mind an Orlando greet and perhaps venture out to the surrounding areas if Disney World wasn't on the list of things to do.

With us rambling on I think we didn't realize we're off topic in Jens thread. :T Sorry Jen! :o

[Dewey]

In all honesty, I really like Cyborg's idea. Daytona is pretty cool, as is St. Augustine. In Daytona, there are many hotels either right on (or off of) the beach, whichever a group would prefer.

In Orlando, some hotels aren't too bad, but when one gets close to Disney, prices can (& often do) skyrocket. In terms of shuttles or cabs, if we could all decide (as a GROUP) on one location/hotel (or ones that are in walking distance of one another), that would be the best bet. There would be no need for taxis or shuttles then, really. This could be done in either Daytona or Orlando, but we all need to work together to try & find a suitable place, and need to keep ALL ideas open. We also have to consider what financially would work best for all parties involved.

The biggest issue I see is trying to get people (as a group) to decide on one location that would work, both financially & otherwise. I also want to get Rikki's input. She had some very good ideas.

[Carwy]

I believe that the next gathering should be set up by a committee of people who are going to go and the people who actually went this year. A lot of people are putting in input on this that said they would go this year and then at the last minute had to back out. So I think that people who are committed to go should help set the place and time.
This is just my thoughts, however I know I can not go to Orlando.
I say Seattle. Its' a great place with lots for all to do.

[Tony]

I made this thread a sticky.

I believe that the next gathering should be set up by a committee of people

I'm thinking Brian should be head of this committee....:)


I say Seattle. Its' a great place with lots for all to do.

What's in Seattle? I would never think to vacation there, but then again, I rarely think vacation.

I would think a place on the east coast would be good because there was a few people that wanted to go on the last meet but couldn't because it was on the other side of the country, but don't go by what I say. It's hard for me to get away. I'm just giving something to think about.

[camjen1]

I believe that the next gathering should be set up by a committee of people who are going to go and the people who actually went this year. A lot of people are putting in input on this that said they would go this year and then at the last minute had to back out. So I think that people who are committed to go should help set the place and time.
This is just my thoughts, however I know I can not go to Orlando.
I say Seattle. Its' a great place with lots for all to do.

Well I guess since my suggestions aren't needed because I backed out last time then I'll just keep quiet and show up where ever the good ole "committee" says so. No problem! ;)

[jeggeman31]

If at all possible, I would like the plans set by November. I pick my 2008 vacation in November, so I could schedule my vacation around the meet and greet.

[Dewey]

Well I guess since my suggestions aren't needed because I backed out last time then I'll just keep quiet and show up where ever the good ole "committee" says so. No problem! ;)
I think Carwy's words often come out wrong. ;) That said, a group of people brainstorming is always a good idea. If there was a committee of people to help in organizing the gathering, they could then each try to find the best prices & research different places to go. This way, each person could come up with ideas & give a run-down of their findings. I see nothing wrong with having people who have already attended the meet & greet (i.e. Kevin, Rikki, Brian & even Carwy ;)), and those interested in going to next year's gathering as part of a "committee." I think it should be a group effort, though.

If at all possible, I would like the plans set by November. I pick my 2008 vacation in November, so I could schedule my vacation around the meet and greet.
I think if everyone could give thoughts & ideas, & the group can unanimously agree on a date/location, then I'm sure that it could be done. :)

[Carwy]

I made this thread a sticky.



I'm thinking Brian should be head of this committee....:)




What's in Seattle? I would never think to vacation there, but then again, I rarely think vacation.




Oh man there is a lot of things to do for all ages. It is a great place.
Check out there site.
visit Seattle (http://www.visitseattle.org/visitors/explore/)
We have done quite a few of the things talked about. The underground one is best done at night and without children. It gets adult. They tell the true history of the waterfront in Seattle.

Heck I would even go to NYC, The Big Apple. I have never been to New York City.
NYC tourist (http://www.nyctourist.com/)
FLA. is just to hot in the summer. Now I know a lot of people are going to say you went to Vegas in the summer and it is hot there. But please remember we spent about 90% of the time inside. In Fla. we would be spending about 90% of the time outside in the sun, heat and humidity. So there is a BIG difference.


