And now there's a new wrinkle to the whole thing - seems that someone missed the fact that since everyone has to have a badge to even get in the hotel - that means all the eye-candy and "talent" has to have full price badges as well :)

So if I took MrMaryLou with me, I'd have to get him a badge?

Fuck That! :D

After reading through their form for the 5th time I've decided to tell them to take a piss...

GG - exactly - and even if you wanted to take the Bitch and she didnt want on the "floor" she would still have to have a badge to stay at the hotel with you LOL - no discounts for significant others since the whole hotel will be the "floor" this time - I noticed the actual booth floor show times were cut in half as well - Id hate to be a sponsor that was depending on just a booth - same price with half the show hours

I could go for the price of the badge since I live by it and can drive home each day. This still means that I get to spend $20 each time I'm hungry for something, at least for us vegetarians, that isn't even very good.

Really for me cost is not an issue since I would only be bringing myself and don't even have to stay there or travel.

I'm not going because what's the point of going, they fucked it up and now most of the people that I do business with aren't going. :(

I've been to most of the shows, I just go to them to network and see old friends. I could care less about half naked porn talent and drunken parties. As far as I can tell they have turned the hotel into one big party convention instead of a convention with some parties.

Maybe I'm wrong, but I'm not interested enough to go.

The three of us aren't going. I am way too busy this summer, still catching up from the San Diego show.

And you thought I was a cheap date :D

Only time will tell, but I think there will actually be more business and less hijinks since alot of those that were only there to look and party will be at home.

A number of the people that I wanted to see aren't attending, but most are still going to be there. I'm still new enough in the biz, this time around anyway, that some face time with some sponsors and some other webmasters will pay some dividends later.

Cleo - actually - I just found out that breakfast and lunch are going to be provided free - of course who knows what they will be :) But I guess it cuts down the cost a little

I've asked this before Linkster, the restaurant holds at the MOST 500 people at one time, Breakfast and Lunch are free but only for set hours, they expect 5000+ people.... do you see a problem?

Westin is going to make a HUGE profit off room service and if it’s anything like the past 4 years it will take 2 hours to get food that cost $30 more then it should.

FYI to all, there is a Boston Market 2 miles away and Papa John’s will deliver… at least they use to.

Papa John’s better get passes for all their pizza delivery people.

Whenever i try to make it something gets in my way. :(

I've done some Internext shows, in both Florida and Las Vegas. I've been a visitor, exhibitor, and roundtable presenter. And even as just a visitor wandering around, I've made good contacts at most of the shows. But all the folks I already know, I don't need to pay to see again (we have other ways to spend our money together now). And most of the folks I haven't met, and might want to see and meet F2F, aren't going to this one for various reasons. So even though it's 'just a bit north' of us, we're not going this time.

I really hope the show does well the way it's being organized this time, but I don't think that the way they're 'shaping' the show is going to make it very useful for 80-90% of webmasters today. Keeping the focus on the show may be what they want to see happen, but I'd bet that, as usual, most of the serious conversations and most of the important deals won't be made on the show floor or at any show events.

Don't get me wrong. I think that's the way deals should be done. But I also think that the show either needs to make how we do business easier, simpler, more relaxed, faster, or somehow 'better' than we can do it without all the show extras, or it's just not of much benefit. It's like they think the deals done off the floor are an added benefit of going to the show, instead of realizing that it's the show that's the added benefit...or not.

Simon

Torn - it sounds more like they are setting up "continental style" breakfasts and lunches - not sure they would try to do it in the dining area - more likely in one of the hallways near the conference rooms like most events do it. Im not really sure about that number of expected people though - I had heard a much smaller number but maybe that was associated with the 900 or so rooms there. I do know they are evidently completely sold out in the hotel with a waiting list??

Well put. I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks it's messed up. Florida this time of year is just insanely too hot, and traveling right after New Years and X-Mas sucks.

Enjoy your toast, cereal with warm milk & pre-made 7-11 subs :D

I am going to bring a lot of beef jerky ;)

I willl be there, from Aug 4th - Aug 8th ;)

cmon Greenie - you know I never eat during shows - doesnt leave enough time to drink :)