Wow, I sure hijacked this thread!

First we were talking about GA, now we're talking about my "pearls" of great price and me prancing around in a thong in front of thousands of Lambda Chi's.

God, I rule.

I just wonder over all how much this is going to cost?

It looks nice to be in nice digs but is it worth it?

I would like to see us in less upscale places and use the money spent for many other thing:
ELC visits, expansion, to just name two.

part of the reason we're at the Biltmore is that they're trying to specialize in hosting fraternity/sorority conferences. you might wonder (as i did) why a 5-star resort would try to cater to such a crowd, being that each group holds meetings only occasionally.
what i discovered is that hotel business in the desert is very slow during the summer, so hotels and resorts are very quick to drop prices for large groups - especially if they might return for more summer visits. since we signed a contract with the Biltmore to host the next 3 Assemblies, they're being quite reasonable with the rates - at least that is the word being passed down from IHQ staff/GHZ.

So, as I read this, with the exception of 2009, the next: 2010, 2012, and 2014 will be in Phenoix?

No, just '08, '10 & '12. What I've heard is that next summer we'll be in Indy for the Stead Leadership Seminar/100th Anniversary celebration, w/another gathering in Nov. '09 in the Boston area.

"I just wonder over all how much this is going to cost?

It looks nice to be in nice digs but is it worth it?

I would like to see us in less upscale places and use the money spent for many other thing:
ELC visits, expansion, to just name two."

I wonder how much it costs as well. How much is HQ kicking in compared to dues, fees, etc., to attend?

Again, I think this information should be readily available to all brothers. Can anyone get a figure for us?

We tried holding General Assembly at a Super 8 Motel once, but it was a little tight getting 600 brothers into one guest room, and the 7-11 over by the exit ramp ran out of ham & cheese sandwiches. :)

Sorry, couldn't resist. :D

I'm not saying it is a bad idea, or not worth the money or not the right place to have it.

All I'm saying is that the cost should be available to us brothers.

well, you may soon know the specifics. as mentioned in the packet given to delegates (and the rest of us with franchise), one piece of legislation on the table this year will require HQ to publish the budget and previous year's expenses.

i'm not sure on exact figures, just that we're supposedly getting some sort of good deal. hopefully the transparency will put some of these fears to rest in the future.

Well if you want succesful alums to shell out some cash and to show up to these events, you have to have it at locations like this. It all part of the razzle dazzle, plus its a nice vaca for the wife.

Yes, that is great! I won't be atteding, but could you let me know more about the bill?

Finding a location for GA is tougher than you think. We need a venue for perhaps 700 people or so. A ballroom for formal dinners and meetings, a large theater, perhaps 6 or 7 break out rooms for 30 people apiece. Adequate hotel rooms are a must. We must hold it in a city with good transportation and a place that is in it's "low season" for better rates.

The Biltmore fits the bill and we got a super deal. Orlando really wasn't low season. Denver has hosted GA before but it likely was pricier than Phoenix because Denver really doesn't have a low season. San Francisco is out for the same reason. Chicago and KC are possibilities as is Indy. In fact, we went to Indy a couple of years ago and will be there next year for the Centennial.

John, it is funny but, when I was with the disterllery, we did uber sites!

Miami (2), Phenoix (1). San Diego(2).

But it was as tax right off! It was a for Proifit Business and not a Not For Profit GLO~!

So, did I enjoy it? Yes! Did in the overall pay for it No!

But, now I still wonder about the queastion that I asked?

Well, there seems to be no true answer?

Questions asked and not to many answered?

I enjoyed the GA I attended in Phoenix in 1998(?).
Now being a seasoned business traveler (in just 3 years), I have come to appreciate cities with solid infrastructure, affordable flights and great hotel accommodations.

I am just hoping that our High Pi Emeritus, Tom Boelk, is in Phoenix to collect our NAFD Award.

It's hot...reallllllllllly hot. Kinda like when you open an oven that's been heated up to 450 degrees. Just imagine that little bit of heat enveloping your whole body. If it's a dry heat, why are we sweating so much down here??????

BTW, the group shot (hopefully) will be done @ tonite's game...more later.