Well I guess since my suggestions aren't needed because I backed out last time then I'll just keep quiet and show up where ever the good ole "committee" says so. No problem! ;)

What Tony says and I agree with is we need a committee to set the next one up. Your input on where to go should still be added. Brion should be the committee chairman for this. If we have a set number of people where ever we go and make the reservations in advance each person should give a nonrefundable down payment. If they cannot stay the whole time then they should inform the committee up front and their price will be lowered. This way we can get a discount.

[mg_2204]

Also up north like Niagara Falls. Hey! That's close to here. We're quite a few in Ontario you know :)

[Carwy]

Also up north like Niagara Falls.

Hey! That's close to here. We're quite a few in Ontario you know :)
Hey I did not think about this. This would be so awesome. We could have people from both Canada and the USA.
Oh Kicky

[JediSkipdogg]

I see this committee talk, so what am I? The trash collector?

The main problem I see with Niagara Falls is the stupid new passport requirement. I truely don't know how many people this would set back with having to buy passports. I would LOVE to have one near the border and have both sides, but I"m just not sure how much that passport and people forking out what, $90???? to get one would want to.

I also agree on having information out to people as soon as possible. I tried doing that with this years but I guess somehow it fell through. Oh well, I'll try again this year. Maybe if more is set in stone sooner more interest will be shown.

As for the committee....I think 3 max as the leading team. Then if outside help is needed for a specific task then they can be brought on for that task (something like shirts, or a special attraction, etc.) Otherwise all decisions will be made by the elite three.

[BriOnH]

Thanks Tony, I really appreciate that!

Kevin did an awesome job organizing the first one as well.

I am easy to please; anywhere you want to go, I will be there. For the 5th annual trip we should pick a different contenent and I'll try to get us corprate sponshership as well.

Dew, I remember you mentioning in a thread possibly meeting someone from medtronic. Think she would remember you?

We need to get vendors in a conference room that covers the comittees costs and passes out bling to the diabetics who visit it. At that point we should be able to get better rates with booking more people and trying to get the businesses that are sponsering us to stay at the same place and include them in activites. Diabetics that [hopefully] work at these companies come first.

I agree with Cary on the comitte, plus Tony is in the comittee. Kev if you want to lead i will get your back like last time, or co lead it.

Those that know me, I am all about being fair, and I loathe excluding anyone from anything, but Cary is right. Id have to look at the stats but in my vauge recollection about 40% went of the original population. If you think you should be part of the comittee speak up now or hold your peace. The comittee will ultimatly decide based on user suggestions/votes (I assume like last time kev?) and possible corporate locations.

That's just a rough draft above and I am :cannibus: so beat the strawman down if you want to ammend it.

[Tony]

I think we should get this committee thing straighten out first before we have any problems here.

I do think Carwy has a good idea to have a committee. It's a lot of work planning gatherings like this every year and it's not fair for jedi to have him do all the work. If more people are putting this together rather then just having the load on him, I think would be better.

However you guys decide whether you have a committee or not, I know I can not be part of planning and organizing vacations.

[Cyborg]

I wish I could have attended the meet in Vegas. When we found out my wife was pregnant we had to back out.

As far as where we meet, it really doesn't matter to me as long as there is plenty of time in advance to make the arrangements.

[Dewey]

I see this committee talk, so what am I? The trash collector?
NO, you're not the "trash collector," and YES, you did do a good job on the meet & greet this year. That said, people want to help. They're trying to give ideas. I don't know how many times I've tried to tell you that Rikki has some awesome ideas.

As for the committee....I think 3 max as the leading team. Then if outside help is needed for a specific task then they can be brought on for that task (something like shirts, or a special attraction, etc.) Otherwise all decisions will be made by the elite three.
I think there should be more than 3. Perhaps 5, heck, maybe even 7....after all, more heads working together (key word - Together) is better than just 2 or 3. We can get multiple ideas & multiple angles or views on thoughts. What one person may not see (or think of), another might.

Dew, I remember you mentioning in a thread possibly meeting someone from medtronic. Think she would remember you?

We need to get vendors in a conference room that covers the committees costs and passes out bling to the diabetics who visit it. At that point we should be able to get better rates with booking more people and trying to get the businesses that are sponsoring us to stay at the same place and include them in activities. Diabetics that [hopefully] work at these companies come first.

