Re: COMMON 2008

Some insights.

First, this is significantly cheaper than many hotels at the Miami Beach conference.

Second, this Opryland location has been one of my favorite locations although as I think Al mentioned getting off site for food is a challenge. That would be my only complaint.

Third you do have the option of staying off site and driving over each day but you will be assesed a non-conference housing fee. The fee is generally less than your savings.

Fourth. Many times it has been brought up that COMMON should be held in less expensive cities. This can certainly be done, come on over to Grand Rapids, MI. We have a gorgeous new conference center right on the River. We have two large hotels in the immediate (two block) area and a third under construction right between them. Another is one block across the river. Plenty of parking and lots of good food and beverages within easy walking distance. Ooooh what's that raspberry sound I hear? Despite hotel rates about half that of Opryland people don't want to come here. Some will say you can't get to our very nice airport without a layover. Others will say driving here is made difficult by the Great Lakes. Others will wonder why attraction Grand Rapids has? (We have a three sided Presidential museum!) You see that's the rub. We are NOT a 'destination city'. This would certainly help with those wanting lower costs and a few folks may even get to come because their boss will believe they'll spend 100% of their time in the conference since there isn't any big attraction.... OK there IS the FrankenLab... in the area. But many many others will opt for one of the conferences in Vegas, Florida or some other destination area because they DO take it as somewhat of a vacation even if they come early or stay late to do it. So we go to destination cities and the hotel rates reflect it.

- Larry

Shannon ODonnell wrote:

HA! You guys need a class in negotiating because at $199 a night, it sounds
to me like the hostages were killed.


-----Original Message-----
From: midrange-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:midrange-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Manzoor Siddiqui
Sent: Thursday, August 23, 2007 9:46 AM
To: Midrange Systems Technical Discussion
Cc: 'Midrange Systems Technical Discussion'; midrange-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: RE: COMMON 2008

The COMMON negotiated room rate is $199 for single or double at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center.

Regards,

Manzoor Siddiqui
Marketing Communications Manager
COMMON - A Users Group
312.279.0253
312.279.0227 Fax
manzoor_siddiqui@xxxxxxxxxx