I've been tossing the idea around with some other hatrackers for a while, and got some good vibes back from them. AKA was gonna post a thread about it because I felt slightly awkward about posting a thread plugging my own city for a Con, but I figured, what the heck.
Here's what I imagine, though details are still very malleable.
What happens when you put a bunch of hatrackers together on April Fools Day (Thursday March 31st to Saturday April 2nd)? April FoolsCon!
Washington D.C. would be an amazing place to have a big hatrack convention for many reasons.
1. There are two major airports nearby, highly increasing the chances of finding a cheap plane ticket.
2. Public Transportation around the city and it's outskirts is top-notch.
3. Sightseeing is "off da hook". What with museums like the spy museum, the national air and space museum, the washington monument, the capitol, etc. etc., anyone who enjoys sightseeing would be in heaven.
4. There is already a very large hatrack community in and around D.C. Miro, Risuena, KarlEd, Pixie, and Kasie H come to mind. (sorry if I've forgotten anyone)
5. Hotels up the wazoo=high chance of getting a good hotel at a cheap price.
6. SO much stuff to do. The dancing (swing dancing anyone?) scene in D.C. is one of the best in the country, there are movie theatres, plays, musicals, and just about anything else you can possibly think of to do in d.c.
Anyways, I just thought I'd throw it out there. I know I'd love to see what happens when you put a bunch of hatrackers in a room together on April Fools, and I honestly think D.C. would be a kick-butt place to do it.
-CM
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Dibs on Annie's pants.
Sorry, it seemed part of the theme.
I think this soudns like a great idea. I love D.C., and we could go into museum nirvana.
Posted by TMedina (Member # 6649) on :
Oh, you people so suck! (In a good way, I'm sure )
That's close enough I could go but I'm so broke I couldn't afford to try.
Augh!
-Trevor
Posted by MyrddinFyre (Member # 2576) on :
Mmmm, east coast. Sounds awesome.
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
Mmmm. we can road trip from new england. Posted by fiazko (Member # 5812) on :
I'm there. Most likely.
Posted by CalvinMaker (Member # 2032) on :
I knew I forgot at least one person! Ladyday lives nearby too.
Posted by Jeni (Member # 1454) on :
quote: 4. There is already a very large hatrack community in and around D.C.
And I was just there for six weeks and didn't meet a one of 'em!
I'd love to come back for a con, though. And April is even far enough away that I could afford it.
Posted by TMedina (Member # 6649) on :
Unless I manage to hit the lotto between now and then, you can count me out.
I will be thinking nasty thoughts about all those who can attend in my absence.
-Trevor
Posted by Leonide (Member # 4157) on :
We're only three hours away. That's not so bad. I drove there to visit my friend in college a few years back...
*ponders*
Posted by PSI Teleport (Member # 5545) on :
3 hours is nothin'.
Posted by skillery (Member # 6209) on :
Can we move it a bit south? I'm Jonesin' for some South Georgia barbeque.
Posted by TMedina (Member # 6649) on :
From DC to South Georgia? That's more than just a bit.
-Trevor
Posted by PSI Teleport (Member # 5545) on :
Low country boil.
Oh yeah.
Posted by Raia (Member # 4700) on :
Can't we have it later in the year?
Unless one of my visits happens to fall on april fools day, I won't be able to make it.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
I'll bet we have more. Posted by Raia (Member # 4700) on :
*sigh* I s'pose so...
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
Um, folks, there is already a big get-together planned for April 2nd next year. Dana and Bob's wedding. I realize not everyone will be coming, but a lot of people will be, and you might not want to have another con at the same time.
Posted by ak (Member # 90) on :
I'm so for this, though! Even if we change the date. DC is a fabulous city. I will be sure to come if there's any possible way. One firm I talked to said we get a trip home every 8 weeks!
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
Yeah -- what ElJay said, CalvinMaker:
many of us are planning the big trip to Iowa in April for dkw/Bob_S's wedding, and probably wouldn't be up to two trips in the same month.
Farmgirl
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Oh crap - I forgot.
Yeah, that takes precedence, of course. In fact, I think we should have a get together there, go to the wedding, have the alternative party to the reception, and make them come and crash it as guests of honor before going off on their honeymoon.
But D.C. sometime - there are lots of East Coasters that could go that didn't make it this time.
[ August 23, 2004, 09:05 AM: Message edited by: katharina ]
Posted by TMedina (Member # 6649) on :
Here's the silly question - would Dana and Bob really want their wedding co-opted into an informal Hatrack social function?
-Trevor
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
Considering they met on Hatrack, and at least four members of the wedding party are from here...
Seriously, here's what I believe is going to happen. The church is huge, and has more than enough room for anyone/everyone who wants to come. Seating for the dinner part of the reception is limited. After dinner, there will be a dance, with an 18 piece swing band. Everyone is welcome at the dance, however depending on how many people want to come there may need to be an alternate "Hatrack dinner" at a different location.
Obviously, I can't speak for the happy couple, but that's what Dana said at KamaCon. Please excuse me, dear sister and future brother-in-law, if I've spoken out of turn.
Posted by TMedina (Member # 6649) on :
Not that I'd be able to make the trip and I completely agree trying to schedule two functions on or near the same date would be counter-productive, however I think Dana and Bob would have to give an express "O.K." before I'd feel comfortable dropping in uninvited and unannounced.