Those that know me, I am all about being fair, and I loathe excluding anyone from anything, but Cary is right. Id have to look at the stats but in my vague recollection about 40% went of the original population. If you think you should be part of the committee speak up now or hold your peace. The committee will ultimately decide based on user suggestions/votes (I assume like last time kev?) and possible corporate locations.
Brian, I agree with all of what you said. I can get in contact with the folks from MM, Cozmo, Animas and other companies to see if they might be interested in sponsoring next year's events. LMAO - Bling!? I LOVE IT! :D

I too, am all about being fair. That's why I think we should get as much input as possible (i.e. votes, etc.) from everyone, and try to form some kind of committee to help expedite things a little better. I think each person has good ideas & thoughts to offer & we need to consider all possibilities. Kev shouldn't do it alone, nor should the input be limited.

I think we should get this committee thing straighten out first before we have any problems here.

I do think Carwy has a good idea to have a committee. It's a lot of work planning gatherings like this every year and it's not fair for jedi to have him do all the work. If more people are putting this together rather then just having the load on him, I think would be better.
This is one of the smartest comments I've heard yet.

If Jedi's willing to let people to help, then I know they'll be more than happy to (Myself included).

[JediSkipdogg]

NO, you're not the "trash collector," and YES, you did do a good job on the meet & greet this year. That said, people want to help. They're trying to give ideas. I don't know how many times I've tried to tell you that Rikki has some awesome ideas.

The problem is...WHERE IS RIKKI?????????????


I think there should be more than 3. Perhaps 5, heck, maybe even 7....after all, more heads working together (key word - Together) is better than just 2 or 3. We can get multiple ideas & multiple angles or views on thoughts. What one person may not see (or think of), another might.

If Jedi's willing to let people to help, then I know they'll be more than happy to (Myself included).

I'm all about help. At the same time I'm all about quality help and not quantity. I'm also about people being fair and not letting their head get to big. Sorry, I had a very bad experience on a car forum, so bad that I back out of their planning committee and ended up banned over planning a gathering as they did some very stupid ideas.

I think if too many get involved in planning then it gets nowhere. Yes, more ideas are great, but I think as the decision makers the group should stay small or else you get nothing done. Like say the committee was....you (Dew), me, and Brion....there's nothing to say that Camjen couldn't be in charge of say hotel research for that area and just feed the information to the group. And then maybe Carwy in charge of the comedy acts, lol. And Rikki in charge of say local event research.

The thing is, before we go for sponsorship we need to mainly settle on a location and time. Those are the two keys that I think can make or break an even in attendance. An example, the car website had a gathering in Ohio every year because the main planners lived in Ohio and Michigan. The event was a camping weekend therefore could be anywhere. They didn't think of moving it down south so that Florida members would want to drive, instead, they wanted it close to where the most active members were. THey didn't think maybe the most active members would mind driving 6 instead of 2 hours which could shave 4 hours off of those down south.

I would like it to ultimately be huge and I think it's a huge possibility. I just want to know, how and who decides what the committee will be?

[Keezheekoni]

The problem is...WHERE IS RIKKI?????????????
Eeek! Sorry, I didn't know I was missed so much...

I had to take care of my grandmother when my aunt bailed the minute she picked me up from the BART station (um, yeah, had to take public transit from the airport to the city my parents' house is in because my aunt didn't want to deal with traffic). I barely had time to call Dewey and tell her I was okay...then take Greyhound back to Seattle. Whatever, I'm back now.

Seems like I've missed a lot. This is the first thread I've read since I got back online. Committee works for me. All the years as PTSA president and council vice-pres gives me a unique perspective on committees...oh, I sleep with a copy of Robert's Rules of Order (okay, not really, but I do have most of the rules memorized! :rofl:)

Dewey, apparently, wants me to shout out my idea. It wasn't a fully formulated idea or anything, but it was basically that as kids a lot of us went to diabetes camp (barring that specific camp, just camp in general) and I miss not going to camp anymore. So why don't we create an adult diabetes camp? Obviously it could be for families too, but something like it. I know lots of great camping areas around the states, but we could also do something very coordinated in a city as well...doesn't have to be "camp" camp...meh. I'm probably not explaining this well.

Again, apologies for not getting back to the board sooner. Normally I wouldn't have been gone so long, but family (grandma and then hubby/kids) comes first.

[Gangrel]

You know, as a government worker, I really appreciate this thread, lol. I could close my eyes and pretend I'm at work... (which i am, but that's besides the point)

Simple: One Comittee head. Since there is not "head honcho" here aside from Tony, he can either pick it or have a few candiates and then a vote.

