Some info

[Holly_Howe]

Hey - for what it's worth. We just talked to our hotel. The guy there told us do not take the airport shuttle - unless there is only one person. A cab from the airport is about $21 for two people ($14 a piece in the shuttle). Plus you go directly to your hotel - not stopping at every hotel along the way.

Also - we are staying at the Sheraton and were concerned about the 7-8 block walk to the convention center if it was cold or rainly etc. He told us there is a public trolley that stops right by the Sheraton ( and presumably other hotels) and for 80 cents you get dropped right at the door of the convention center.

just a couple hints we heard - for what it's worth to anyone.

Holly

[Jeff_Dachowski]

HI Holly,
Carolle is there tonight and said the river has water in it, and that Landry's was a fantastic seafood restaurant. See you soon.
Jeff

[Howard_Kier]

HI Holly,
Carolle is there tonight and said the river has water in it, and that Landry's was a fantastic seafood restaurant. See you soon.
Jeff

Landry's is a great restaurant. I've eaten there and really enjoyed the food. There are a couple of other places I need to check out too.

[Jackie_Haggerty]

I checked the 10 day forecast last night... RAIN RAIN RAIN. Aren't we a lucky bunch?

[PhotogCraig]

Glad to know everyone is there, I was going to go, but the phones got so busy and everyone wants to talk weddings right now, so we stayed here in Atlanta to book weddings while everyone else is away.

Booked 3 so far this week, but 4 others still to meet with. At least at this point but I am sure that will increase in number by the time every one gets home from Texas.

Why do they schedule events like this for such an important time of the year when brides are busy trying to get their vendors all lined up.

[D._Craig_Flory]

Why do they schedule events like this for such an important time of the year when brides are busy trying to get their vendors all lined up.

For the other' Craig ... PPA used to hold them in mid summer. Back then any state could have the host city. Now that they are in winter, it is very limited on what state can be picked. For me, I'd much rather see them in a warm month.

[Holly_Howe]

Have you looked at the attendence records since IUSA was moved to Jan? Obviously for most people this is a better time of year. Personally I hated sweating to death in Vegas in July. You can't please everyone. If it was March or April - the complaints would be proms and dance schools. If it was June - Sept - seniors. If it was Oct or Nov - family portraits for Christmas. No matter when the event is schedualed someone will be unhappy. I do know that last year many vendors told me ( cause I asked)that people were actually buying in the trade show as opposed to just looking. Everyone is flush with cash from the end of the year. I know we spent more in the trade show then we ever had before. Also - summer time is vacation time for many people - so I suspect many hotels are not as willing to offer great rates when they would be full anyway. In Jan they are probably looking to fill rooms and are more negotiable. That's just my guess. I'm sure Jack could give us even more insights as to the Jan schedualing.

Holly

[Karen_Linsley]

I will miss you all, and think of you there while I am here, praying for snow...

I made a decision not to go this year, but it was a tough one. I'm still feeling a tug, but know that it is best to stay here. I am currently interviewing folks, I'm going to hire a part time helper in the studio. And getting caught up after Christmas rush, finally! I didn't want to just barely get caught up, then leave to go to the convention and get behind all over again!

So you guys have fun, write and check in when you get time....

[Keith_A_Howe]

Why do they schedule events like this for such an important time of the year when brides are busy trying to get their vendors all lined up.

IUSA 2006 was a record trade show and a record attendance of about 7000, I don't have my book with me at the moment. IUSA 2007 SET NEW RECORDS. The trade show had 500 venders and a waiting list and the attendance topped 8000. The last 3 IUSA's (held in Jan) were all record setters. This Opposed to the summer held conferences that were not nearly as well attended.
No matter how hard you try, you can't please 100% of the people 100% of the time. You can only do the best your very best. This statement applies to us as individuals, our businesses and to the PPA.
Keith

[D._Craig_Flory]

IUSA 2006 was a record trade show and a record attendance of about 7000, I don't have my book with me at the moment. IUSA 2007 SET NEW RECORDS. The trade show had 500 venders and a waiting list and the attendance topped 8000. The last 3 IUSA's (held in Jan) were all record setters. This Opposed to the summer held conferences that were not nearly as well attended.
No matter how hard you try, you can't please 100% of the people 100% of the time. You can only do the best your very best. This statement applies to us as individuals, our businesses and to the PPA.
Keith

Hi Keith;

I just liked having it in Atlantic City ... a 4 hour drive. And I was hoping they would have it in Hershey some year ... so I'd have a ten minute drive. LOL

I do understand though. Having been on the board of governors for PPAofPa for 7 years, I know why we voted to move our convention from August to April. The hotels don't want to talk to you about a summer event.