Of course, I've been accused of being unusually sensitive to some things...
-Trevor
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
quote:here are two major airports nearby
This sounds great, but there are actually 3 major airports, two of which have discount airlines servicing them.
SW serves Baltimore-Washington, and Independence serves Dulles.
All the majors serve Dulles and National.
Dagonee
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
*de-lurk*
I'd try to make a DC meet next year. I want to see the museums, and you folks would be a fun crew to see them with.
*re-lurk*
Posted by CalvinMaker (Member # 2032) on :
I've got no problem changing the date, but it would have to be during the summer then if I were to organize the whole thing.
Posted by Tammy (Member # 4119) on :
I think I have a chance of making a Con in DC. Posted by Annie (Member # 295) on :
How abuot a con after the school year is over? We do have a lot of students in our lot.
And what happend to my idea for YellowstoneParkCon? We really gotta do the great outdoors for one of these. And what better great outdoors than the great outdoors right out my door? Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
BobnDana and I really need to hash out photographic details! Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
What ElJay said.
I wish we could invite everyone to the whole wedding and reception, but we have limited seating for the dinner (280) and lots of family and friends. I'm afraid it's going to have to be invitation-only. But anyone who wants to come is welcome at the ceremony and at the dance.
If folks who aren't coming to the wedding want to schedule a gathering somewhere else that weekend, we won't be offended.
Mac, however, is NOT available.
Posted by TMedina (Member # 6649) on :
quote: You know you're a Hatrack addict when you miss the wedding to attend a Racker social function.
-Trevor
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
You know, it must be really really nice that even with 280 seats, that can't begin to accomodate all your friends and loved ones.
It is great that you are loved by so many people! Just goes to show what great people and friends you two are!
((dkw))
Farmgirl
Posted by Space Opera (Member # 6504) on :
I don't know about the timing, but I agree that DC would be an awesome place for a Con. Mr. Opera and I went on our first trip together there, and I'd love to go back. So much to do - and with Hatrack people too!
space opera
Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :
I'm sure Dana and would LOVE to go to DC on April 1st, but only if that meant we could move the wedding date up to, say...um...Labor Day.
Sheesh! Who picked this April 2nd date?
Anyway, I'm so excited about this party. It'll be a hoot. And you'll all get to come to the ceremony and see me forget my lines, or where to stand, or just how to properly kiss the bride in Methodism.
Oh well.
One thing, though, there will be a lot more room on "my side" of the church than on Dana's side, so PLEASE come and sit over on the groom's side!!! We'll serve cake!
The dance band is very good. I can't believe Dana found them!
And I really wish we had more room or could just let everyone in during the actual reception, but if we blow the max occupancy we get some friends in trouble and risk having the whole thing shut down. Embarrasing, no? So we'll just have to make sure you can get back in for the dancing.
You get to see me waltz! That should be worth something!
As for the trip to DC, I have to agree that DC is a wonderful city and that it's even better when the cherry blossoms are blooming. I love the area around the Jefferson Memorial and the lake in front of it. Beautiful.
And of course the Smithsonian exhibit on data processing though the ages is like mecca to this group. We could all do the dance of the Hollerith cards...
And bow before the remnants of ENIAC.
Or rub up against the very first Apple computer in it's humble woodend box.
Or shed a tear for the sleek TRS-80 Model 1.
Ah bliss...
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
And I get to take pictures of all of Bob's gaffes! Posted by CalvinMaker (Member # 2032) on :
Okay, so if "when everyone gets out of school" seems to work for everyone, can any students interested in attending who actually think they might be able to come post what date they get out of school? That way we could figure out what the best date would be.
[ August 23, 2004, 09:31 PM: Message edited by: CalvinMaker ]
Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :
I have just been informed that the very first electronic computer is actually ensconsed at Iowa State University and so those of you who want to combine a computer history trip with a joyous matrimonial celebration should absolutely come to Ames next April!!!
You can watch me get my card punched.
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
*punches Bob's card*
Or something.
The problem with having a general Hatrack gathering in Ames is that the nearest airport is in Des Moines, 40 miles away. I think there is a shuttle service, though. I'm afraid I may be too busy to pick people up.
We will have a huge block of rooms booked for the wedding, so we should be able to get a party room or two with no problem.
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
If dkw doesn't have me too busy, I'll run shuttles. If she does have me too busy, I'll delegate someone else to run shuttles. I am a manager, after all, I'm supposed to be good at that.
Edit: Just can't spell, that's all. But I can delegate. Really.
[ August 23, 2004, 10:52 PM: Message edited by: ElJay ]
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
JenniK and I are out ofor the wedding..we just can't afford to go.
However, if we are still in the area (NE) for the DC Picnic, I would be intersted in finding outmore. No promises, but it is close enough to drive it if we made it a long 4 day weekend, or something like that. We had been planning on bringing my MIL to DC next year anyway, providing we haven't made the move to FL yet....
Kwea
Posted by plaid (Member # 2393) on :
I'm still hoping to make it to the wedding though I know it's a long ways off and my plans could change... but I think it'll be lots of fun...
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
I love D.C., and we could go into museum nirvana.
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
)![[Frown]](frown.gif)
![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)