Then pick a few people to help. Done. No need for a 10 page thread.

Just my suggestion.

[JediSkipdogg]

Gang, and that's why government fails, one person in charge. LOL

I work for the government too and see the political bullcrap all the time time. It truely is some good humor at times. Like let's buy police bikes because they are more fuel efficient (save money) yet for each police bike on duty we need to have at least 1 patrol car for prisoner transport on (more money there.) LOL

Rikki....interesting idea. And to think, Dew couldn't say that. LOL

I guess my question would be what freaking part of this stupidly large country? The car website I mentioned use to do that. They got a pretty great deal on a campground and had an area designated specifically to them. People either camped in their vehicles (FYI...It was the Pontiac Aztek, so well known for camping out of) or they rented a cabin on the campground site. If people wanted full amentities, they could rent a hotel that was right off the campground abot a mile away.

[Dewey]

Gang, and that's why government fails, one person in charge. LOL
Hence a good idea to have a group. :)

I work for the government too and see the political bullcrap all the time time. It truely is some good humor at times. Like let's buy police bikes because they are more fuel efficient (save money) yet for each police bike on duty we need to have at least 1 patrol car for prisoner transport on (more money there.) LOL
I don't see having a group/committee of folks working together as "political bullcrap." I see it as helping one another. I don't necessarily think One person needs to be in charge, just that people need to communicate & work together to make the dream of next year's events a reality. You have some darn good ideas and I'm all about working together to get this ball rolling. However, this is not the car forum, so let's not put the cart before the horse with our events.

Rikki....interesting idea. And to think, Dew couldn't say that. LOL
It's Not that I couldn't say it, it's that I didn't want to steal her thunder....thank you very much. :eviltongu lol

Gangrel, get back to work (j/k - lol)!

[JediSkipdogg]

I don't see having a group/committee of folks working together as "political bullcrap." I see it as helping one another. I don't necessarily think One person needs to be in charge, just that people need to communicate & work together to make the dream of next year's events a reality. You have some darn good ideas and I'm all about working together to get this ball rolling. However, this is not the car forum, so let's not put the cart before the horse with our events.

I wasn't saying working as a group was political bullcrap....it's working with one leader that is. I'm all about groups, but not about one person having the final say over anything (which is currently how our government is set up with the President having the final veto or pass...don't even mention override vetos.) And in the local government it's all about the City Manager having the final say.

[BriOnH]

Proposal of current comittee positions:

I President
II Director of Event Organization - Organizes attendees and physical location
III Sponsership Director - responsible for the networking of diabetic companies to sponser the event. Where the $$ is at could well dictate where the event is held next.
IV Treasurer / controller - Cost analysis / net & gross margins (net margin spending TBD).
V Marketing Director - Spread the web with it. Old fashion paper fliers and face to faces are always best.
VI Operation Volunteers - The most critical piece of the event organization.

Lets try not to turn this in to Animal Farm. I have a lot of experience in forming companies and comittees. These are the steps I usually take:

1) brainstorming - ideas, no problem solving
2) Positions
3) Requirements (location, attendees, sponsers etc)
4) Design Plan - how the requirements will be implemented
5) Implmentation of the event
6) Event Realtime Check points - Quality Assuarnce
7) cost / reward / event conclusions - did we make a positive difference?

[Keezheekoni]

Rikki....interesting idea. And to think, Dew couldn't say that. LOL

I guess my question would be what freaking part of this stupidly large country? The car website I mentioned use to do that. They got a pretty great deal on a campground and had an area designated specifically to them. People either camped in their vehicles (FYI...It was the Pontiac Aztek, so well known for camping out of) or they rented a cabin on the campground site. If people wanted full amentities, they could rent a hotel that was right off the campground abot a mile away.

I believe that Dewey was just being polite in letting me announce the idea I had. :) Thanks, Dew. You could have said it, since I wasn't around for awhile.

As for which part of the country. I believe that the committee should whittle a list down to a chosen few areas, then put it up for a vote. However, I'm not in charge of said committee, so I'll defer to the leader. :) As for campgrounds, I have a lifetime Girl Scouts membership which allows me to "rent" any of their campgrounds (and Boy Scouts grounds too) throughout the world, as long as there is space available... They are all pretty nice, they all have kitchens, and on either coast in the US they are mostly on a shoreline somewhere. Some have open air cabins with 8 beds to a "house", some have tent areas, some have closed cabins, some have all three... If people have RVs to bring, there aren't any hitches that I know of on GS campgrounds, but usually within a mile or two there are other places like KOA... I'm also one of the paramedic card holders for GS, so we wouldn't have to hire one to be there.

