Ok I can only speak a little about the whole "why isn't it in Syracuse" thing. Cuz I live 2 hours away (it would have been soooo convient though)

1) As Sandy stated, Syracuse doesnt have a major airport.The two closest are the Rochester International Airport (2 hours away) and the Buffalo Aiport (3 hours way). It'd be a hassle for those who come from Hawai'i ( ), California etc. And especially for those who can't get direct flights in. No one wants to drive 2-3 more hours after a flight.

2) Another reason might be for the fact that it has been known that they city of Syracuse and the University DO NOT have the best of relationships. And even though there would be plenty of older (more mature) ladies, i dont think the idea of oh say 2,000+ (I dont know what convention numbers are, but what you'd except for a centenial) sorority women is too appealing to them.

3) I like the city of Syrcause. However it isnt the most attractive of cities, and doesnt have that much of a tourism appeal to it.

** Syracuse has plenty of hotel accommedations though. Conventions are held in the city often and the city fields stuff such as the regionals for the Final Four tourny. So hotels wouldnt be a prob. Also I believe the Syracuse Civic or Convention center is pretty big so a place to hold it wouldnt be a problem either. I dont think Alpha closing is a reason either cuz to me IHQ would be planning or at least thinking about 2004 wayy before they thought about closing it. but to me the closing would be even more reasont o have it there. Hopefully Alpha WILL be recolonized by '04.