Other campsites are at state parks. We could also try to make it a "citified" camp in the middle of a concrete jungle...lol I really don't care. I just like to go to camp! :D I've done camps in the middle of San Francisco, so have experience with planning those types too... I also have experience with getting t-shirts done and other types of trade show "swag", so I'd be happy to work on that as well.

On locations, I only really know about good places in Seattle and the Bay Area of California. Other places I'd have to do some research on, but just tell me where and I can go to work on that as well. (I think someone mentioned putting me on activities or something?)

Just throwing some ideas out. Honestly I don't care where we go or what we do next year. I just want to get together and spend some time with you all again... :)

[Carwy]

Proposal of current comittee positions:

I President
II Director of Event Organization - Organizes attendees and physical location
III Sponsership Director - responsible for the networking of diabetic companies to sponser the event. Where the $$ is at could well dictate where the event is held next.
IV Treasurer / controller - Cost analysis / net & gross margins (net margin spending TBD).
V Marketing Director - Spread the web with it. Old fashion paper fliers and face to faces are always best.
VI Operation Volunteers - The most critical piece of the event organization.

Lets try not to turn this in to Animal Farm. I have a lot of experience in forming companies and comittees. These are the steps I usually take:

1) brainstorming - ideas, no problem solving
2) Positions
3) Requirements (location, attendees, sponsers etc)
4) Design Plan - how the requirements will be implemented
5) Implmentation of the event
6) Event Realtime Check points - Quality Assuarnce
7) cost / reward / event conclusions - did we make a positive difference?

I like this set up Brion. I think that there should be one more person on the committee. This person should be anonymous to all. Just the President of the committee should know.

[valc3]

Perhaps the place to start is to gather information(from this forum) on how many are interested, time of year, locations(taking all suggestions).

Then have several people do the research on area attractions, camping facilities, nearby hotels(for those who don't camp)costs, etc. Once this info is gathered and shared, with the forum, a tentative place and time can be decided on. From there, you can put the other pieces together.

I think having multiple people research the various places, vendors, etc might work better. Lives do get in the way sometimes and sharing the load is easier than one person carrying it.

Just my thoughts on the matter.

[JediSkipdogg]

Val, I agree.

The huge problem is sponsorship depends on location and location can depend on sponsorship. In my experience planning events many times you have to contact the rep for that area. Therefore, you need to know what area you are talking about. It would be useless having the even in say Califrnia and expecting Omnipod to give any sort of sponsorship (I may be wrong, but I don't think the pod is available in CA yet...if it is, choose a state that it's not.)

I also think if an area is picked where there is an ADA or JDRF office locally they may be happy to sponsor as well. I guess I'll start making a list of polls and then start posting them to get a good idea of where it could be held and what inerest level there would be for one.

[princesslinda]

What if we planned a 3 or 4 day cruise? One price covers all food and entertainment, there are things for every age to enjoy. It could be booked well in advance to allow ample time to get it paid for, everyone could choose their own cabin preferences and we'd have a definite head count. People could "Meet & Greet" as often as they wanted, yet still have opportunity to do things separately.

Our 20 year class reunion did a cruise...they put everyone in a block of cabins and offered a group rate and had a meeting room at our disposal.

Hubby and I took a 15 yr anniv. cruise a couple of years back and it was the best vacation we ever had. We spent about the same as we'd spend on a typical beach vacation as we booked in advance and got great rates.

[RLK]

What if we planned a 3 or 4 day cruise?

I love that idea!
Granted, we'd have to agree on a location for the cruise and its departure. My only other concerns would be a) the cost of air fare, and would that become prohibitively expensive for some and b) aren't many cruise lines requiring passports now? That could also be a cost factor.

But a cruise would provide lots of dining and entertainment opportunities for individual tastes and is worth considering IMHO.

[JediSkipdogg]

RLK....yes on the passport. Heck, I'm sure by 2010 we will need them to cross state lines anways. LOL

I guess the cruise can be either cost effective or cost prohibitive. For someone like me, it would be cost effective. My trip to Vegas costs me around $750 when all said and done (that's an estimate.) A cruise for me out of Fort Lauderdale would be about $450 for the cruise and $50 for airfare (Skybus.) Therefore alot cheaper. However, on a family of say 3-4, it would cost more because you are paying for more rooms. I guess it all depends on the individual.

[BriOnH]

I think having multiple people research the various places, vendors, etc might work better. Lives do get in the way sometimes and sharing the load is easier than one person carrying it.

Just my thoughts on the matter.

That's fine, but someone needs to own it. If someone doesn't it's usually my experience that it won't get done.

If you have ideas for the lead person, or want to be the lead speak up.

If we follow my architecture (or ammend it) I would be happy to run for el presidente. I usually never put myself on the frontline, I usually architect from behind the scenes and take the heat when the sh#$ hits the fan and give the credit to the chief and team when we hit it right.

[Cyborg]

There is even a Disney Cruise liner with lots of things for both adults and kids to do. I think they even have baby or kid sitting services...

[JediSkipdogg]

There is even a Disney Cruise liner with lots of things for both adults and kids to do. I think they even have baby or kid sitting services...

Problem is they generally cost at least twice as much as a standard cruise with rates starting around $700 per person.

[Keezheekoni]

I'd be happy to take on the Event Organization position. I'm great at telling people where to go and what to do! Oh, that came out really bad! :eek: :vroam:

Seriously, I've had quite a lot of experience with organizing trade shows, GS camps, family reunions, etc.

[Cyborg]

Problem is they generally cost at least twice as much as a standard cruise with rates starting around $700 per person.

That would still cost you about the same as your Vegas trip.

I agree that the price can't be too prohibitive, but at the same time I don't think we need to cater to the lowest common denominator...

[BriOnH]

I'd be happy to take on the Event Organization position. I'm great at telling people where to go and what to do! Oh, that came out really bad! :eek: :vroam:

Seriously, I've had quite a lot of experience with organizing trade shows, GS camps, family reunions, etc.

This is what Kevin is leading right now. You can help by responding to threads he has already put up and talk with him about it.

[JediSkipdogg]

I call trash collector, since't that all I've done so far.:whistling

[Tony]

I think if too many get involved in planning then it gets nowhere. Yes, more ideas are great, but I think as the decision makers the group should stay small or else you get nothing done. Like say the committee was....you (Dew), me, and Brion....there's nothing to say that Camjen couldn't be in charge of say hotel research for that area and just feed the information to the group. And then maybe Carwy in charge of the comedy acts, lol. And Rikki in charge of say local event research. Perhaps the place to start is to gather information(from this forum) on how many are interested, time of year, locations(taking all suggestions).

Then have several people do the research on area attractions, camping facilities, nearby hotels(for those who don't camp)costs, etc. Once this info is gathered and shared, with the forum, a tentative place and time can be decided on. From there, you can put the other pieces together.

I think having multiple people research the various places, vendors, etc might work better. Lives do get in the way sometimes and sharing the load is easier than one person carrying it.

Just my thoughts on the matter.
These both are good ideas!

There is no reason why anyone can't do research for the meet like Jedi and Val said. The more I think about it, It's a great idea. This way everyone is involved in the meet.

Still have a committee, but keep it limited to three or maybe four people. The committee should be small. To many people will be to many ideas going back in-forth at each other. You have to remember everyone has different ideas let other members on the site help with ideas and research. The committee will have the final say as where, when and such. I don't think we should have a leader for the committee, working together as a group would be best. If need be I can intervene but, I rather not.

Everyone please post your thoughts on this so we can move forward.

P.S. Does anyone remember trying to pick a date and location of this last meet in the chat room?

[notme]

I wasn't going to say much since I also bailed on Las Vegas. However, my suggestion would be to keep it simple. Simple in the respect that the location doesn't have to be a tourist dream, just a nice location where we can be the entertainment. Heck I think Dewey is hilarious.

The idea of forming committees is ok, just not to elaborate or you will run into a lot of head butting.

Camping on the beach or renting a couple of houses could be very entertaining. A cabin at Tahoe can hold up to 20 people or more.

Heat is an important factor as many people have health conditions that bar them from 100 degree weather with humidity.

The abilitlity to make last minute changes is important. Just like Cyborg and myself, unforseen circumstances shouldn't cost someone a huge amount of money.

How about a monarchy? I will be King and everyone else is nothing. Then I would be King of Nothing! I would be excellent at that!

Back to the regularly scheduled program.

[BriOnH]

I call trash collector, since't that all I've done so far.:whistling

How so Kev? I thought you did a good job organizing it.

[JediSkipdogg]

P.S. Does anyone remember trying to pick a date and location of this last meet in the chat room?

That's why I think we went back to the polls last time however, I think one certain member persuaded alot on what they should choose.

So this time I've created three polls so far.

http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/meet-and-greet/19941-m-g-2008-date.html - This talks about the range of dates to best meet people's schedules by dividing the summer months in half. At a later time and when the location is settled, an exact week or weekend will be picked.
http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/meet-and-greet/19939-m-g-2008-location.html - This divides the country into 5 areas to choose from. At a later time, it will be divided into maybe states in that area or prime locations that will then be selected from
http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/meet-and-greet/19937-m-g-2008-diabetes.html - It seems some want a huge diabetes convention while some just want a vacation. I think one or the other may deter people away. Some don't want to take a week off work and then spend it all talking about diabetes and attending information sessions on diabetes that they already get on here. So, we let the people choose how much diabetes info they want at it.

Hopefully those three will give a good starting point to go on for the rest of it. We'll see what happens from there.

[JediSkipdogg]

How so Kev? I thought you did a good job organizing it.

Sorry, just throwing lots of sarcasm out there as I see everyone saying pick them to lead or that they want to lead. Yet my name has come up zilch.:confused:

[Tony]

That's why I think we went back to the polls last time however, I think one certain member persuaded alot on what they should choose.


Yes which worked good, but my point was to many people had a say and a decision couldn't been decided. So I think between polls and a committee this should go very smoothly.

Having a committee would be handy because they can be in charge of putting this all together. And the committee can even act as the travel agency once the trip is decided. They can find best rates and places to stay.

However you guys decide, committee or not, I don't care as long as everyone gets along. We don't want everyone pissed off at each other and then no one goes. Waste of time. I just think it would go more smoothly with what I posted above.

[RLK]

Sorry, just throwing lots of sarcasm out there as I see everyone saying pick them to lead or that they want to lead. Yet my name has come up zilch.:confused:

Jedi, it's obvious from all the threads planning the 2007 M&G that you did a lot of hard work and I don't think that anyone is trying to discount that. People seem really excited about another M&G (that's a testament to the success of this year's!) and want to be involved, and eager volunteers are never a bad thing!

Both the polls and the committee ideas have merit. The polls allow for all of DF to have some input on location, dates, etc. while the committee approach allows for effective decision-making when dealing with such a variety of ideas and a large group of people.

May I make a suggestion? Yes, I know, I didn't even express interest in attending the last trip, but I'd like to attend this one.
Why not have a rotating committee? 4 people or so, 1 of whom heads the committee. Last year's chair stays on the committee for an additional year to provide their experience. Next year's chair is chosen by poll from the other 3 committee members who have never chaired, providing continuity to what was done in past years. The empty seat is filled each year by nomination and vote via poll by all DF members.
We've used this method at work to plan several functions and it has worked very well.

Just my 2 cents....

[BriOnH]

Sorry, just throwing lots of sarcasm out there as I see everyone saying pick them to lead or that they want to lead. Yet my name has come up zilch.:confused:

Good leaders are more often than not taken for granted and / or criticized. Just because you don't read your name does not mean your leadership is unrecognized, and please let me reiterate my thanks to you for organizing the first ever conference.

Yes which worked good, but my point was to many people had a say and a decision couldn't been decided. So I think between polls and a committee this should go very smoothly.

Having a committee would be handy because they can be in charge of putting this all together. And the committee can even act as the travel agency once the trip is decided. They can find best rates and places to stay.

However you guys decide, committee or not, I don't care as long as everyone gets along. We don't everyone pissed off at each and then no one goes. Waste of time. I just think it would go more smoothly with what I posted above.

Amen Tony. Agree 100%, especially with the last paragraph with everyone getting along. Totally pointless if we just argue, and are not having fun and accomplishing our group goals.

I have put forth a strawman for defining the comittee.

Here is an update of that strawman:

Proposal of current comittee positions:

I President - Brian in Co-operation with Tony. Kevin if this offends you I bow down and will follow your lead.
II Director of Event Organization - Organizes attendees and physical location - Kevin;
IIa Manager of Event Organization - Rikki;
III Sponsership Director - responsible for the networking of diabetic companies to sponser the event. Where the $$ is at could well dictate where the event is held next. - Dewey? I will help whomever takes over this role. You can give this a different title if need be.
IV Treasurer / controller - Cost analysis / net & gross margins (net margin spending TBD). ???? I want a piece of the net gains, if made, to go towards my Lab to find better diabetic therapies. I'd prefer someone else to control the money rather then myself. I have enough budgets to deal with as is. I don't think there is a single person on here that I know who I would not trust with this job. And to be realistic, this is probably going to end up costing me money until about the 10th annual event. In at which I time I hope we can hold the event at the opening of my lab.
V Marketing Director - Spread the web with it. Old fashion paper fliers and face to faces are always best. Myspace pages, facebooks, linkedin, etcetc, NO SPAM - ?????
VI Operation Volunteers - The most critical piece of the event organization. ?????

Lets try not to turn this in to Animal Farm. I have a lot of experience in forming companies and comittees. These are the steps I usually take:

1) brainstorming - ideas, no problem solving 95% complete
2) Positions - 65% complete
3) Requirements (location, attendees, sponsers etc)

http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/...2008-date.html - This talks about the range of dates to best meet people's schedules by dividing the summer months in half. At a later time and when the location is settled, an exact week or weekend will be picked.
http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/...-location.html - This divides the country into 5 areas to choose from. At a later time, it will be divided into maybe states in that area or prime locations that will then be selected from
http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/...-diabetes.html - It seems some want a huge diabetes convention while some just want a vacation. I think one or the other may deter people away. Some don't want to take a week off work and then spend it all talking about diabetes and attending information sessions on diabetes that they already get on here. So, we let the people choose how much diabetes info they want at it.

15% complete
4) Design Plan - 0% complete
5) Implmentation - 0% complete
6) Event Realtime Check points - Quality Assuarnce - 0% Complete
7) cost / reward / event conclusions - did we make a positive difference? 0% Complete

[JediSkipdogg]

Brian....don't take this in offense...however, I see your committee positions as useless. Firstly, it appears from my diabetes related threat (http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/meet-and-greet/19937-m-g-2008-diabetes.html) that so far...nobody wants it that highly diabetes related. Using your idea, it appears you would be organizing a Children with Diabetes type conference.

Now, don't discount this as I may be right or wrong, but I don't see Medtronic willing to send say $500 to a group vacation and them not send a speaker to try and sell their product. Or them at least get some sort of advertising effect out of it besides just mentioning their name.

I think you have an idea that is great, however, it's not what this forum wants so far (11 votes, but 100% leaning towards little diabetes.)

Now to RLK....I do not think that is a great idea. The main problem is people build connections with companies and locations. Say we have it in Orlando at Disney World and we get a great deal on staying at Coronada Springs resort...Coronada would like to talk to the same person every year. They could then built a repore with that person which may give more discounts in the future instead of a new person starting over each year. The same would apply to tickets to attractions.

So each time a new person is appointed you lose the knowledge and skills that the old person had and then have to "retrain" for the skills of the new person.

[camjen1]

Here's my opinion for what it's worth....

I think these plans are getting way more complicated then what it really has to be. Let the polls run for a bit then get together to decide what's the best options for everyone based on polls.

The way I see this whole thing going is leaning towards a week long diabetes fest. If that's the case then I'm sure there will be less attending for that reason because I for one don't want to spend alot of money and precious vacation time talking and attending diabetes events. It isn't worth it for me. I can learn new things or be lectured without spending money and leaving my state.

Also far as sponsorship goes I hope if we are sponsored that we don't have to abide by a dozen rules from the company sponsoring us. Such as t-shirts. Are they going to want us to wear their t-shirts for the entire vacation? Are we going to be expected to hand out stuff? Sounds like a bunch of work with little to no fun.

So now that that was said bring on the lecturing of how my impute doesn't count because I didn't attend.

[Carwy]

I think the committe members should be Camjen1, jediskippuppy, belyro, and Cyborg.
You let the rest of us know what you find out and when it will be and we will go from there.

[Dewey]

This thread is getting out of hand. Until cooler heads prevail, consider this topic CLOSED.